GEOG 106 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: 6 Feet Deep, Soil Retrogression And Degradation, Land Degradation
Document Summary
Soil- the mixture of minerals, organic matter, water and air found on the surface of the. Soil mantel- the composite mass of soil material above the bedrock. Solum- life supporting soil that is a tin layer located less than 6 feet deep in most places. Mineral is represented by inorganic substances ( particles of quartz & calcium) organic composition is represented by dead plant tissue. Spatial variation may be measured vertically and horizontally. Weathering: the breakdown and decay of earth"s materials, especially rock. Factors likely to enhance weathering: wind and runoff, glaciers and waves move particles from their place of origin. Horizonation: nearly horizontal layers that are distinguishable based on colour, texture and chemical composition within the soil column. Soil degradation: caused by agricultural mismanagement and other populationrelated pressures. Types of soil degradation degradation by soil erosion. Water erosion of soil- erodibility variables: soil, vegetation, topography, runoff. Splash erosion: erosion caused by the impact of falling raindrops.
