Soil is considered part of the **[[Geosphere|geosphere]]**. It is a key component of the solid Earth system, which includes all rocks, minerals, sediments, and molten material on the planet's surface and in its interior. Soil serves as an interface layer, specifically the [[Pedosphere|pedosphere]], interacting with the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.  - Definition: The geosphere includes the Earth's interior, crust, surface landforms, sediments, and soil. - Formation: Soil forms from the weathering of rock and decomposition of organic matter, both of which are processes rooted in the geosphere. - [[Role]]: It provides the foundation for land-based ecosystems. While often treated as part of the solid earth, soil is frequently recognized as a thin, crucial surface layer (the pedosphere) that interacts deeply with the biosphere (living things) and hydrosphere (water). ---