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This paper presents evidence for strong biochemical weathering of basaltic outcrops induced by fungal communities in a cold environment. Weathering rind formation is considered to be a consequence of the biological activity. Comparisons between in vitro experiments and in,sins observations allow a characterization of fungal effects on rocks and help to define the place of these micro-organisms in the cold environment weathering chain. It is concluded that biological weathering is chronologically the first process of weathering, probably leading to the subsequent expression of cryogenic processes. Information presented here suggests the need for reconsideration of the traditional frost-driven morphogenetic system normally considered for subpolar areas. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.