Soils and Soil Formation Flashcards
What is the ultimate result of hydrolysis?
“soft” more erodible parts of a crystalline rock, with consequent preferential erosion along area of weathered material
What is oxidation?
-the process that generates rust
Types of Differential Weathering
- composition of rocks
- Bowen’s series
- Jointing
- Climate
Composition of Soil
Air 25%
Water 25%
Mineral Particles 45%
Organic Matter 5%(Organisms10%
Roots 10%
Humus80%)
Soil
is the interface between Earth subsystems
-is it the bridge between the geosphere and biosphere
a combination of mineral .organic material, water and air
What does soil texture depend on and why is it important?
- on grain size distribution
- because it controls ability to hold water
Climate and its Affect on Soil Formation
- most important factor on soil formation
- hot, humid climates make soil faster
Plants and Soil Formation
- furnish organics to soil
- vegetation define soil types
Slope Types and Soil Formation
-steep slope- soils are thin
Bottom lands- thick and dark soils
What is soil formation known as?
Pedogenesis
O horizon
loose and partly decayed organic matter
A horizon
Mineral matter mixed with some hummus
E horizon
light colored mineral particles
zone of eluviation and leaching
B horizon
accumulation of clay transported from above,subsoil
C horizon
partially altered parent material
