Do Now: What processes creates the small rocks in soil? Describe what else you can find in soil.

1
AIM What is Soil?
Do Now What processes creates the small rocks in
soil? Describe what else you can find in soil.
2
I. Parts of Earths Crust
Soil
The most weathered material rich with minerals,
nutrients and organic matter
Physical and Chemical weathering break down the
bedrock into pieces and chunks
Weathered Bedrock
Bedrock
Solid layer of rock below the soil. Known as the
Parent Material
3

• II. Soil Formation

• Transported Soil - comes from another place and
  was brought to the areas by erosion.
• Residual Soil - created in the area by
  weathering of the parent material (bedrock)

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.
4

• Other factors effect soil formation
• Time Thicker soils indicate more weathering has
  occurred and the soil is older.
• Parent Material the mineral composition of the
  soil is determined by the bedrock underneath.
• Climate rainfall will determine the amount of
  weathering and erosion of soil.

5

• 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
6

• IV. Soil Composition
• Mineral matter (parent rock)
• Humus material that comes from organisms
  (organic)
• Water
• Air

7
V. Soil Profile

• Layers of soil are called Horizons and each has
  its own characteristics

Horizons A- Mineral matter and organic matter
(topsoil) B- Mineral matter some organic (plant
roots) (subsoil) C- Partially weathered parent
material (broken rock)
BEDROCK
8
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.