EARTHSC 2GG3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Plant Litter, Soil Horizon, Parent Material
7 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
To soil scientists, it is the solid earth material that has been altered by physical, chemical, and organic processes such that it can support rooted plant life. To engineers, it is any solid earth material that can be removed without blasting. Study of soils helps in evaluation of natural hazards, including flooding, landslides, and earthquakes. Weathering: is the physical and chemical breakdown of rocks and the first step ion solid development. Weathered rock is further modified by the activity of soil organisms into soil, which is called residual or transported. Residual soil is soil that remains in the same place. Transported soil is moved via water, wind, glaciers, and then in its new location it forms transported soil (fertile) Vertical and horizontal movements of the material in a soil system create a distinct layering, parallel to the surface, collectively called a soil profile. Soil horizons: aka zones, are the layers within the soil profile.
