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EARTH SCIENCE > Pedosphere > Flashcards

Pedosphere Flashcards

1
Q

outermost layer of the Earth’s surface that comprises soil and interacts w/ the other Earth’s systems

A

pedosphere

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2
Q

where soil forms, functions, and supports life by serving as a medium for plant growth and a habitat for organisms

A

pedosphere

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3
Q

an interaction with earth’s systems where exchange of gases happens

A

atmosphere

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4
Q

examples of exchange of gases

A

oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen

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5
Q

an interaction with earth’s systems where it provides parent material for soil formation

A

lithosphere

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6
Q

examples of parent material

A

rocks and minerals

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7
Q

an interaction with earth’s systems where soil stores and filter water influencing its movement and availability

A

hydrosphere

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8
Q

an interaction with earth’s systems where it supports plant, animals, and microorganisms essential for ecosystems

A

biosphere

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9
Q

the 4 importances of soil

A
  1. Plant Growth
  2. Water Filtration
  3. Habitat
  4. Carbon Storage
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10
Q

an importance of soil wherein it supplies nutrients and a medium for roots

A

Plant Growth

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11
Q

an importance of soil wherein it helps clean water or it percolates through layers

A

Water Filtration

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12
Q

an importance of soil wherein it supports diverse ecosystems of microorganisms and animals

A

Habitat

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13
Q

an importance of soil wherein it plays a role in mitigating climate change by storing carbon in organic matter

A

Carbon Storage

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14
Q

the 4 components of soil

A
  1. Minerals (45%)
  2. Organic Matter (5%)
  3. Water (25%)
  4. Living organisms
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15
Q

a component of soil derived from the weathering of rocks, and provide essential nutrients to plants

A

Minerals (45%)

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16
Q

a component of soil where decomposed remains of plants and animals enrich soil fertility

A

Organic Matter (5%)

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17
Q

a component of soil retained in the pores of the soil, it is vital for plant absorption and microbial activity

A

Water (25%)

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18
Q

a component of soil such as bacteria, fungi, worms, and insects that help decompose organic matter and enhance soil structure

A

Living organisms

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19
Q

a process where soil forms

A

pedogenesis

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20
Q

the 3 involvements in pedogenesis

A
  • weathering of rocks into smaller particles
  • incorporation of organic material
  • influence of factors like climate
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21
Q

the 5 factors affecting soil formation

A
  1. Parent Material
  2. Climate
  3. Topography
  4. Biological Factors
  5. Time
22
Q

a factor affecting soil formation wherein original rock or sediment from which the soil forms influences its mineral composition and texture

A

Parent Material

23
Q

2 types of parent material

A

a. Residual
b. Transported

24
Q

a type of parent material wherein soil formed in place from the weathering of bed rocks

A

Residual

25
Q

a type of parent material wherein soil formed from materials carried and deposited by wind, water, glaciers, or gravity

A

Transported

26
Q

3 factors of climate

A
  1. temperature
  2. precipitation
  3. weathering
27
Q

a factor of climate wherein it influences the rate of weathering of rocks and organic matter decomposition

A

temperature

28
Q

a factor of climate wherein it mentions that warmer climates _____________________ while cold dictates _________________

A
  • accelerate chemical weathering and decomposition
  • slow them down
29
Q

a factor of climate that affects soil moisture and leaching

A

precipitation

30
Q

a factor of climate that states that high rainfall can ______________________, while low rainfall results in _____________

A
  • lead to the washing away of nutrients (leach)
  • drier soils
31
Q

a factor of climate that states that in hot and wet climates …..

A

weathering

32
Q

a factor of climate that states that in hot and wet climates, _________________ dominates. while in colder climates, ______________ is more common

A
  • chemical weathering
  • physical weathering
33
Q

example of physical weathering

A

freeze-thaw cycles

34
Q

3 factors of topography

A

slope, aspect, and elevation

35
Q

a factor of topography wherein steep slope have thinner soils due to erosion, while flat areas accumulate thicker soils due to sediment deposition

A

slope

36
Q

a factor of topography wherein steep slope have thinner soils due to __________, while flat areas accumulate thicker soils due to ______________________

A
  • erosion
  • sediment deposition
37
Q

a factor of topography wherein slopes facing the sun are warmer and may have diff. vegetations and moisture levels compared to shaded slopes

A

aspect

38
Q

a factor of topography wherein higher altitudes may experience slower soil formation due to cooler temperature and less biological

A

elevation

39
Q

a factor of topography wherein ____________________ experience slower soil formation due to cooler temperature and less biological

A

higher altitudes

40
Q

the 4 biological factors

A

plants, animals, microorganisms, humans

41
Q

a biological factor wherein they contribute organic material through leaf litter and roots.

A

plants

42
Q

a biological factor wherein they also influence soil structure by stabilizing it with roots

A

plants

43
Q

a biological factor wherein burrowing them, like earthworms and insects, aerate the soil and mix organic and inorganic components

A

animals

44
Q

a biological factor wherein fungi and bacteria decompose organic matter, contributing to … formation and nutrient cycling

A

microorganisms

45
Q

a biological factor wherein farming, deforestation, and construction can significantly alter soil properties and accelerate

A

humans

46
Q

a factor affecting soil formation wherein soil formation is a slow process that can take hundreds to thousands of years

A

time

47
Q

over time, soil develop distinct later called _____________

A

horizons

48
Q

over time, soil develop distinct later called horizons through processes like: ___________, ____________, and ______________-

A

leaching, weathering, and organic matter accumulation

49
Q

____________ are less developed, while _____________ often have well-defined horizons and may show signs of ________________

A
  • younger soils
  • older soils
  • nutrient depletion
50
Q

the rate is faster in ____________________ and much longer in ______________________

A
  • tropical climates
  • dry and cooled regions

EARTH SCIENCE (14 decks)

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