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Deciduous Tree

Unit 5 - Soil Systems & Terrestrial Food Production Systems & Societies

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Globe Showing Europe Africa

Unit 1 - Foundations Of Environmental Systems & Societies

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Herb

Unit 2 - Ecosystems & Ecology

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Flexed Biceps

Unit 3 - Biodiversity & Conservation

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Writing Hand

Unit 4 -Water & Aquatic Food Production Systems & Societies

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Cloud

Unit 6 - Atmospheric Systems & Societies

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Thermometer

Unit 7 - Climate Change & Energy Production

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Briefcase

Unit 8 - Human Systems & Resource Use

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Bar-Chart

Internal Assessment

<ul>
	<li>What are they? Transformations in nature include decomposition, weathering, and nutrient cycling. Let&#39;s break these down!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Definition: The breakdown of organic matter.</li>
	<li>Easy-Peasy Example: Think of a fallen apple in a garden. Over time, bacteria and fungi munch on it, turning it into soil nutrients. Yup, that once juicy apple eventually becomes part of the earth!</li>
	<li>Cool Fact: Decomposition helps to recycle nutrients that plants and animals need to grow.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Definition: The breakdown of rock (parent material) in its original place or &#39;in situ&#39;. It provides soils with inorganic matter.</li>
	<li>For the Rock Lovers: There are two main types of weathering: chemical (like when acid rain reacts with rocks) and physical (like when water freezes in rock cracks and makes them split apart).</li>
	<li>Did you know? The Grand Canyon in the U.S. was formed largely due to weathering and erosion. Over millions of years, the Colorado River and weathering processes sculpted this breathtaking landscape!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Definition: The recycling of nutrients between biomass (living things), litter (dead organic material), and soils.</li>
	<li>The Cycle of Life: When a leaf falls from a tree, it decomposes into the soil, providing nutrients. Later, another tree might use these nutrients to grow. Nature&#39;s own recycling program!</li>
	<li>Fun Fact: Forests have efficient nutrient cycling systems. That&#39;s why, even in areas with poor soil, you can find lush forests. The fallen leaves and dead organisms recycle nutrients back to the soil. Nature&#39;s zero-waste policy!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>The size and rate of these transformations (like how quickly a rock weathers or how fast nutrients are recycled) depend on the physical environment. For instance, rocks in a rainy and humid climate might break down faster than in a dry desert.</li>
	<li>Real-world Example: In the Amazon Rainforest, decomposition happens super-fast due to the warm and moist conditions. So, if you leave a wooden chair outside, don&#39;t be surprised if it&#39;s quickly reclaimed by nature!</li>
</ul>

Remember, these transformations are nature&#39;s way of recycling and renewing. The next time you see a crumbling rock or decomposing leaves, just think about the magic of these natural processes!

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Happy studying! 🌍📚

Earth's Renewal: Soil & Ecosystem Magic

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Standard Level

Environmental Systems & Societies SL

Unit 5 - Soil Systems & Terrestrial Food Production Systems & Societies

Earth's Renewal: Soil & Ecosystem Magic

Table of content

Transformations 🌀

Decomposition 🍂

Weathering 🌄

Unlock the Full Content!

Unit 5 - Soil Systems & Terrestrial Food Production Systems & Societies

Earth's Renewal: Soil & Ecosystem Magic

Table of content

Transformations 🌀

Decomposition 🍂

Weathering 🌄

Unlock the Full Content!