#AP Environmental Science: Soil Science Study Guide

Hey there, future AP Environmental Science superstar! Let's dive into soil science – it's way more fascinating than it sounds, and super important for the exam. Think of soil as the foundation of life (literally!). This guide will help you nail down the key concepts, so you're feeling confident and ready to ace that test!

#Soil Formation: The Foundation of Life

#How Soil is Made

Soil isn't just dirt; it's a complex, dynamic system that supports all terrestrial life. Here's how it's formed:

• Parent Material: Everything starts here – think of it as the raw ingredients. This is the underlying rock that will eventually break down into soil.
• Weathering: The parent material is broken down into smaller pieces by physical (like frost wedging) and chemical (like acid rain) weathering. This process is crucial for creating the mineral components of soil.
• Deposition: New materials are added to the soil through wind and water. This can include organic matter or mineral particles from other locations.
• Biological Activity: Once a bit of soil forms, mosses and other small plants move in. Their life cycles and decomposition add organic matter and nutrients to the soil, kicking off the development of distinct soil layers.

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