To describe: The first step in the formation of soil.
Answer to Problem 1LC
The formation of soil begins with the process of weathering. The process of weathering involves the physical and chemical disintegration of rock masses that are exposed to the atmosphere and to the action of water percolating down from the surface.
Explanation of Solution
Weathering is “the physical and chemical disintegration of rock particles exposed to the atmosphere and to the action of water percolating down from the surface”. The process of weathering results in the weakening and breaking down of solid rock and fragments of rock masses, which ultimately results in the formation of soil.
Soil – Soil is the zone of plant growth. It is a “thin layer of the surface consisting of a diverse mixture of weathered mineral matter, dead and decaying organic matter, living organisms, gases, and liquid solutions”. The upper portion of the lithosphere is characterized by its ability to produce and store plant nutrients. The average depth of soil is about 15 centimeters (6 inches). It is staged in a never-ending continuum of physical–chemical–biotic activities.
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Chapter 12 Solutions
McKnight's Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation (12th Edition)
- 38) The amount of sediment transported in a river depends on A) the discharge volume of water. B) temperature and precipitation. C) climate and topography. D) the length of the river.arrow_forward45) The roughness layer refers to A) the atmospheric layer where wind has the fastest velocities. B) the layer of active weather between the stratosphere and the surface. C) the shallow layer of nearly still air. D) the layer of the atmosphere where dust storms occur.arrow_forward47) Deflation is the process by which A) wind transports smaller particles leaving behind only larger pebbles and rocks. B) sands are deposited closer to the source area and silts are deposited farther. C) sand dunes migrate downwind as sand saltates up the windward face. D) rocks are worn away by bombardment of particles carried in Windstream.arrow_forward
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- 40) Marine terraces are the result of A) coastal emergence through uplift or sea level decrease. B) coastal submergence through erosion or sea level increase. C) deposition of sands by the longshore current. D) wave refraction causing a loss of energy that allow sediments to be deposited.arrow_forward39) Translatory waves A) are the types of waves located furthest away from the shore. B) are slowed down by friction with the bottom of the ocean. C) move water particles in perfectly circular orbits. D) do not interact with the bottom of the ocean.arrow_forward37) Which of the following terms is used for a type of sediment transport in streams? A) discharge. B) overland flow. C) saltation. D) sheet flow. E) abrasion.arrow_forward
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