Weathering represents severe destruction to outdoor cultural rock heritages. In the process, biological weathering caused by microorganisms is known to be the key process. With abundantly available nutrients and a suitable climate, there is a higher abundance and diversity of microorganisms in moss and lichen biocrusts than on bare rock surfaces. However, few studies have been conducted on weathering in these microhabitats. In this review, we emphasize the role of microorganisms, mosses, and lichens in weathering; expound the various bioweathering phenomena on rock cultural heritages; discuss the major pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and archaea on rock cultural heritages; and compare the different bioweathering mechanisms on calcareous and siliceous rock substrates. More deeply, we explain the interaction between mosses and microorganisms and the weathering processes and mechanisms in these microhabitats and analyze why the weathering will be intensified in moss and lichen habitats. Finally, we provide a reference to establish a practical and effective method to protect rock cultural heritages from microbial destruction.

风化意味着对户外文化岩石遗产的严重破坏。在这个过程中，由微生物引起的生物风化是已知的关键过程。由于营养丰富，气候适宜，苔藓和地衣生物结皮中的微生物数量和多样性高于裸露的岩石表面。然而，很少有关于这些微生境中风化的研究。在这篇综述中，我们强调了微生物、苔藓和地衣在风化中的作用；阐述岩石文化遗产的各种生物风化现象；讨论岩石文化遗产中的主要病原菌、真菌和古细菌；并比较钙质和硅质岩石基质上的不同生物风化机制。再深入一点，我们解释了苔藓和微生物之间的相互作用以及这些微生境中的风化过程和机制，并分析了为什么苔藓和地衣生境中的风化会加剧。最后，我们为建立实用有效的方法来保护岩石文化遗产免受微生物破坏提供参考。