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Why is dirt brown? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Did you know that some dirt is not brown?? – In some places, the dirt of the Earth (also known as “soil”) is other colors… everything from red shades, to blues, to yellows, black, and more!
Regardless of its color, soil gets its color from what is in it! Soil and dirt are made naturally by the way organic matter on our planet decomposes. What that means is that all organic matter that was once living (such as dead tree leaves, food scraps, twigs, and more) breaks down over time into soil that is naturally rich in minerals.
Soil gets its specific color from the items in it that have decomposed over time and the minerals they’ve left behind! Different colors or shades indicate different minerals as well as varying conditions such as wetness, or how much oxygen the soil is able to get!
A lesson in dirt!
Soil is often classified using a special color-chart known as the Munsell Color System.
Next time you’re outside, take a close look at the color of the soil in your yard or at the playground. Then, when you’re at a different location, take a look at the soil in the new spot.
Do the two soils look exactly the same, or are they different? What do you think might account for the specific similarities or differences??
