McKnight's Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation (12th Edition)
McKnight's Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation (12th Edition)
12th Edition
ISBN: 9780134195421
Author: Darrel Hess, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 12, Problem 1LC
To determine

To describe: The first step in the formation of soil.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

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.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
<task>    Solve the task by identifying the type of grain found in the black-highlighted areas on the map and provide two factors influencing its distribution.</task> <instructions>    <instruction>Analyze the map: First, carefully examine the highlighted areas on the map. Pay attention to the continents and regions where these areas are located. Try to identify the general climate zones in which these areas fall.</instruction>    <instruction>Consider the types of grain: Think about different kinds of grains and their climatic and geographical preferences worldwide. What grains are cultivated in the highlighted regions?</instruction>    <instruction>Use additional clues (if available): If you have supplementary images with various grains, compare their distribution with the map in the task. This could help narrow down the possibilities.</instruction>    <instruction>Select the most likely grain: Based on the map analysis and…
41) Alpine glaciers A) are the largest types of glaciers. B) conform to the shape of the landscape. C) cover large sections of continents. D) show no relationship with the underlying topography.
39) 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.
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,