GL102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Hardpan, Caliche, Red
Document Summary
Soil is an interface: where different parts of earths system interact. Regolith- rock and mineral fragments from weathering (covers earths surface) Soil- mineral and organic matter, water and air and supports plant growth. Residual soils- parent material id underlying bedrock. Transported soil- soil forms on unconsolidated sediment transported from elsewhere i. e glacial deposits that cover much of canada: time- generally more time thicker soil and less like parent material, climate. Key factors are temp and precipitation: plants and animals. Plants and animals supply om soil: topography. Lowland, poorly drained soil is typically thick, dark, contains only partially- decayed om. Horizons vertical difference in soil distinctive layers. Soil profile- vertical section (trench or pit) O, a, e, and b horizons make up solum: c horizon partially altered parent material. Soil type primarily depends on prevailing climatic conditions. Accumulation of iron oxides and al rich clays in the b horizon.
