How are alluvial soil formed?

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Answer

Answer

Alluvial soil are formed by the sediments brought by rivers .
River deposits a very fine silt called ' alluvium ' .

Answer

Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of sediments brought by rivers, streams, and other water bodies. It is one of the most fertile types of soil found in the world. The process of alluvial soil formation can be explained in the following steps:

1. Weathering and Erosion: The process starts with the weathering and erosion of rocks and minerals. The weathering process breaks down the rocks and minerals into smaller pieces, while erosion transports them away from their original location.

2. Transportation: Once the sediments are eroded, they are transported by rivers, streams, and other water bodies. The transportation process can take place over a long distance and can take a considerable amount of time.

3. Deposition: As the water bodies lose their velocity, they start depositing the sediments they have been carrying. The deposition occurs in low-lying areas such as river beds, deltas, and floodplains.

4. Sorting: During the deposition process, the sediments get sorted out based on their size and weight. The heavier sediments settle down first, followed by the lighter ones. This results in the formation of layers of sediments.

5. Compaction: Once the sediments are deposited, they undergo compaction. The weight of the sediments above compresses the sediments below, resulting in the formation of a dense layer of soil.

6. Cementation: Over time, the sediments get cemented together due to the presence of minerals such as calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and silica. This results in the formation of a hard layer of soil.

7. Organic Matter: As plants and animals die, their remains get deposited on top of the sediment layers. This organic matter decomposes, adding nutrients to the soil and making it more fertile.

In summary, alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of sediments brought by water bodies. The sediments undergo sorting, compaction, cementation, and organic matter addition to form a fertile layer of soil.

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