Transcript Frost Heaving Plant Roots (Root Pry) Talus Talus Water Burrowing of Animals.

Frost Heaving
Plant Roots (Root Pry)
Talus
Talus
Water
Burrowing of Animals
Chemical Weathering
• The process that breaks down rock through
chemical changes. New substances can be
formed.
• Agents/Types of Chemical Weathering
– Carbonic Acid-in rainwater. Forms caves/karst.
– Oxidation (rust)
– Living organisms (lichens/mosses)
– Humic Acid-from decaying organic matter.
Carbonic Acid
• in water weathers mainly limestone and
dolomite by dissolving these rock types.
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Carbon Dioxide
CO2 dissolves in rain water and creates
carbonic acid
Carbonic acid easily weathers limestone,
dolomite, and marble
Effect of Acid Rain on Marble Statues
Oxygen
• Iron combines with
oxygen in the
presence of water in a
processes called
oxidation
• The product of
oxidation is rust
Living Organisms
• Lichens that grow on rocks produce weak
acids that chemically weather rock
As the particles get smaller, the total
surface area available for chemical
weathering increases.
Soil: A product of weathering.
Soil Composition - Soil has four major
components:
1. Mineral matter, or broken-down rock
2. Organic matter or humus, which is the decayed
remains of organisms
3. Water
4. Air.
Soil Texture = refers to the proportions of
different particle sizes. (Loam, Sand, Silt, Clay).
Soil Forms in Layers called a Soil Profile
What affects Soil Formation?
1. Time! More time means a thicker, more developed soil
with clear horizons.
2. Climate! Probably has the larges affect on soil formation.
Soil forms most quickly in humid, warm, wet climates.
3. Organisms. An abundance or lack of organisms can
affect the physical and chemical nature of a soil.
Special Types of Soils
Loess: Wind blown, angular silt that is usually the
product of glaciers or wind blown volcanic ash.
Caliche: Soil primarily made of carbonate
(limestone) found in arid areas.
Peat: Accumulation of partially decayed organic
matter. Found in swamps/bogs
Paleosol: A fossil soil.