Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Soils/Answer Key"
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==3. What are 5 key factors in soil formation?== | ==3. What are 5 key factors in soil formation?== | ||
==4. Define the following terms:== | ==4. Define the following terms:== | ||
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;a. A-Horizon: | ;a. A-Horizon: | ||
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;k. Parent Material: | ;k. Parent Material: | ||
;l. Pedologist: | ;l. Pedologist: | ||
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==5. Define the term "Soil Classification". Why are soils classified?== | ==5. Define the term "Soil Classification". Why are soils classified?== | ||
Revision as of 12:39, 9 June 2008
1. Define what "soil" means?
Soil is the naturally occurring, unconsolidated or loose covering of broken rock particles and decaying organic matter (humus) on the surface of the Earth, capable of supporting life. In simple terms, soil has three components: solid, liquid, and gas. The solid phase is a mixture of mineral and organic matter. Soil particles pack loosely, forming a soil structure filled with voids. The solid phase occupies about half of the soil volume. The remaining void space contains water (liquid) and air (gas). Soil is also known as earth: it is the substance from which our planet takes its name.
2. Where on earth is all soil located?
3. What are 5 key factors in soil formation?
4. Define the following terms:
- a. A-Horizon
- b. B-Horizon
- c. C-Horizon
- d. Organic layer
- e. Mineral layer
- f. Clay
- g. Leaching
- h. Silica
- i. Humus
- j. Soil Profile
- k. Parent Material
- l. Pedologist
5. Define the term "Soil Classification". Why are soils classified?
6. Discuss three differences between the following soil types:
a. Desert
b. Temperate
c. Tropical
7. Examine a 2-foot vertical section of soil. Label the different types of organic matter found, identify the different soil horizons, and mark the transition from the soil layer to the mineral layer.
8. Draw, photograph, or collect and correctly label 5 different soil types.
References
- http://soils.usda.gov/
- http://www.fao.org/WAICENT/FAOINFO/AGRICULT/AGL/agll/wrb/newkey.stm#DURISOLS
- Bloom, Arthur L. (1978). Geomorphology: A Systematic Approach of Late Cenozoic Landforms. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. ISBN 0-13-353086-8
- Press, Frank and Raymond Siever. (1978). Earth.W.H. Freeman & Company. San Francisco. ISBN 0-7167-0289-4.
