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WeatheringProcesses that break down rock
Weathering affects Earth’s landforms
Mechanical Weathering
Rock is broken apart but not changed chemically
Plant roots, burrowing animals, and expanding ice all weather rock
Chemical Weathering
Minerals in rock dissolve or change to other minerals
“Change!” Natural acids Oxygen
Soil
A mixture of rock Mineral fragments Decayed organic matter Water Air
Humus
Organic matter is slowly changed to humus
Soil moisture
VERY important for plant growth
Soil Profile
The layers are called horizons Most soils have an A, B, & C horizons
Soil Types
We have many different types of soil They have different textures They have different colors Because they are different mixtures
of clay, silt, and sand
Climate
determine the type of soil that forms Based on weathering Moisture, etc
Soil Erosion
A serious problem because topsoil is removed from the land
Erosion can happen rapidly
On steep slopes Areas not covered by vegetation
Preventing Soil Erosion
Plant shelter belts Use no-till farming Plant cover crops after harvesting Contour farming terracing