Unit 2 - Key Area 3 (Biosphere)
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What is parent material?
The bedrock from which soil is formed
Name the five inputs of soil:
• Parent material • Organisms • Relief • Climate • Time
Chemical weathering
Breakdown of rock by chemicals like acids (acid rain/carbonic acid)
Biological weathering
Breakdown of rocks by organism growth (trees in crack of rock)
Physical weathering
Breakdown of rocks due to physical changes (freezethaw on rock surface)
Name two decomposers
Fungus and bacteria
What is leaching (in terms of soil)?
Leaching is movement of ions or minerals through the soil (forms aluminium or iron layers)
What is the composition of a Brown Earth soil?
• Soil is very mixed, no distinct layers • Lots of macroinvertebrates (Earthworms) in soil • Large layer of nutrient rich humus • Found in areas of deciduous forest
A biofuel obtained by heating dried biomass in an oxygen-free environment. Also known as pyrolysis oil
Bio-crude oil
A diesel fuel derived from oils and fats in animals or plants?
Biodiesel
An alcohol made by fermentation of carbohydrates from plant materials. It can be mixed with petrol as a fuel for vehicles
Bioethanol
Give the definition for biofuel
Combustible biomass or a fuel derived from biomass.
What is biogas?
Gas produced through the fermentation of organic matter
What is decomposition?
The breaking down of organic materials into smaller parts, especially by the action of decomposers
Layers of soil
Horizons
Layer of Aluminium/Iron in a Podzol soil
Elluvial layer (E-horizon)
Movement of soil materials from the E-horizon to lower in the soil
Illuviation
Advantage of biofuel use
-Less CO2 emissions -Stable in terms of economy and fuel availability in the future -Renewable Easy to source and produce
Disadvantage of biofuel use
• Could be used as food source • Not as much energy released per unit • High cost of production • Monoculture (reduces plant biodiversity) • Large quantities of water used