Formation and the weathering processes

 Formation and the weathering processes 

Soil forms through accumulation and decay of organic matter and through the mechanical and chemical weathering processes. 

Factors affecting how Soil forms are:

  • Climate (e.g. temperature, precipitation, types of vegetation)
  • The parent rock or weathered sediment
  • The slope of the surface where soil is accumulating 
  • How long soil has been forming at a location

Weathering processes 

Weathering is the mechanical and chemical process by which rocks are broken down into simpler pieces. 

Types of weathering 

Physical/mechanical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks by natural factors without changing the chemical composition of the rocks.

Chemical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks by changing composition of the soil.

Biological weathering is the process by which rocks are disintegrated by the activities of living organisms. 



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