This resource a set of revision notes for the CCEA AS geography topic of Ecosystems. It includes subtopics such as global biomes (tundra, tropical rainforest, hot desert, temperate grassland), soils, actual and potential impacts of climate change, small scale ecosystems, energy flows, trophic struc...
1. Parent
material-‐
can
influence
texture
and
fertility
of
soil
due
to
its
chemistry
2. Climate-‐
can
influence
soils
nature
as
can
control
weathering
and
organic
activity
3. Organisms-‐
can
determine
soil
chemistry,
pH
value
and
nutrient
status
4. Relief-‐
topographical
shape
of
land
changes
soil
processes
5. Time-‐
length
of
time
soil
has
had
to
develop
will
change
its
nature
Soils-‐
Temperate
grasslands
Temperate
grassland
soils
called
mollisols
or
chernozems-‐
they
are
humus
and
mineral
rich,
black,
crumbly
soils
and
cover
7%
of
earth’s
land
surface
e.g.
Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan,
Canada
Characteristic
Description
Explanation
Colour
Very
dark,
even
black
through
much
Tall
grasses
that
die
in
autumn
including
their
many
roots
of
depth
(reflects
chemical
provide
large
influx
of
organic
matter.
This
darkens
soil
which
is
composition
of
soil)
main
nutrient
store
in
this
ecosystem
Depth
Most
1-‐2m
deep
(compared
to
most
Mollisols
young
soils
forming
after
ice-‐age
but
weathering
of
garden
soils
being
50cm)
parent
material
fairly
rapid,
increasing
depth
from
below.
Much
organic
matter
also
added
from
above
increasing
depth
Texture
Most
have
clay/loam
mix.
(clay
has
Partly
controlled
by
underlying
parent
material
but
also
wind-‐
small
grain
sizes
and
loams
have
mix
blown
fine
sands
termed
loess,
which
mix
with
soil
of
large,
medium
and
small
grains)
Acidity
Generally
slightly
acidic,
neutral
or
Relatively
high
pH
values
maintained
by
abundant
supply
of
slightly
alkaline
(pH
6-‐7.5)
down
organic
nutrients
(calcium
carbonate)
from
parent
material,
the
through
their
profiles
recycling
of
tall
grasses
and
lack
of
significant
leaching
Structure
Crumb
structure-‐
when
rubbed
soils
Sands,
silts
and
clays
combine
with
humus
and
organic
acids.
form
loose
circular
clumps
with
open
Lack
of
leaching
allows
nutrients
and
organic
‘glues’
to
stay
in
pore
spaces
soil
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller hannahmccartney. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.66. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
