Answer:
The
following factors help in the formation of soil.
(i) Sun: Sun rays gradually heat the rocks and they expand during day
time.
During nights, the rocks cool and contract, uneven
expansion and contraction of rocks develops cracks.
(ii) Water: Water helps in the formation of soil in two
ways:
The cracks formed due to heat of the Sun are filled with
water. This water on freezing, widens the gap and loosens the rock into small pieces.
(b) The running water in rivers wears away hard rocks over
long periods of time. Fast flowing water carries small stone pieces and due to rubbing
with other rocks they further break down into smaller pieces.
(iii) Wind: Strong wind also erodes rocks down and wind
also carries sand from one place to another.
(iv) Living organisms: Living organisms also help in the
process of soil formation. Lichens grow on rock surfaces. While growing, they
release certain chemical substances that convert the rocks into powdery form
and make a thin soil layer. Other small plants like moss grow on this surface and
they cause the rock to break further.
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