Natural Soil-forming Processes (Leaving Cert Geography): Flashcards
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8 main soil-forming processes
8 main soil-forming processes
Weathering, erosion, humification, leaching, podzolisation, laterisation, calcification, salinisation
Weathering definition
Weathering definition
Breakdown of solid rock into smaller mineral particles through physical & chemical processes
% of soil from parent materials (weathered rock)
% of soil from parent materials (weathered rock)
Around 45%
Freeze-thaw weathering process
Freeze-thaw weathering process
Water enters cracks, freezes, expands & splits rock apart
Carbonation in chemical weathering
Carbonation in chemical weathering
Rainwater with carbonic acid dissolves limestone & chalk
Erosion definition
Erosion definition
Breaking down & transporting rock fragments by water, ice & wind
Alluvial soils
Alluvial soils
Fertile soils deposited by rivers on floodplains
Humification definition
Humification definition
Breakdown of organic matter into humus, increases fertility
Leaching definition
Leaching definition
Washing away & removal of nutrients from soil by water
Podzolisation definition
Podzolisation definition
Extreme leaching by acidic water, common in coniferous forests & peat soils
Colour of podzolised soil A horizon
Colour of podzolised soil A horizon
Grey & bleached (only quartz resists acidic water)
Laterisation definition
Laterisation definition
Intensive leaching in hot, wet tropical climates
Colour & name of laterisation soils
Colour & name of laterisation soils
Rusty red appearance; called latosols
Calcification definition
Calcification definition
Calcium carbonate accumulation near soil surface where evaporation exceeds rain
Salinisation definition
Salinisation definition
Soluble salts accumulation near surface in hot, arid regions