Question

Describe four ways in which chemical processes influence soil formation

Answer 1

1. Hydration – this is the process by which certain minerals absorb water and expand causing internal stress and fracturing the rockmass
2. Hydrolysis – occurs when cation in rock minerals react with hydrogen from water leading to complete decomposition of the minerals
3. Carbonation – CO2 in the atmosphere react with rain water to form weak carbonic acid which it comes in contact with rocks eg cacerers rocks it dissolve it