Question

Explain the role of the sun in the formation of soil.

Answer 1

Soil:

1. The nature and properties of soil are dependent on the climate and the weathering process.
2. The characteristics of the soil determine the extent of vegetation in an area.

Sun:

1. The sun is the source of light and heat.
2. It plays a major role in the formation of soil by rock weathering.

Role of the sun in the formation of soil:

1. During the day time, the sun heats up the rocks and this heat induces expansion of the rocks.
2. During the night time, the rocks cool down and contract.
3. This repeated expansion and contraction process leads to cracking of rocks into small particles.
4. Thus the soil is formed by the cracking of the rocks.