Answer:
1. Water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, and changes in temperature are all agents of weathering.
2. Soil is formed through the process of rock weathering. Weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles when in contact with water (flowing through rocks), air or living organisms. Weathering can occur physically, biologically or chemically.
3. Because Over thousands to many millions of years, the weathering and erosion of rocks affects Earth's surface features (that is, its topography), soil, nutrients on the land and in the ocean, and the composition of the atmosphere, which in turn affects global climate and ecosystems.
4. Because Soil is the basis for sustenance for 7 billion people. It preserves clean water and helps regulate the climate. Soil degradation reduces agricultural yields and threatens farmers' livelihoods. Soil that has been leached of its nutrients cannot support crops, or plants that prevent desertification.
