Explain how the rate of soil formation can be accelerated.

Temperature controls the rates of chemical weathering (when water interacts with minerals in the rocks to create chemical reactions). Chemical weathering happens much faster in warm places like Northland than it does further south.

Warmer temperatures also mean more plant growth, soil organisms and litter decomposition

Increased moisture means more plant growth.

Rainwater washes materials off slopes.

Rain dissolves minerals and leaches them deeper into the soil.