Download Do Now: What processes creates the small rocks in soil?

AIM: What is Soil?
Do Now: What processes creates
the small rocks in soil? Describe
what else you can find in soil.
I. Parts of Earth’s Crust
The most weathered
material rich with minerals,
nutrients and organic matter
Physical and Chemical
weathering break down the
bedrock into pieces and
chunks
Solid layer of rock below the
soil. Known as the Parent
Material
II. Soil Formation
• Transported Soil comes from another
place and was brought
to the areas by
erosion.
Long Island has transported
soils from Canada and the New
England areas. It was brought
here by glaciers 20,000 and
30,000 years ago.
• Residual Soil created in the area by
weathering of the
parent material
(bedrock)
Other factors effect soil formation:
a) Time – Thicker soils indicate
more weathering has occurred
and the soil is older.
b) Parent Material – the mineral
composition of the soil is
determined by the bedrock
underneath.
c) Climate – rainfall will determine
the amount of weathering and
erosion of soil.
III. Soil Texture
• refers to the size of the particles and the amount of moisture.
• indicates if soil is physically or chemically weathered and the
climate.
Determine which soil is drier? More suitable for plants?
Composed of more sand? Chemically Weathered? Physically
weathered?
A
B
C
IV. Soil Composition
• Mineral matter (parent rock)
• Humus: material that comes from organisms
(organic)
• Water
• Air
V. Soil Profile
•Layers of soil are called Horizons
and each has it’s own characteristics
Horizon’s
A- Mineral matter and organic
matter (topsoil)
B- Mineral matter some
organic (plant roots) (subsoil)
C- Partially weathered parent
material (broken rock)
Closure:
• Obtain a “Soil” worksheet and complete it
with your partner sitting next to you. Will
go over it if there is remaining time if not
we will go over it tomorrow.