Concept #6 Quiz

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Choose the best possible answer to the following questions about Key Concept 6 "The "soil profile" and soil taxonomy."

This activity contains 7 questions.

Which best describes the “soil profile” and its relevance to weathering?

Soil-forming processes occur laterally in the same layer, so different vertical profiles allows geologists to determine that variation from place to place. Soil-forming processes occur from the bottom-up. This causes vertical variations in soil composition, texture, structure, and color.Soil-forming processes occur from top-down. This causes vertical variations in soil composition, texture, structure, and color. Soil-forming processes occur in single layers at a time. This causes each layer to appear differently in composition, texture, structure, and color.

Which of the following lists places the soil horizons found in a temperate region in correct order, top to bottom?

O, B, C, E, AO, A, E, C, BO, E, A, B, CA, B, C, O, Enone of the above

Label the component parts of this typical soil profile by selecting the correct response. (Soil profile diagram © Prentice Hall, Inc.)

The letters A through E appear on an image associated with this question.

This question presents 5 items numbered 3.1 through 3.5. Each item is presented with a pulldown menu containing the letters A through E. For each item below, use the pull-down menu to select the letter that labels the correct part of the image.

3.1 mineral matter mixed with humus
3.2 partially altered parent material
3.3 loose and partly decayed organic matter
3.4 parent material (bedrock)
3.5 zone of eluviation and leaching

Which horizon(s) of the soil profile involve(s) “washed-out” soil and leaching of soluble materials, and why?

The E (eluviation) horizon – water percolation is prevalent in this horizon. The “topsoil” horizons – it is the top layers of the soil profile where water percolation is important. The O (organic) horizon – it has a high proportion of organic material, and water interacts with it. The A and O horizons – it is “topsoil” where most of the water is found.

Which horizon is mostly rock, and why?

C – it is the bottom of the profile, immediately above unaltered rock. E – fine particles are unaltered pieces of rock. B – it is clay rich, and just above the layer that includes small pieces of rock. O – the organic rich layer is otherwise unaltered rock.

Match each of the indicated world soil orders with their corresponding description.

A matching question presents 7 answer choices and 7 items. The answer choices are lettered A through G. The items are numbered 6.1 through 6.7. Screen readers will read the answer choices first. Then each item will be presented along with a select menu for choosing an answer choice. Using the pull-down menus, match each item in the left column to the corresponding item in the right column.

	Organic soils with little or no climatic implications.
	Soils that represent the products of long periods of weathering.
	Young soils in which the parent material is volcanic ash and cinders.
	Young soils having limited development and exhibiting properties of the parent material.
	Moderately weathered soils that form under boreal forests or broadleaf deciduous forests.
	Dark, soft soils that have developed under grass vegetation, generally found in prairie areas.
	Soils found only in humid regions on sandy material.

6.1 Histosols
6.2 Andisols
6.3 Alfisols
6.4 Entisols
6.5 Mollisols
6.6 Spodosols
6.7 Ultisols

Do all soils have horizons? Why or why not?

No – there is usually enough time to form layers, regardless of the climate.No – if time is short, no layers are established. Yes – if time is long, no layers are established. Yes – there is always enough time for layers to be established.

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