Environmental Science Concepts

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Abiotic

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Never living, never could be living. Examples: Rock, fire, water, air.

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Biotic

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Living or used to be living. Examples: Tree, log, people.

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Lichens

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Symbiotic organisms (algae and fungi) that grow on rocks, breaking them down chemically and physically.

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Thermal Stress

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Extreme differences between heat and cold causing cracks in rocks, often due to freezing and thawing cycles.

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Water Erosion

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Water cleaves portions of rock over time, can chemically erode rocks like limestone, forming underground caves.

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Wind Erosion

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Wind carries small rocks that impact bare rock surfaces.

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Organic Layer

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Contains the most recent organic material like leaf debris and decaying matter.

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A Layer (Top Soil)

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Rich in organic matter, nutrients, and minerals.

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B Layer (Subsoil)

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Contains less organic matter, nutrients, and minerals than A Layer, more rock, less weathered.

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C Layer (Substratum)

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Less organic matter, nutrients, and sometimes more minerals than B Layer, less weathered.