While all biocrusts perform some degree of weathering, the larger grains of the grit crust are especially suited for it. The process reveals the full potential of microbes to impact their environment. A microbial skin can glue together pebbles, break them down into soil and fertilize that soil with essential nutrients. In effect, the crust can \u201cterraform\u201d the desert.<\/p>\n

The power of the microbes was on full display after a disaster in 2015. Two years before Jung set foot in Pan de Az\u00facar, a rare flash flood ravaged the area. In just two days, the region received many years\u2019 worth of rain. The resulting floods caused at least 31 deaths in neighboring towns.<\/p>\n

The desert, however, burst with life. Over the following months, the dirt gave rise to a miraculous display of wildflowers \u2014 a \u201cdesierto florido.\u201d How the plants awakened from a decades-long rest with such zest has perplexed soil biologists. But again, the key may be in the crust.<\/p>\n