Parent Material Parent material - the unconsolidated matter like that from which the soil solum developed by pedogenic processes. In general, the younger the soil is the greater the influence of soil properties to the parent material. As weathering and pedogenic processes proceed, the influence of parent material on soil properties decreases. Often such material has been subjected to long and intense weathering. The material is of local origin.
Rock fragments are angular.
Unweathered alluvium is usually stratified. Rock fragments are usually rounded. Unconsolidated marine sediments - material deposited in oceans. Unconsolidated marine sediments are usually stratified, and rock fragments are very rounded. The material has been transported a long distance.