Hydrogeology, Chemical Weathering, and Soil Formation

Soil is a critical zone on Earth's surface, connecting water, chemicals, and nutrient cycling. Hydrogeology, Chemical Weathering, and Soil Formation explores its geological, climatological, biological, and hydrological perspective, covering evolution, processes, and impacts of land-use change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2021
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

Soil, a narrow yet vital zone on Earth's surface, serves as a crucial interface for water and carbon recycling, connecting the upper and lower realms of the planet. It is a dynamic entity that plays a pivotal role in sediment and rock cycling, contributing to the intricate web of Earth's systems.

The study of soil encompasses diverse disciplines, including hydrogeology, chemical weathering, and soil formation. Hydrogeology examines the movement and distribution of water within soils, while chemical weathering delves into the chemical processes that break down rocks and minerals, releasing essential nutrients. Soil formation, on the other hand, explores the processes that shape and develop soils over time, driven by geological, climatological, biological, and hydrological factors.

This comprehensive volume sheds light on various aspects of soil, encompassing its evolution over 3.25 billion years, the fundamental processes that contribute to soil formation, the interconnectedness of chemical weathering and soil formation with water and energy fluxes, the role of pedogenesis in geomorphology, the relationships between climate, soils, and biota, the utilization of soils as geologic dating tools, and the impacts of land-use change on soils.

The American Geophysical Union, a leading organization in Earth and space science, plays a vital role in promoting scientific discovery and disseminating knowledge. Its publications, including this book, serve as valuable resources for researchers, students, and professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of our planet and its complex systems.

By exploring soil as a nexus for water, chemicals, and biologically coupled nutrient cycling, this volume offers a comprehensive perspective on the vital role that soils play in shaping our world. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and policymakers alike, contributing to the ongoing efforts to preserve and sustainably manage our natural resources.

Weight: 966g
Dimension: 283 x 222 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119563969