Microcoleus sp.

Atacama Desert, Chile. slope~1° Site in the middle of path up to Pacific Ocean. Some slightly darkened soil with filaments. Coarse gravel on top of fine soil. Samples collected from soil in large cactus wash. Well consolidated, crusty soil.

Atacama Desert, Chile. slope 19°. Sandy hill with evident algal crust. Microcoleus, Leptolyngbya, Nostoc, Klebsormidium, Ettlia, Stichococcus, Deasonia, and many other greens.

Atacama Desert, Chile. slope 6°. Soft, sandy surface with really good crust. Lichens present. Vascular plants present include: Eucelia and Nolana. Leptolyngbya, Microcoleus, Chroococcidiopsis, Trebouxia, Desmococcus, Myrmecia, and Diplosphaeria.

Atacama Desert, Chile. slope 6°. Gravely surface near the coast. Microcoleus, Trebouxia and Myrmecia.

Atacama Desert, Chile. Quartz rocks, sandy soil near the coast with cacti covered in lichens. Algae present.

Atacama Desert, Chile. Quartz rocks, sandy soil near the coast with cacti covered in lichens. Algae present.