Clivilian Soil

AI-Guided Terraforming Enzymes: The discovery of the soil's unique properties are the result of AI-guided terraforming enzymes that are designed to catalyse the formation of fertile soil from barren land. These enzymes, controlled by CLIVE, can rapidly alter soil composition to suit specific plants, breaking down inorganic matter to create a nutrient-rich environment. This process is highly efficient and can be activated by specific signals, such as the introduction of a seed or exposure to a particular frequency of light.

First Layer: The Fine Dust

Name: This layer is colloquially known as "The Veil" due to its propensity to obscure the fertile layers below, much like a veil hides what lies beneath.
Composition: "The Veil" is comprised of fine, particulate matter, including mineral dust, organic detritus, and remnants of terraforming agents that have broken down over time. Its composition varies significantly, ranging from silicate minerals to bioengineered particles designed to protect the underlying layers from solar radiation and wind erosion. The interchangeable use of "dust" and "sands" by the characters reflects the layer's varying texture, which can range from powdery fine dust to coarser, sand-like particles.
Depth Range: A few inches to a few feet (about 2.5 cm to 60 cm).
Function: Acts as a protective and insulating layer, also aiding in moisture capture from the atmosphere. Its variability in depth allows for different degrees of protection and insulation in various zones, accommodating areas of high activity or interest with a thicker layer for added protection.
Role and Interplay: This layer serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it acts as a protective barrier, shielding the terraforming enzymes and the fertile soil beneath from direct exposure to the harsh environment. Additionally, it's designed to be a filter, capturing moisture from the atmosphere and slowly percolating it down to the more fertile layers below. The AI-guided terraforming enzymes occasionally rise to this layer to repair and maintain its integrity, ensuring that it remains conducive to its protective and nurturing roles.

Second Layer: The Thick Crust

Name: Known as "The Shield," this layer serves as a critical transition between the fine dust above and the living soil below.
Composition: "The Shield" is a denser, more cohesive layer than "The Veil," composed of compacted minerals, bioengineered binding agents, and a matrix of dormant terraforming enzymes. These enzymes are encased in protective capsules that activate when conditions—such as moisture level, pressure, or chemical composition—change, signalling the presence of organic activity or the need for layer maintenance.
Depth: Consistently around 1 to 3 feet (about 30 cm to 90 cm). Function: Serves as a barrier and regulatory layer, ensuring the stability of the environment above and nurturing conditions below. Its consistent depth reflects its role as a reliable and robust intermediary, preventing the rapid erosion of the fertile soil beneath and filtering water and nutrients down to "The Cradle."
Role and Interplay: Its primary function is to act as a physical and biological barrier, protecting the delicate processes of the soil layer from external disruptions. This layer filters and regulates the flow of water and nutrients downward, preventing erosion and leaching of the fertile soil. The encapsulated enzymes within "The Shield" can also actively modify its composition, becoming more permeable when beneficial or sealing off when threatened by toxins or invasive species.
Third Layer: The Living Soil
Name: This layer is affectionately termed "The Cradle" by those who understand its vital role in supporting life.
Composition: "The Cradle" is a rich, organic matrix teeming with life and the fruits of the AI-Guided Terraforming Enzymes' labor. It is a complex blend of bioengineered soil aggregates, organic matter, microorganisms, and a network of active terraforming enzymes. These enzymes continuously work to optimise the soil's structure, nutrient content, and microbiome to support rapid plant growth and ecosystem development.
Depth Range: 3 to 6 feet (about 90 cm to 180 cm) or more.
Function: This is the most vital layer for supporting plant life and the ecosystem's foundation. The depth ensures there's ample room for a wide variety of plant roots to grow, for microbial ecosystems to flourish, and for the AI-Guided Terraforming Enzymes to operate effectively. The considerable depth supports long-term sustainability and resilience of the ecosystem, allowing for the development of complex root systems and ensuring enough space for the enzymes to maintain soil health.
Role and Interplay: "The Cradle" is the heart of the terraforming process, where the true magic of life support happens. It directly supports plant growth by providing a nutrient-rich environment, optimised moisture retention, and a robust microbial community essential for plant health. The active terraforming enzymes within this layer are in constant communication with the AI that guides them, adjusting the soil's properties in real-time based on environmental cues and the needs of the plants growing within it.