Soils And Geomorphology

Question 1

Define geomorphology

Answer 1

The scientific study of landscapes and land forms on the earth’s surface and the processes is acting on them

Question 2

Characteristics of the Active layer in a permafrost environment

Answer 2

The surface layer characterized by freezing and thawing on a seasonal basis

Question 3

Define aggradation

Answer 3

Filling in a stream channel with sediment usually associated with low discharges and or heaving sediment loads

Question 4

Scouring and downcutting of a stream channel usually associated with high discharges

Answer 4

Degradation

Question 5

Erodibility

Answer 5

The relative susceptibility of a soil to erosion

Question 6

The k-factor

Answer 6

US soil conservation service term for a value used in the universal soil loss equation representing relative erodibility

Question 7

Erosion

Answer 7

The removal of rock debris through moving water, wind, or glaciers.

Question 8

Geomorphic system

Answer 8

A physical system comprised of an assemblage of landforms linked together by Geomorphic processes

Question 9

What is a hard pan soil layer and how is it formed

Answer 9

A cemented layer in the soil usually 2 to 4 feet under the surface. Formed chemically by lime, iron, or silicate materials deposited at the same level and cementing the soil particles together.

Question 10

Define mass wasting

Answer 10

The movement of rock and soil down slope under the influence of gravity. Examples include rockfalls, slumps, debris flows.

Question 11

What events can cause mass wasting

Answer 11

Can be caused by rain fall, seismic activity

Question 12

How is a moraine Landform formed

Answer 12

Comprised of material left behind by a moving glacier usually soil and rock

Question 13

Soil types from smallest to largest

Answer 13

Clay (0.002 mm or smaller)
Silt (0.002 - 0.05)
Sand (2 - 0.05)

Question 14

Describes the soil changes from soil to semisolid to plastic to liquid as water is added to dry soil

Answer 14

Atterberg limits

Question 15

Moisture content in the soil at the threshold between semi solid and plastic

Answer 15

Plastic limit

Question 16

Moisture content in the soil at the threshold between plastic and liquid.

Answer 16

Liquid limit

Question 17

Moisture content in the soil at the threshold between solid and semisolid

Answer 17

Shrinkage limit

Question 18

Symptoms of compacted soils

Answer 18

Poor aeration, reduced infiltration. Caused by the space between soil particles being greatly reduced or eliminated

Question 19

What would cause a blueish tint in a soil

Answer 19

Anaerobic soils (conditions resulting from a restriction of oxygen in the soil)

Question 20

Bearing capacity

Answer 20

The measure of the soil to decrease in volume under the pressure of a given weight

Question 21

The minimum moisture content at which a soil will flow under its own weight

Answer 21

Liquid limit

Question 22

The ability of a soil to return to its original shape after being subjected to a load condition

Answer 22

Soil elasticity

Question 23

Surficial geology

Answer 23

Concerning the study of materials near or at the earths surface

Question 24

What can be learned from boreholes on site

Answer 24

Depth to bedrock

Question 25

Hydric soil

Answer 25

Soil which is either permanently or periodically saturated with water

Question 26

Soils devoid of oxygen most often occurs in wetlands

Answer 26

Anaerobic

Question 27

Soil particles transported by wind

Answer 27

Aeolian

Question 28

A type of soil with characteristics resulting from prolong saturation and anaerobic conditions

Answer 28

Hydric soil

Question 29

Shear strength

Answer 29

The ability of a soil to hold together under pressure from a downhill force

Question 30

Which soil texture type is most susceptible to erosion

Answer 30

Silt

Question 31

Soil amendments that increase pH (make it less acidic)

Answer 31

``` Lime Wood ash Oyster shells Calcium nitrate Industrial CO (burned lime) ```

Question 32

Soil amendments that decrease pH (make it less alkaline)

Answer 32

``` Pine needles/sawdust Iron sulfate Calcium sulfate Sulfur/sulfuric acid Acidic Peat Aluminum Sulphate ```

Question 33

Ideal pH range for maximum absorption of nutrients

Answer 33

5.5-6.5

Question 34

Resistance to crushing or buckling force

Answer 34

Compressive strength

Question 35

The method of mechanically increasing the density of soil by reducing the total pore space

Answer 35

Compaction

Question 36

Angle of repose

Answer 36

Steepest angle before slumping

Question 37

Angle of repose of drained sand

Answer 37

33%

Question 38

Angle of repose of boulders

Answer 38

45%

Question 39

Angle of repose of loam

Answer 39

45%

Question 40

What percentage make up of sand/silt/clay makes loam?

Answer 40

20% clay 40% silt 40% sand

Question 41

What is a good NPK ratio?

Answer 41

3-1-2

Question 42

A high pH would mean a soil is -

Answer 42

Alkaline

Question 43

A low pH would mean a soil is -

Answer 43

Acidic

Question 44

What test should be performed to determine the maximum density of a soil

Answer 44

Proctor test

Question 45

Typical features and causes of alkaline soils

Answer 45

pH 7-14 | usually associated with areas of lower rainfall, micronutrients may be less available