Bedrocks

Bedrocks are generated by different geological activities, and it is essential to the simulation of SotE. The different types of Bedrock types can influence soil by either weathering locally and joining the soil column or exposed rock can be weathered by wind, liquid water, or glaciers and then transported to other locations. Some regions will have soils defined primarily by local rock types, others will be dominated by material deposited from far away locations, and most will be a mix of both.

Bedrock Types

Plutonic Rocks Generated by intrusive igneous activity. The most common rock class in mountains, they generally produce thin, mediocre local soils but can generate exceptional soil when weathered and transported elsewhere by wind, glacial activity, and water

Basic Plutonics Weathers to produce a high quantity of mineral-rich clays. Infrequently produces useable soil locally, but if the material is carried by wind, water, or glaciers, it provides rich mineral-rich subsidies to other locales. Acid Plutonics Weathers to produce some mineral nutrients. Locally produces thin, sandy soil, but alluvial forces frequently convert Acid Plutonics into good, mineral-rich, loamy soils on valley bottoms Mixed Plutonics A mix of both Acid and Basic plutonics. Locally produces thin, sand/clay soils. However, if it is converted by alluvial action, it will produce exceptional soils on valley bottoms

Volcanic Rocks Generated by extrusive igneous activity. Often produces very favourable soils when locally weathered material dominates. Soils are often, however, thin and fragile.

Basic Volcanics Very high mineral nutrients, but very vulnerable to top soil loss if left uncovered or abused. Produces soils that can have water retention issues depending on climate. Acid Volcanics Produces ideal soil for water retention if most soil material is local. Favourable mineral nutrients in temperate climates with low nutrient leeching. Mixed Volcanics Produces good soil for water retention, but vulnerable to erosion if left uncovered. High mineral nutrients. Produces exceptional soil in temperate climates, and still retains some mineral nutrients in tropical climates.

Classic Sedimentary Rocks A rock class that forms from the shattered and transported remains of igneous rocks. Sedimentary rocks, in general, tend to be geologically older and generally mineral poor in relation to their parent material.

Sandstone Sedimentary rock dominated by sand-sized grain. Resistance to weathering and if local material dominates, produces excessively drained, mineral poor, thin soils. Siltstone Dominated by silt-sized grains. Weathers easily. Produces soil favourable for water retention and drainage but very mineral poor. Soil is deep and resilient. Mudstone Dominated by clay-sized grains. Weathers easily. Produces deep soil of modest mineral richness, but severely compacts and drains poorly, frequently resulting in cracked soil and floods. Slate Siltstone or mudstone which has been metamorphized by heat and pressure, usually during a plate collision. It produces local sandy/clay soils of modest mineral richness, but when transported by wind, glaciers or water, can produce highly favourable loamy soils.

Biogenic Sedimentary Rocks Rocks which are produced from the carbonate remains of life forms.

Limestone Highly weatherable. Frequently results in karsts and caves. When locally weathered, generally produces the most favourable soil of all the sedimentary rocks due to favourable soil pH and soil texture. However, Limestone soils tend to produce the thinnest of all sedimentary rock soils. Limestone landscapes frequently are low elevation, but rugged. Marble Limestone which has been metamorphized by plate collisions. Shares similar soil qualities to its parent material, Limestone. However, marble is often considered a superior material in art and architecture, as it is easier to cut and sculpt than granite and resistant to staining.