Contrasting weathering and climate regimes in forested and cleared sandstone temples of the Angkor region
Biogenic process ; Cambodia ; Chemical erosion ; Cultural patrimony ; Deforestation ; Degradation ; Forest ; Microclimate ; Microrelief ; Sandstone ; Weathering
Comparative assessment of stone weathering intensities and bioclimatic conditions was conducted at 4 temples located in cleared and forested sites of the Angkor Park, based on similar protocols. Four thousand sculpted lotus petals carved in the same
weathering in cleared areas, 74% of petals located in forested environments appear to be totally free of mechanical weathering and are only affected by superficial biochemical weathering. As wetting–drying cycles are the driving force of sandstone decay