Paedogenesis
Soil formation is the result of long processes (paedogenesis) that are generally based on the alteration (that is change) of inorganic (minerals and rocks) and organic compounds (plants and dead animals or substances produced by them, like leaves and faeces) that are present in the area, their deposit and the subsequent formation of new minerals and organic molecules. The final composition and structure of a soil depend on the following factors:
- the parent rock (or lithologic matrix), i.e. the original material (rocks, clays, limestones, etc) of the soil;
- the climate, which is considered as the main responsible for the formation and definition of soil characteristics and properties;
- water and temperature, which influence the majority of physical, chemical and biochemical processes that are important for the development of mature;
- soil sun exposure;
- the activity of biotic entities (vegetation, micro and macro fauna e flora);
- the height, defined by land altitude and inclination;
- the length of time, as the different products of change and the definition of soil characteristics occur in different length of time;
- human activity.
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From the Multimedia section
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Laterite and bauxite deposits
These deposits can be observed in those tropical areas that are characterized by...
And in underground tunnels?
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What about the permafrost?
In Sub Arctic Swedish regions, some scientists studied the changes of permafrost...
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The most populated cities in the world
In the last 50 years the world population has passed from 2.5 billion to 6 billion...
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24 February 2011
Laterite and bauxite deposits
These deposits can be observed in those tropical areas that are characterized by...
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And in underground tunnels?
There are groups of terrestrial animals that eat insects, worms and other invertebrates...
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What about the permafrost?
In Sub Arctic Swedish regions, some scientists studied the changes of permafrost...