The Earth has undergone a long geological evolution, forming three main parts: the core, mantle, and crust. Among them, the crust is the most familiar part to people, mainly composed of rocks, which are aggregates of minerals. Minerals are composed of elements or compounds, which are the fundamental units of different substances on Earth. Although we cannot directly observe and identify elements or compounds with the naked eye, minerals and their aggregates formed through geological processes (such as rocks, gravel, soil, and mud) can be found everywhere in our daily lives.
The surface matrix can be regarded as the "skin" of the Earth, and together with the surface cover layer and underground resource layer, they constitute the complex environment of the Earth's surface. Understanding the composition, characteristics, and evolution process of surface matrix is of great significance for environmental protection, resource development, and geological research.
The concept and characteristics of surface matrix
According to the notice of the Ministry of Natural Resources on the overall plan for constructing a natural resource survey and monitoring system, surface matrix refers to a layer of solid material covering the Earth's surface, including soil, rocks, sediments, etc. It is the solid layer on the Earth's surface and the foundation for biological survival and ecosystem operation. Firstly, the surface matrix is composed of particulate matter with different particle sizes, compositions, and structures, possessing certain physical, chemical, and biological properties. It can be subdivided into different geological or geochemical units, such as soil layers, rock layers, sediment layers, etc.
The different characteristics and compositions of surface substrates reflect the diversity and evolutionary history of the Earth. The types and properties of surface substrates vary in different regions, and various landforms and ecosystems with different characteristics are formed due to the influence of geological, climatic, and biological factors. The formation of surface matrix undergoes a series of complex processes such as weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and biological processes. It has various functions, such as providing growth and nutrient media for plants, regulating water, maintaining sustainable agriculture and forest resources, supporting geological morphology, and regulating water cycle. The surface matrix plays an important regulatory role in factors such as water, nutrients, climate, vegetation, etc., and can regulate the storage and excretion of water, affecting hydrological cycling and groundwater formation. The surface matrix also provides habitats for various organisms, affecting the material cycle, energy flow, and stability of ecosystems.
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