Theory question 103
Rocks and Soil Formation(a) Explain briefly four factors of soil formation.
(b) List four chemical processes in the weathering of rocks.
Show the model answer
Model answer
(a) Any four explained: parent material – decides mineral content and texture; climate – rainfall and temperature drive weathering and leaching; living organisms – plants and animals add organic matter, roots break rocks, microbes decompose; topography – slope affects drainage, erosion and soil depth; time – longer time gives deeper, more developed soils
(b) Any four: hydrolysis; hydration; oxidation; carbonation; solution; reduction
Explanation
Explain how each factor affects the soil formed.