A

Weathering andSoil Formation

228 Unit 2: Earth’s Surface

Natural forces breakrocks apart and formsoil, which supports life.

Key Concepts

Mechanical andchemical forces breakdown rocks.Learn about the natural forcesthat break down rocks.

Weathering and organ-ic processes form soil.Learn about the formationand properties of soil.

Human activities affect soil.Learn how land use affectssoil and how soil can be protected and conserved.

3SECTION

2SECTION

1SECTION

How is rockrelated to soil?

Prepare and practice for the FCAT

• Section Reviews, pp. 236, 245, 252

• Chapter Review, pp. 254–256• FCAT Practice, p. 257

CLASSZONE.COM• Florida Review: Content

Review and FCAT Practice

AChapter 7: Weathering and Soil Formation 229

Ice PowerFill a plastic container to the top with waterand seal the lid tightly. Place it in the freezerovernight. Check onyour container thenext morning.

Observe and Think What happened to the container? Why?

Internet Activity: Soil FormationGo to ClassZone.com to watch how soil forms. Learn how materials break down and contribute to soil buildup over time.

Observe and ThinkWhat do rocks and soilhave in common? Whatdo organic matter andsoil have in common?

NSTA scilinks.org

Soil Conservation Code: MDL016

Getting the Dirt on SoilRemove the top and bottom of a tin can. Be careful of sharp edges.Measure and mark 2 cm from oneend of the can. Insert the can 2 cminto the ground, up to the mark.Fill the can with water and timehow long it takes for the canto drain. Repeat the proce-dure in a different location.

Observe and ThinkWhat do you think affectshow long it takes for soilto absorb water?

A 230 Unit 2: Earth’s Surface

TAKING NOTES

COMBINATION NOTES

To take notes about a new concept, first make an informal outline of theinformation. Then make asketch of the concept andlabel it so that you canstudy it later.

VOCABULARYSTRATEGY

Place each vocabularyterm at the center of adescription wheel. On thespokes write some wordsexplaining it.

CONCEPT REVIEW

• The atmosphere, hydrosphere,biosphere, and geosphereinteract to shape Earth’s surface.

• Natural processes form,change, break down, and re-form rocks.

VOCABULARY REVIEW

hydrosphere p. 198

biosphere p. 199

equator p. 206

topography p. 212

CHAPTER 7

NOTES

Causes of

Mechanical Weathering

• Ice

• Pressure Release

• Plant Roots

• Moving Water

broken rockrock

ice

thin layers

of rock

break offEXFOLIATION

called

onion-

skin

weathe

ring

Description Wheel

FLORIDA REVIEWCLASSZONE.COM

Content Review and FCAT Practice