Answer:
soil formation, or pedogenesis
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that begins with the physical and chemical weathering of rock and eventually leads to the formation of soil is called soil formation, or pedogenesis. Soil formation is a complex and dynamic process that involves the interactions of several different factors, including the physical and chemical properties of the rock, the climate and weather conditions, the organisms that live in the soil, and the topography and geology of the area.
The process of soil formation typically begins with the physical and chemical weathering of rock, which is the process by which rock is broken down into smaller pieces by the forces of nature. Physical weathering can occur through processes such as abrasion, where rocks are worn down by the action of wind, water, or ice. Chemical weathering, on the other hand, occurs when the chemical bonds in the rock are broken down by the action of water, oxygen, or other chemicals.
As the rock is broken down into smaller pieces, it begins to form a layer of loose, porous material called regolith. This layer of regolith is the foundation for the development of soil, and it provides the nutrients and minerals that plants and other organisms need to grow. Over time, the regolith is transformed into soil through the action of weathering, erosion, and the activities of living organisms, such as plants and animals.
The process of soil formation can take thousands of years, and it is constantly ongoing as new layers of rock are exposed to the forces of weathering and erosion. The resulting soil is a complex and diverse ecosystem, supporting a wide range of plants and animals, and it is an essential component of the Earth's natural environment.