Explain how is soil formed.

Definition of soil: Soil is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life.

The rocks are broken down through the process of weathering due to exposure to extreme temperature changes, windblown particles, precipitation and flowing water, and ice.

Solid rock can weather away in one of the three ways into the soil, namely:

Mechanical Weathering:  It is also known as physical weathering. This type of weathering occurs due to physical forces such as wind, water and temperature.

Chemical Weathering: This type of weathering occurs when rocks are broken by chemicals. This occurs due to the chemical composition of the rocks.

Biological Weathering: This type of weathering occurs due to living organisms. Living organisms weaken and subsequently disintegrate rocks, by initiating mechanical or chemical weathering. For example, certain microorganisms secrete chemicals that can increase the rock’s susceptibility to weathering.