Pedosphere Flashcards
outermost layer of the Earth’s surface that comprises soil and interacts w/ the other Earth’s systems
pedosphere
where soil forms, functions, and supports life by serving as a medium for plant growth and a habitat for organisms
pedosphere
an interaction with earth’s systems where exchange of gases happens
atmosphere
examples of exchange of gases
oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen
an interaction with earth’s systems where it provides parent material for soil formation
lithosphere
examples of parent material
rocks and minerals
an interaction with earth’s systems where soil stores and filter water influencing its movement and availability
hydrosphere
an interaction with earth’s systems where it supports plant, animals, and microorganisms essential for ecosystems
biosphere
the 4 importances of soil
- Plant Growth
- Water Filtration
- Habitat
- Carbon Storage
an importance of soil wherein it supplies nutrients and a medium for roots
Plant Growth
an importance of soil wherein it helps clean water or it percolates through layers
Water Filtration
an importance of soil wherein it supports diverse ecosystems of microorganisms and animals
Habitat
an importance of soil wherein it plays a role in mitigating climate change by storing carbon in organic matter
Carbon Storage
the 4 components of soil
- Minerals (45%)
- Organic Matter (5%)
- Water (25%)
- Living organisms
a component of soil derived from the weathering of rocks, and provide essential nutrients to plants
Minerals (45%)
a component of soil where decomposed remains of plants and animals enrich soil fertility
Organic Matter (5%)
a component of soil retained in the pores of the soil, it is vital for plant absorption and microbial activity
Water (25%)
a component of soil such as bacteria, fungi, worms, and insects that help decompose organic matter and enhance soil structure
Living organisms
a process where soil forms
pedogenesis
the 3 involvements in pedogenesis
- weathering of rocks into smaller particles
- incorporation of organic material
- influence of factors like climate
the 5 factors affecting soil formation
- Parent Material
- Climate
- Topography
- Biological Factors
- Time
a factor affecting soil formation wherein original rock or sediment from which the soil forms influences its mineral composition and texture
Parent Material
2 types of parent material
a. Residual
b. Transported
a type of parent material wherein soil formed in place from the weathering of bed rocks
Residual
a type of parent material wherein soil formed from materials carried and deposited by wind, water, glaciers, or gravity
Transported
3 factors of climate
- temperature
- precipitation
- weathering
a factor of climate wherein it influences the rate of weathering of rocks and organic matter decomposition
temperature
a factor of climate wherein it mentions that warmer climates _____________________ while cold dictates _________________
- accelerate chemical weathering and decomposition
- slow them down
a factor of climate that affects soil moisture and leaching
precipitation
a factor of climate that states that high rainfall can ______________________, while low rainfall results in _____________
- lead to the washing away of nutrients (leach)
- drier soils
a factor of climate that states that in hot and wet climates …..
weathering
a factor of climate that states that in hot and wet climates, _________________ dominates. while in colder climates, ______________ is more common
- chemical weathering
- physical weathering
example of physical weathering
freeze-thaw cycles
3 factors of topography
slope, aspect, and elevation
a factor of topography wherein steep slope have thinner soils due to erosion, while flat areas accumulate thicker soils due to sediment deposition
slope
a factor of topography wherein steep slope have thinner soils due to __________, while flat areas accumulate thicker soils due to ______________________
- erosion
- sediment deposition
a factor of topography wherein slopes facing the sun are warmer and may have diff. vegetations and moisture levels compared to shaded slopes
aspect
a factor of topography wherein higher altitudes may experience slower soil formation due to cooler temperature and less biological
elevation
a factor of topography wherein ____________________ experience slower soil formation due to cooler temperature and less biological
higher altitudes
the 4 biological factors
plants, animals, microorganisms, humans
a biological factor wherein they contribute organic material through leaf litter and roots.
plants
a biological factor wherein they also influence soil structure by stabilizing it with roots
plants
a biological factor wherein burrowing them, like earthworms and insects, aerate the soil and mix organic and inorganic components
animals
a biological factor wherein fungi and bacteria decompose organic matter, contributing to … formation and nutrient cycling
microorganisms
a biological factor wherein farming, deforestation, and construction can significantly alter soil properties and accelerate
humans
a factor affecting soil formation wherein soil formation is a slow process that can take hundreds to thousands of years
time
over time, soil develop distinct later called _____________
horizons
over time, soil develop distinct later called horizons through processes like: ___________, ____________, and ______________-
leaching, weathering, and organic matter accumulation
____________ are less developed, while _____________ often have well-defined horizons and may show signs of ________________
- younger soils
- older soils
- nutrient depletion
the rate is faster in ____________________ and much longer in ______________________
- tropical climates
- dry and cooled regions
