How does solid rock become soil?
It falls apart and combines with particles in the air.
It breaks down and combines with water, air, and organic matter.
It splits apart and combines with plant roots.
It breaks down and changes into liquid.
I think its B, or C.
Thank you! It was B!
The correct answer is:
It breaks down and combines with water, air, and organic matter.
Solid rock becomes soil through a process called weathering. Weathering is the breakdown and decomposition of rocks into smaller particles. There are two main types of weathering: physical weathering and chemical weathering.
Physical weathering occurs when rocks are broken down into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. One of the main contributors to physical weathering is the freeze-thaw cycle, where water gets into cracks in the rock, freezes, expands, and causes the rock to break apart.
Chemical weathering, on the other hand, involves the chemical breakdown of rocks. Water, air, and organic matter all play a crucial role in this process. Water can dissolve certain minerals in the rock, causing it to break down. Additionally, gases found in the air, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, can react with the rock minerals, leading to chemical reactions that break down the rock.
Furthermore, organic matter, such as decaying plants and animals, plays a significant role in soil formation. As organic matter decomposes, it releases nutrients into the soil, creating a fertile environment for plants to grow. Plant roots penetrate the cracks and crevices in the rock, further breaking it apart and accelerating the weathering process.
Over time, these processes of physical and chemical weathering, along with the influence of water, air, and organic matter, convert solid rock into smaller particles, forming soil. This process can take hundreds, if not thousands, of years and is vital for the development of fertile land for plant growth.