Soils are transported through a variety of natural and human-influenced processes that move soil material from one place to another.
Understanding Soil Transport
The process of soil transport involves the movement of soil particles from their original location to a new one. This movement is critical in shaping landscapes and influencing soil properties. These soils are referred to as transported soils because they have been moved from their place of origin. According to our reference, transportation occurs through the following mechanisms:
Methods of Soil Transportation
Several agents are responsible for transporting soils, each leaving a unique imprint on the resulting soil mass. Here are the primary methods:
Gravity
Gravity is a significant force, especially on slopes. Soil material can be moved downhill through:
- Landslides: Rapid mass movement of soil and rock.
- Soil Creep: Gradual, slow movement of soil down a slope.
Wind
Wind erosion is common in arid and semi-arid regions, where the soil is dry and loose. Wind carries particles in several ways:
- Suspension: Very fine particles are lifted into the air.
- Saltation: Medium-sized particles bounce along the ground.
- Surface creep: Larger particles roll or slide along the surface.
Water
Water is a powerful agent of soil transport. Movement occurs through:
- Rainfall: Raindrops dislodge soil particles, and runoff carries them away.
- Streams and Rivers: Flowing water transports soil as sediment.
- Floods: Large volumes of water can cause significant soil erosion and transport.
Glaciers
Glaciers are massive ice bodies that can move large amounts of soil and rock material as they advance and retreat. These materials, called glacial till, are deposited as the ice melts, reshaping the land.
Human Activity
Human activity is an increasingly significant factor in soil transport. This includes:
- Agriculture: Plowing, tilling, and harvesting can expose soil to erosion.
- Construction: Site preparation, excavation, and land development can move large volumes of soil.
- Mining: Mining operations often disturb and transport soils and overburden.
The Impact of Transportation on Soil Properties
As the reference states, the method of transportation has a significant impact on the characteristics of the resulting soil mass. Here's a glimpse of how this impact can manifest:
| Transportation Method | Effect on Soil Properties |
|---|---|
| Gravity | Can lead to poorly sorted, angular particles at the base of slopes. |
| Wind | Results in well-sorted, fine-grained deposits like loess. |
| Water | Can cause well-sorted sediments if deposition occurs in slow-moving water, but a mixture of particle sizes if in fast-moving water. |
| Glaciers | Creates poorly sorted till, often containing large boulders and fine-grained materials mixed together. |
| Human Activity | Can lead to a wide range of effects depending on the specific activity, often disrupting natural layering of the soil. |
In summary, the mechanisms by which soils are transported by **gravity, wind, water, glaciers, or human activity** dramatically change soil composition and distribution, shaping the earth’s landscapes.
