Lichens in Reunion Island
by Alexis Merlaud, Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, Brussels, Belgium
Usnea lichen growing on trees in Reunion Island. Lichens are composite organisms resulting of a symbiotic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, such as a green alga or a cyanobacterium. Usnea is very sensitive to air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide, which makes it an interesting biomarker for air quality.
Thanks to Valentin Duflot for the trek across Mafat and CIlaos cirques where the picture was taken.
Taken on 16
September
2011
Submitted on 11 March 2014
Categories
Location
- Africa (313)
- Eastern Africa (101)
- Réunion (8)
- Exact location (55.4505 E, -21.1013 S)
Colour palette
Download original file
2336 × 3504 px;
image/jpeg; 5.4 MB
Camera:
Canon EOS 20D
Licence
Credit: Alexis Merlaud (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)
Share this
Click to appreciate
Report