Contrasting weathering and climate regimes in forested and cleared sandstone temples of the Angkor region

A striking contrast emerges between forested and cleared sandstone temples at Angkor, revealing how climate regimes influence weathering patterns. While 74% of sculpted lotus petals in wooded areas remain virtually intact, showing only superficial biochemical weathering, 70% of those in cleared sites suffer severe mechanical destruction due to extreme wetting-drying cycles. These cycles, driven by direct exposure to monsoon rains and sunlight, cause rapid sandstone decay through swelling-shrinking movements. Forested environments buffer these conditions, maintaining stable humidity and reducing thermal stress, which protects the stone. Additionally, lithobionts (stone-dwelling organisms) in wooded areas contribute to slower biochemical weathering. The study highlights that while local damage can occur from tree roots, forest cover provides an overall protective effect against sandstone decay.

André, M.-F., Voldoire, O., Roussel, E., Vautier, F., Phalip, B., & Peou, H. (2012). Contrasting weathering and climate regimes in forested and cleared sandstone temples of the Angkor region. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 37(5), 519–532. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.2265