Carbonatogenesis at the Crag: Can bacteria repair rock scarring?
Keywords:
Environment, Earth Sciences, Microbiogeology, Traditional Climbing, Climbing Hardware, Rock ScarringAbstract
Rock scarring is the permanent damage of rock faces caused in association with climbing. Carbonatogenic bacteria could be the key to repairing this previously irreparable damage. Using methods developed for the preservation of architectural, structural, and decorative limestone, crags could be repaired. Highly specific biological mortars can be designed and applied to areas of limestone crags where scarring has occurred. Further research is required to isolate carbonatogenic bacteria from crags and tests are needed to understand if these methods are viable and structurally safe for future climbers under the environmental conditions of a crag.
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