How are weathering and soil formation related?
http://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/weatheringjm.htm
http://www.soil-net.com/dev/page.cfm?pageid=secondary_intro_weathering&loginas=anon_secondary
Weathering and soil formation are closely related processes that influence each other.
Weathering refers to the breaking down of rocks, minerals, and other geological materials at or near the Earth's surface. There are two main types of weathering: mechanical weathering and chemical weathering. Mechanical weathering is the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments, while chemical weathering involves the alteration of rocks and minerals through chemical reactions.
Soil formation, on the other hand, is the process by which weathered materials are transformed into soil. It occurs as weathered rocks and minerals mix with organic matter (such as decomposed plant and animal remains) and undergo further chemical and biological processes.
Weathering is a crucial step in soil formation because it provides the raw materials needed for soil development. Mechanical weathering breaks down rocks into smaller particles, creating a variety of sizes, from boulders to tiny grains. This physical weathering increases the surface area available for chemical weathering to occur. Chemical weathering, in turn, acts upon these smaller rock fragments, altering their composition and releasing essential nutrients into the soil.
Additionally, chemical weathering can contribute to the release of minerals and ions from rocks, which are then incorporated into the soil. For example, when minerals like feldspar in rocks are chemically weathered, they break down into clay minerals. These clay minerals are a vital component of soil, providing its fertility and capacity to hold water.
Furthermore, weathering processes can create cracks and fractures in rocks, facilitating the penetration of water, air, and plant roots. These openings allow moisture and other substances to enter the rock and contribute to its further breakdown, aiding in soil formation.
In summary, weathering provides the raw materials for soil formation by breaking down rocks and minerals. This process creates smaller particles, increases surface area for chemical weathering, releases essential nutrients, and creates openings for water and roots to penetrate. Through weathering and subsequent soil formation, the Earth's surface is constantly changing and providing a habitat for numerous organisms.