Question

Overall, what is the effect of moss on the chemical weathering of rock? Are the results similar or different for granite and andesite?

Short answer

When moss is added to the rocks, they increase the chemical weathering of the rocks. The result for granite and andesite are similar. Chemical weathering of rock by moss increases the release of certain elements from them.

Step-by-step solution

Moss

Moss is the non-vascular plant that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. They help in releasing elements such as magnesium and calcium from other materials and help complex plants for their survival. Thus, they are important for nutrient and water supply to other complex plants.

Chemical weathering by moss

Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks such as granite and andesite undergo breakdown by the action of a certain amount of chemicals on them.

The chemical in moss results in various reactions in rocks, such as oxidation and hydrolysis reactions. The researchers tried to find the effect of moss on the rocks. They added moss to the water and then added the macerated water on the rocks to find its effect.

The result obtained is that moss increased the breakdown of the granite and andesite.

Effect of moss on Granite and Andesite

Granite and andesite are rocks that contain elements such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium in their structures. When moss act on them, it results in their weathering (breakdown). Their breakdown by moss results in the release of all three elements as given above. Hence, the results are similar.