3.10B Soil Formation

Front

What is soil formation?

Back

Soil formation is the process by which rocks and organic matter break down to create soil.

Front

What is organic matter?

Back

Organic matter is made up of decomposed plants and animals that enrich the soil.

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces.

Front

How does organic matter get into the soil?

Back

Organic matter gets into the soil when dead plants and animals are decomposed by insects, worms, or fungi.

Front

What causes the dark color of garden soil?

Back

The dark color of garden soil is often due to the organic matter and the type of rocks it weathered from.

Front

What is decomposition?

Back

Decomposition is the process of breaking down dead plants and animals into simpler substances.

Front

What is humus?

Back

Humus is a dark, organic material in soil formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter.

Front

What is sandy soil?

Back

Sandy soil is formed from the weathering of light-colored rocks and has larger particles.

Front

What role do insects and worms play in soil formation?

Back

Insects and worms help decompose organic matter, enriching the soil.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken pieces.