Based on the topography and materials around us, we can observe and record various aspects of climate, weathering processes, and soil characteristics.

Topography acts as a passive control factor influencing soil formation. The amount of exposure of a surface to sunlight and the extent of surface and sub-surface drainage determine soil development. Soils are thin on steep slopes due to erosion, while they are thick over flat upland areas. Over gentle slopes where erosion is slow and water percolation is good, soil formation is very favourable.

Climate is an important active factor in soil formation. The climatic elements involved include moisture (intensity, frequency and duration of precipitation, evaporation and humidity) and temperature (seasonal and diurnal variations). These elements influence the rate and nature of weathering processes.

Regarding weathering processes, there are three major groups: chemical, physical or mechanical, and biological weathering processes. Very rarely does any one process operate completely by itself, but often a dominance of one process can be observed.

Soil characteristics depend on parent materials. The nature and rate of weathering and depth of weathering mantle are important considerations. Young soils show strong links with the type of parent rock. Soils over flat areas may develop a thick layer of clay with good accumulation of organic matter, giving the soil a dark colour. Soil is a dynamic medium where chemical, physical and biological activities occur constantly.