Packet 1

Question 1

Earths Critical Zone

Answer 1

Portion of the planet extending from the top of the tallest vegetation to the bottom of groundwater.

Question 2

Water Cycle

Answer 2

Precipitation striking the land surface will either run off across the soil surface or infiltrate into the soil.

Question 3

Oxygen Cycle

Answer 3

Oxygen gas in the atmosphere enters the soil where it oxidizes organic carbon compounds, forming CO2. CO2 returns to the atmosphere, plats fixate CO2 and releases O2.

Question 4

Carbon Cycle

Answer 4

CO2 in the atmosphere is fixed into carbon compounds by plants during photosynthesis. When the plant dies, these compounds are returned to the soil.

Question 5

Soil Food Web

Answer 5

Carbon flows from primary producers through the primary, secondary, and higher-level consumers.

Question 6

Nutrient Cycles

Answer 6

Nutrient cycle between the plant and the soil in a closed loop.

Question 7

Geologic Cycle

Answer 7

Uplift brings rocks to the surface where they weather into soils. Erosion converts rocks into sediment that is deposited in oceans or continents which from sedimentary rocks.

Question 8

Thermal Energy Exchange

Answer 8

The transfer of heat throughout the soil, by radiation, conduction, and convection.

Question 9

Definition of Soil

Answer 9

Naturally occurring thin layer over the Earth’s crust that exist as an unconsolidated, porous medium composed of minerals, organic matter, and biomass formed by weathering and decomposition processes that is biologically active and varies spatially across the landscape and with depth.

Question 10

Soil Orders

Answer 10

Are the most inclusive taxonomic class, cover broad areas across the landscape and exhibit the greatest contrasts between themselves.