Still Lifes

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Encrusted Basalt II

Orange & grey crustose lichens, aqua-green foliose lichens, moss and a few grasses and ferns colonizing 1.2 billion-year old columnar basalt serving as a natural breakwater at Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Many of these species are Arctic disjuncts, but can eke out a living among Lake Superior's cool climate where protected from wave action and trampling by people.

8721 Abstract Basalt Cook County Grand Marais Grand Marais Harbor Minnesota columnar basalt crustose lichens geology igneous Rock lichens moss