The protective effect of lichens and the origin of modern bulge‐like traces on weakly lithified sandstones (Hilbre islands, Wirral Peninsula, Great Britain)

Traces of lichens from modern sandstone surfaces of the Hilbre Islands (NW England Irish Sea coast) resulted from the protective effect of the vegetation cover on subaerial rock surface. The lichens protect the sandstone from salt erosion: as the lichen grows, the protected area enlarges and a bulge‐like trace (often showing a characteristic lobation) is formed.