Weathering and Erosion Soil

Target #10- I can define the term “soil” One result of weathering is the formation of soil –Soil: a loose mixture of rock fragments and organic material Characteristics determined by the parent rock –Includes composition, color, texture, and moisture level

Target # 11- I can describe a soil profile Target #12- I can label the parts of a soil profile on a diagram Generally, soils will develop distinct layers over time –Soil profile: a vertical section of soil that shows the layers of horizons Horizon: a horizontal layer of soil Draw the diagram on the board

Horizon C –Bedrock: the solid, unweathered rock found beneath all the other layers –Regolith: the layer of weathered rock fragments just above the bedrock Target #13- I can define all the parts of a general soil profile

Target #13 cont. Horizon B –Subsoil: contains clay, mineral deposits, and organic matter –Zone of Leaching: layer made of sand and silt, lost most of its minerals due to movement of water through the layer

Target #13 cont. Horizon A –Topsoil: a dark colored layer made of organic material, living organisms, and rock particles –Humus: the top, organic layer of soil made mostly of leaf litter and organic matter

Target #14- I can summarize why soil is important for environmenta l and societal function Soil provides for many important environmental and societal functions –Provides ecosystem services critical for life Acts as a water filter A medium for growing provides habitat for billions of organisms, contributes to biodiversity

–Supplies most of the antibiotics used to fight diseases. –Humans use soil as: a holding facility for solid waste filter for wastewater foundation for our cities and towns. –Finally, soil is the basis of our nation’s agro-ecosystems provide us with feed, fiber, food and fuel.

Target #15- I can state How Nature and Humans Have Affected the Earth’s Soil Losing Dirt to Natural Disasters –Too much rainfall can lead to mudslides or landslides –The stripping away of the topsoil prevents plants from growing right away Losing Dirt to Man-made Disasters –Pollute it by dumping chemicals and other wastes. –Deplete it of nutrients by over farming –allow livestock to over graze it

Desertification –If too many animals are allowed to graze for too long, the grass can be stripped away and the soil will lose its anchoring roots. The area can become a desert Soiled Soil –If soil is polluted due to events like waste dumping, the soil becomes toxic and is potentially harmful to communities