soil mechanics Study of the mechanical properties of loose or unconsolidated particles, especially their composition, shear resistance, and the effects of water. It is applied to soils to determine their suitability for building sites, mining, etc., and to engineering problems dealing with the stability of foundations due to mechanical and chemical weathering of rocks. See SHEAR STRENGTH.

soil formation The action of the combined primary (weathering and humification) and secondary processes to alter and to rearrange mineral and organic material to form soil, involving the differentiation of soil profiles and the formation of loose soil from consolidated rock material. See also PEDOGENESIS.

soil formation The action of the combined primary (weathering and humification) and secondary processes to alter and to rearrange mineral and organic material to form soil, involving the differentiation of soil profiles and the formation of loose soil from consolidated rock material. See also pedogenesis.

soil formation The action of the combined primary (weathering and humification) and secondary processes to alter and to rearrange mineral and organic material to form soil, involving the differentiation of soil profiles and the formation of loose soil from consolidated rock material. See also PEDOGENESIS.