Intro

Objective 12/12/2011

Explain how soil is formed through erosional processes.

• Take out Shoreline Landforms PRJ• Write Q&A in notebook:• What do you think soil is?

SOIL FORMATION

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

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!

Soil formation

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

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

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

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?

Outro

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