Answered: A well-developed soil will have all…

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)

9th Edition

ISBN:9780134746241

Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1LR

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Question

A well-developed soil will have all layers O, A, E, B & C on the top of the parent material, from top to down. See the soil horizons diagram. What has happened to the soil when you see the ‘O’ horizon, top soil, and “A” horizon are missing and the “E” horizon is exposed to the surface?

Condition	True	False
Soil is young or immature
Soil development is disturbed by erosion
The soil is leached
The soil is waterlogged
The soil salinized

A well-developed soil will have all layers O, A, E, B & C on the top of the parent material, from top to down. See the soil horizons diagram. What has happened to the soil when you see the E & B layers are missing in a soil profile?

Condition	True	False
Soil is young or immature
Soil development is disturbed by erosion
The soil is leached
The soil is waterlogged
The soil salinized

Transcribed Image Text:**Soil Profile Diagram** This illustration depicts a cross-section of soil layers, commonly referred to as soil horizons, which play a crucial role in understanding soil composition and formation processes. Here's a detailed explanation of each layer: 1. **O Horizon** - **Description**: Loose and partly decayed organic matter. - **Characteristics**: This topmost layer is rich in organic material, primarily composed of decomposed leaves and plants. It is crucial for nutrient cycling and supports plant growth. 2. **A Horizon** - **Description**: Mineral matter mixed with some humus. - **Characteristics**: Also known as topsoil, this layer contains a mix of organic materials and minerals. It is vital for root growth and forms the primary layer where most biological activity occurs. 3. **E Horizon** - **Description**: Zone of eluviation and leaching. - **Characteristics**: This layer is characterized by the downward movement of nutrients and minerals, a process known as leaching. It often appears lighter in color due to the loss of silicate clay, iron, or aluminum. 4. **B Horizon** - **Description**: Accumulation of clay, iron, and aluminum from above. - **Characteristics**: Known as the subsoil, this layer accumulates minerals leached from above layers and is typically denser. It plays a role in water retention and structural support. 5. **C Horizon** - **Description**: Partially altered parent material. - **Characteristics**: Comprising partly weathered rock or sediment, this layer has minimal organic material. It acts as the transition between soil and the unweathered bedrock below. 6. **R Horizon** - **Description**: Unweathered parent material. - **Characteristics**: This is the bedrock layer, serving as the material from which upper soil layers originate over time through weathering processes. The diagram illustrates these layers with respective thicknesses and material compositions, demonstrating the transition from organic-rich top layers to the solid bedrock base. The division into "Soil," "Regolith," and "Bedrock" highlights the functional distinction between the layers as related to soil development and ecological importance.

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