Original articleExploring ecological relationships in the biodeterioration patterns of Angkor temples (Cambodia) along a forest canopy gradient
Section snippets
Research aims
This paper is aimed at providing a contribution to the modeling of changes in biological colonization on the stone temples of Angkor in relation to the gradients of the most important limiting environmental factors. In particular, we wish explore the ecological relationships between different biodeterioration patterns found growing on monuments, by tracing a forest canopy gradient.
Conclusion
Forest canopy, influencing humidity, solar radiation and temperature, seems to be the most important variable in determining the changes undergone by biological communities on the stone temples of Angkor.
Considering the role of biological components in such ecosystems, the knowledge of the ecological relationships of various biodeterioration patterns seems to be very useful. The biodeteriorative effects of different communities vary, and if we wish to favour the presence on stone of certain
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Mr. Say Sophearin, His Excellency Bun Narith, His Excellency Ros Borath, His Excellency Tan Boun Suy and Ms. Mao Loa of the APSARA National Authority for their kind support during our field studies in Cambodia.
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