All Flashcards
Define Parent Material.
Underlying rock that breaks down to form soil.
Define Weathering.
Breakdown of parent material into smaller pieces (physical/chemical).
Define Soil Horizon.
A distinct layer within a soil profile.
Define Humus.
Surface litter, decaying organic matter in the O horizon.
Define Topsoil.
Mixture of organic matter and minerals; the A horizon.
Define Eluviation.
Process of leaching nutrients from the E horizon.
Define Subsoil.
Zone of accumulation; the B horizon.
Define Soil Erosion.
Removal of topsoil by wind or water.
Define Sediment Pollution.
Pollution caused by eroded soil entering waterways.
Define Soil Degradation.
Loss of soil quality due to nutrient depletion or pollution.
Steps of soil formation?
Parent material, Weathering, Deposition, Biological activity.
What is the first step of soil formation?
Parent material: the underlying rock that will eventually break down into soil.
What is the second step of soil formation?
Weathering: the parent material is broken down into smaller pieces by physical and chemical weathering.
What is the third step of soil formation?
Deposition: New materials are added to the soil through wind and water.
What is the fourth step of soil formation?
Biological Activity: Mosses and other small plants add organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
Consequences of soil erosion?
Loss of fertility, sediment pollution, reduced water quality.
Cause and effect of over-farming and drought?
Massive soil erosion, dust storms (Dust Bowl).
Effect of deforestation on soil?
Increased soil erosion due to lack of root structure.
Effect of overgrazing on soil?
Compacts soil, reduces vegetation cover, increases erosion.
How does soil erosion affect soil fertility?
It removes the nutrient-rich topsoil layer, reducing the soil's ability to support plant growth.
How does soil erosion affect water quality?
It leads to sediment pollution, clouding the water and harming aquatic life, while also reducing the soil's ability to filter pollutants.
What were the environmental consequences of the Dust Bowl?
Massive dust storms, loss of topsoil, agricultural devastation, and displacement of people.