Guided Notes about Soils Section 7.3

Soil Is… The loose covering of broken rock particles and decaying organic matter overlying bedrock. Found almost everywhere on Earth The result of chemical and mechanical weathering and biological activity over long periods of time.

Residual Soil Residual soil is soil located above its parent material. An example is Kentucky’s bluegrass soil.

Transported Soil Transported soil has been moved to a location away from its parent material. Agents of erosion, such as wind, water, and glaciers can move soil from its place of origin to new locations.

Soil Formation In general, the process of soil formation occurs over a long period of time; it can take 100 years to form one centimeter of soil.

Slopes Soils on slopes tend to be thin, coarse, and infertile, but soils formed in valleys are thick and rich. South-facing slopes have thicker soils due to increased vegetation.

Climate Soils’ appearance, rate of formation, and productivity are determined to a great extent by climate.

Soil Color A soil’s composition and the climate in which it develops are the main factors that determine a soil’s color.