weathering and erosion soil. target #10- i can define the term “soil” one result of weathering...
Post on 18-Dec-2015
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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 environmental 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
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