Newswise — April 2, 2018 – Deep underground, changes to rock layers are impacting the Earth’s surface. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) April 1 Soils Matter blog explains how these deep layers inform our knowledge of surface soils.
Typically, soil scientists study a depth that stops where rock starts. This rock, or parent material, is part of what makes soil different from one area to another. Scientists who study the deeper layers of rock are looking at the critical zone—an area that includes the water, air, ecosystems, as well as hard rock.
“New research shows that what is happening to the parent material can later affect soil formation, and the soil itself,” says blog author Justin Richardson, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “Think of it as looking at your genetic background through a genetic test!”
For example, researchers have found dthat what was once considered activity at the surface only can also be observed deeper! “Bedrock weathering is happening as deep as 23 feet below the surface,” Richardson says. “These findings have important impacts in future research of soil formation.” Other researchers are looking at how fast rocks can generate soil, replacing soil lost to erosion.
While critical zone scientists have a different focus than soil scientists, Richardson points out an important similarity. “We are all working to protect soil as an important natural resource. Learning more about soil formation–and going back in the process–will lead to new discoveries.”
To read the entire blog post, visit https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/what-is-the-critical-zone/.
Follow SSSA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SSSA.soils, Twitter at SSSA_Soils. SSSA has soils information on www.soils.org/discover-soils, for teachers at www.soils4teachers.org, and for students through 12th grade, www.soils4kids.org.
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is a progressive international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Based in Madison, WI, and founded in 1936, SSSA is the professional home for 6,000+ members and 1,000+ certified professionals dedicated to advancing the field of soil science. The Society provides information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management, recycling, and wise land use.
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