Exploring Soil Formation and Weathering Processes

This AP Environmental Science lecture covers the processes of weathering and soil formation. It explains the types of weathering, including physical and chemical, and how these processes contribute to soil development. The lecture also discusses the factors influencing soil formation, such as parent material, climate, topography, and organisms. Additionally, it details the different soil horizons and their properties, emphasizing the importance of soil in supporting plant growth and filtering water.

What is soil primarily composed of?

• Water and air

• A combination of geologic rock material and organic material

• Only geologic rock material

• Only organic material

Which of the following is an example of physical weathering?

• Acid rain

• Frost wedging

• Dissolution of minerals

• Rust formation

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-5

How do burrowing animals contribute to weathering?

• By dissolving minerals in the rock

• By chemically altering the rock

• By forming rust on the rock

• By physically breaking apart the rock

What causes the red color in the Red Rock Visitor Center?

• Presence of iron and its reaction with water and oxygen

• Presence of copper

• Presence of sulfur

• Presence of nitrogen oxides

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

NGSS.HS-PS1-4

What is the main agent responsible for erosion?

• Wind

• Water

• Gravity

• Living organisms

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-5

Which factor does NOT directly affect soil formation?

• Human activities

• Topography

• Climate

• Parent material

What is the O horizon primarily composed of?

• Sand and silt

• Bedrock

• Organic material

• Mineral material

Which soil horizon is known as topsoil?

• C horizon

• B horizon

• A horizon

• O horizon

What is the significance of clay in soil?

• It is impermeable

• It attracts positively charged mineral ions

• It allows water to drain quickly

• It prevents plant growth

What is the role of earthworms in soil?

• They decompose minerals

• They prevent soil erosion

• They produce humus

• They increase soil acidity

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-3