4.2 & 4.3 Soil Formation and Erosion

Question 1

Weathering

Answer 1

the physical, chemical, and biological processes that convert large rock particles into smaller particles

Question 2

Parent Material

Answer 2

Original rocks broken down to form the basis of soil

Question 3

What factors contribute to soil formation?

Answer 3

Type of parent material, climate, topography, biological factors, and time

Question 4

Humus

Answer 4

dark, spongy, crumbly mass of material made of complex organic compounds

Question 5

Leeching

Answer 5

Soil particles suspended or dissolved in liquid are transported to another location

Question 6

Erosion

Answer 6

the removal of material from one place and its transport to another by the action of wind or water

Question 7

Deposition

Answer 7

the arrival of eroded soil at a new location

Question 8

Soil Horizon

Answer 8

a distinct layer of soil

Question 9

Sand

Answer 9

does not adhere to one another, 0.05-2mm (very porous)

Question 10

Silt

Answer 10

powdery when dry, smooth when wet, 0.002-0.05 mm

Question 11

Clay

Answer 11

readily adhere to each other, sticky when moist, <0.0002 mm (impermeable)

Question 12

O Horizon

Answer 12

Organic material; living things carry on life activities. Contains carbon with millions of dead plant and animal organisms that are slowly decomposing. Takes 100-600 yrs to form

Question 13

A Horizon

Answer 13

Topsoil containing humus, organic matter, roots, worms, insects, and other living organisms, small rock and mineral fragments, dark in color

Question 14

B Horizon

Answer 14

The subsoil, contains some roots and other living organisms, materials leached by water from the A horizon, clay, rock fragments, minerals. Lighter in color than topsoil

Question 15

C Horizon

Answer 15

Weathered Plant rock, materials leeched by water from B horizon, partly weathered rock fragments. Organish, yellow color

Question 16

E Horizon

Answer 16

Eluviated (leaching layer), minerals and organic matter tend to leach out of this horizon

Question 17

R Horizon

Answer 17

Rock (Parent material), bedrock, lava, etc.

Question 18

Porosity

Answer 18

how big spaces are between particles; bigger pores hold more air and water

Question 19

Permeability

Answer 19

how fast air and water will move through soil; bigger pores and nutrients means faster movement

Question 20

Loam

Answer 20

a mix of soil particles/types, will have medium porosity and permeability

Question 21

Arrange the three soil particles from biggest to smallest

Answer 21

Sand, Silt, Clay