Biosphere

Question 1

Gley

Answer 1

-Poorly drained horizon due to waterlogging
-Blue mud- blue colour due to gleying
-Unstratified- vertical mixing due to freeze thaw
-Lack of drainage due to impermeable clay or permafrost
-Possible red mottling as pockets of air re-oxygenise the Fe²O³

Question 2

Podzol

Answer 2

-Lack of soil biota due to low temperatures
-Iron pan can impede drainage and cause waterlogging
-Shallow root system can’t reach nutrients
-Light Ash grey A horizon due to leaching
-Sandy texture of A horizon allows water to pass through

Question 3

Brown Earth

Answer 3

-Rapid decomposition due to earthworms and mild temperatures
-Well weathered parent material broken up by tree roots and warmer temperatures
-Dark brown A horizon due to humus staining from above
-Well aerated A horizon due to tunnelling organisms
-Merged horizons due to tunnelling organisms
-Lighter brown B horizon due to less humus

Question 4

Anagrams

Answer 4

SILLS- Podzol
PLUMB- Gley
MADLAW- Brown Earth