Which process occurs in areas lacking soil, such as after a volcanic eruption?

The process that occurs in areas lacking soil, such as after a volcanic eruption, is primary succession. This type of ecological succession begins in lifeless areas where there is no soil or organic matter present, allowing for the gradual development of a new ecosystem. When a volcanic eruption occurs, it can create bare rock or ash deposits where an ecosystem has previously existed. This creates an environment devoid of soil, necessitating the establishment of new plant life from pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, which can survive in harsh conditions.

These pioneer species break down the rock, helping to create soil over time, which eventually allows for more complex plant species to inhabit the area. Primary succession is characterized by this slow progression from bare rock to a fully developed ecosystem, highlighting the importance of soil formation in the establishment of plant life. This contrasts with secondary succession, which occurs in previously occupied areas after disturbances (like a forest fire) where soil and some organisms still exist.