Pedosphere
Pedosphere
The Pedosphere (pronounced: /ˈpɛdəˌsfɪər/) is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes. It exists at the interface of the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
Etymology
The term "Pedosphere" is derived from the Greek words 'pedon', meaning 'soil' or 'earth', and 'sphaira', meaning 'sphere'.
Definition
The Pedosphere is the layer of the Earth that is made up of soil and is the foundation of terrestrial life. It is a critical zone where complex interactions among rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms regulate the natural habitat and determine the availability of life-sustaining resources.
Components
The Pedosphere is composed of soil and other bodies of earth that are capable of supporting plant life. It is made up of four main components: minerals, organic matter, water, and air. The Pedosphere also includes the soil profile, which is a vertical cross-section of the soil that reveals its layers or horizons.
Related Terms
- Lithosphere: The rigid outer part of the earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.
- Atmosphere: The envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet.
- Hydrosphere: All the waters on the earth's surface, such as lakes and seas, and sometimes including water over the earth's surface, such as clouds.
- Biosphere: The regions of the surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere of the earth (or analogous parts of other planets) occupied by living organisms.
- Soil Profile: A vertical section of the soil that is exposed by a soil pit. A soil profile is divided into layers called horizons.
- Organic Matter: Material derived from the decay of plants and animals. Always contains compounds of carbon and hydrogen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pedosphere
- Wikipedia's article - Pedosphere
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