geography key words
hardpan
Hardpan is underlaid soil by a rock-hard layer of material close enough to the surface to limit the depth plants can extend their roots and prevent drainage.
laterisation
This happens in warm tropical and subtropical regions eg amazon.
salinisation
Is a soil forming process that occurs when the concentration of salts in the soil increases over time.
• Leaching
Identifying Aspect: Leaching happens when soluble minerals and organic matter e.g. humus, are washed down into the soil rainwater.
podsolization
Podsolization is an extreme form of leaching that impacts on soil colour and occurs under coniferous forests.
• Humification
Humification
Identifying Aspect: Humification is the process whereby plant and animal remains are broken down by microorganisms and then transformed into a black gel-like substance called humus.
(Identifying aspect - 4 marks)