4.2 Soil Formation and Erosion

Describe the characteristics and formation of soil.

• Soils are formed when parent material is weathered, transported, and deposited.
• Soils are generally categorized by horizons based on their composition and organic material.
• Soils can be eroded by winds or water. Protecting soils can protect water quality as soils effectively filter and clean water that moves through them.
• Enduring understanding ERT-4: Earth’s systems interact, resulting in a state of balance over time.