Eluvium

/ɪˈluːviəm/ noun

Definition

Weathered rock material and minerals that have accumulated in place at Earth's surface through chemical breakdown by exposure to air and water.

Etymology

From Latin 'eluvies' (things washed out), derived from 'eluere' (to wash out), referring to material that results from place-based weathering rather than transportation.

Kelly Says

Eluvium is what's left when a rock stops being a rock—it's the intermediate stage between solid stone and soil, and it's absolutely crucial for soil formation that feeds every plant on Earth.

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