the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on Earth's surface

small pieces of rock, soil, or organic material that settle at the bottom of water or land areas

loose mineral and organic material on the surface of the Earth, providing a medium for plant growth

material that comes from living things (plants, animals)

material that does not come from living things

a layer of soil that differs in color or texture from the layers above or below it

able to dissolve in water

the shape and features of the land's surface

the presence of living organisms in the soil

the amount of mass in a given volume; how tightly packed matter is

the amount of open space between particles in a material

the ability of a material to let water pass through it

the entry of surface water into the soil

the downward movement of water through soil and rock layers

a body of permeable rock which can contain or transmit groundwater

an area of land that drains all water to a common body of water

the process of adding air to soil or water

describes the degree to which soil pores are completely filled with water

the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment that contaminate it, making the air, water, or land dirty and unsafe for use

energy source formed from ancient plant and animal remains

the trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by gases like carbon dioxide

the decline in soil quality that reduces its ability to support plant and animal life

the solid rock beneath soil layers

dark, nutrient-rich material in soil formed by decayed plants and animals

an excavation or structure created on the earth by digging, driving, or drilling to access liquid resources, usually water