1.2. Transported Soils

Weathered rock materials can be moved from their original site to new locations by one or more of the transportation agencies to form transported soils.

Transported soils are formed when weathered materials—such as rocks—are moved away from their original position. This movement can be caused by various natural agents, including water, wind, and ice (glaciers). These agents carry the weathered materials and deposit them in new locations, altering the soil's original composition and characteristics.

Imagine you have a pile of sand at the beach. If a wave comes and washes part of that sand away to another spot, you would see transported sand in a new location. Similarly, in nature, soil can be moved from its original place by rivers, winds, or glaciers.

Transported soils are classified based on the mode of transportation and the final deposition environment.

Transported soils can be categorized into different types depending on how they were moved and where they ended up. This classification helps scientists understand their origins and properties more accurately. Each type reflects the specific processes that affected the soil during its transportation.

Think of it like different types of delivery services. A package sent by air (like aeolian deposits) is different from one sent by truck on a road (like alluvial deposits). Each method affects how the package (or soil) is received and utilized.

(a) Soils that are carried and deposited by rivers are called alluvial deposits.

Alluvial deposits are soils formed when rivers transport sediment. As rivers flow, they pick up materials from their banks and bed and carry them downstream. When the river's speed decreases—such as when it reaches flatter areas or lakes—the sediments settle and form new layers of soil rich in nutrients, which are excellent for agriculture.

You can think of a river carrying a basket of fruits. As the river slows down at certain points, it drops some fruits (sediments), which then settle to form a fertile area along its banks, perfect for planting crops.

(b) Soils that are deposited by flowing water or surface runoff while entering a lake are called lacustrine deposits.

Lacustrine deposits occur where running water slows down as it enters a lake, allowing sediments to settle. These deposits form alternating layers based on seasonal changes in water flow rates. This layering can indicate different conditions in the environment over time.

Imagine pouring a smoothie into a bowl. If you pour it quickly, the smoothie splashes everywhere, but if you pour slowly, you'll see layers settle as the bowl fills up. Similar processes happen with lacustrine deposits in lakes.

(c) If the deposits are made by rivers in sea water, they are called marine deposits. Marine deposits contain both particulate material brought from the shore as well as organic remnants of marine life forms.

Marine deposits are formed when rivers carry sediment into the ocean. These sediments are mixed with materials from the sea, including organic matter from marine organisms. This combination creates rich marine soils, which can affect both coastal ecosystems and sedimentary rock formations.

Think of a river meeting a larger body of water, like a river meeting the ocean. It’s like two different types of cocktails being mixed together with new ingredients, creating a unique blend that can support different life forms.

(d) Melting of a glacier causes the deposition of all the materials scoured by it leading to formation of glacial deposits.

Glacial deposits are formed when glaciers melt and drop the sediments they have carried with them. As glaciers move, they scrape up rocks and soils, which are then released as the glacier retreats. These deposits often consist of varied particle sizes and can create unique landforms like moraines.

Imagine a giant ice cream scoop scraping up different toppings (rocks and soil) as it moves. When the scoop melts, it drops these toppings in a new place, creating a mixed flavor (glacial deposit) on the ground.

(e) Soil particles carried by wind and subsequently deposited are known as aeolian deposits.

Aeolian deposits are formed when wind transports soil particles, especially in dry and arid regions. The wind can carry lighter particles over long distances and, when the wind slows down, these particles settle, creating sandy dune landscapes or fertile alluvial plains.

Think of blowing dandelion seeds through the air. Just like the seeds travel through the wind and settle down in new places, aeolian deposits happen when the wind moves soil particles and shifts them to different locations.

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