Soil is the thin layer of material that covers Earth's surface. How is soil related to bedrock?
A Bedrock hardens to form soil
B Soil forms below the bedrock
C Soil forms form the weathering of bedrock
D Bedrock is one of four soil components
C Soil forms from the weathering of bedrock
C Soil forms from the weathering of bedrock
The correct answer is C: Soil forms from the weathering of bedrock.
To understand how soil is related to bedrock, let's break it down:
Soil is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, water, and air that forms the upper layer of the Earth's surface. It provides a medium for plants to grow and is essential for supporting life.
Bedrock, on the other hand, refers to the solid, unweathered rock that underlies the soil. It is the solid foundation upon which soil is formed.
The process of soil formation begins with the weathering of bedrock, which involves the physical, chemical, and biological breakdown of the rock. Over time, factors like temperature changes, water, wind, plant roots, and even the activities of organisms contribute to the weathering process.
Through this weathering process, the bedrock gradually breaks down into smaller particles and undergoes chemical changes, creating the basis for the formation of soil. The resulting mixture of minerals, organic matter, and other components gradually accumulates and forms the soil layer above the bedrock.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: Soil forms from the weathering of bedrock.