Lithosere IN DETAIL

Question 1

What is the first stage?

Answer 1

Rock is exposed for the first time (e.g after glacier retreat/ raised beaches)

Question 2

What is the second stage?

Answer 2

Rock is vulnerable to weathering (rain has absorbed CO2)

Question 3

What is the 3rd stage?

Answer 3

Rock is slowly broken down - carbon remains in the remaining water

Question 4

What is the 4th stage?

Answer 4

This, through transfers within the water cycle go to other stores e.g atmosphere, hydrosphere + biosphere

Question 5

What is the 5th + 6th stage?

Answer 5

Lichens and mosses are the first to colonise which take their nutrients from the rock

Question 6

What is the 7th+ 8th stage?

Answer 6

Carbon EXCHANGE occurs through photosynthesis + respiration and through time organic matter+ leaf litter is added to the broken fragments of rock

Question 7

What is the 9th stage?

Answer 7

Beginning of soil formation as it develops and can support further vegetation

Question 8

What is the 10th stage?

Answer 8

State of environmental equilibrium is reached usually in response to the climate.
Climate climax in UK = deciduous woodland