Animating the biodynamics of soil thickness using process vector analysis: a dynamic denudation approach to soil formation

Drawing on these relationships, we employ a graphic-conceptual device called process vector analysis in a digital animation (see supplementary materials or cf. https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/jdomier/www/temp/biomantle.html) that illustrates the main pathways that form both Earth's soil and its unique epidermis, the biomantle. We then discuss the main elements of the animation using still frames that represent thickness turning points. We end by encouraging researchers, instructors and students to view Earth's landforms and soils as integrated dynamic entities that are constantly coevolving elements of a global subaerial-subaqueous continuum.