1. Objective 1/8/2013
Explain how soil is formed through erosional processes.
Intro
Weekly WS #18
What do you think soil is?

2. Soil Formation

3. Soil Formation
Soil
Loose mixture of rock fragments, organic material, water, and air that can support the growth of vegetation
Different soils have different textures and color

4. Soil Formation How does soil form?
As rock breaks down, plants and animals are able to live in it.
As plants and animals die, their decomposed parts add to the soil, making it more livable for others!

6. Soil formation Importance of soil
Soil is where the lowest energy levels of plants and animals live. Without it, we could not survive, either!

7. Soil What are the properties of soil? Soil consists of 4 Horizons
Horizon O (topsoil) - organic material; the darker the soil, the higher the nutrient content
Horizon A - where plants and most animals live; the more organic matter the more fertile
Horizon B (subsoil) - where there are more clays and broken up rock
Horizon C - made of partially weathered rock
Bedrock – layer of rock beneath the soil

8. Soil Are all soils the same?
No; climate and bedrock have a huge impact on what type of soil forms!
Tropical soil is thin cause of heavy rains
Desert soil can be toxic cause of evaporation
Temperate soil is just right, producing fertile crops

9. Soil Formation Summary: What is soil? Why is it important?
What are the four horizons? Describe each.
Which type of soil is best for growing crops?

10. Outro
Pick two types of soil and create a Double-Bubble map for them!