I. Earth Systems and Resources

STUDY GUIDE FOR SOIL

I. Earth Systems and Resources D. Soil and Soil Dynamics chapter 15 (Rock cycle; formation; composition; physical and chemical properties; main soil types; erosion and other soil problems; soil conservation)

1. Define soil-

2. What are the 4 distinct parts of soil?

3. List some reasons why soil is important to the environment.

4. What is the parent material of soil?

5. List some examples of Physical weathering-

Chemical weathering-

6. a. Describe different soil properties: Texture-

Structure-

Friability-

Porosity-

Permeability-

Shrink-swell potential-

Slope-

Depth-

Color- b. Which properties above are chemical and which are physical? 7. Describe the various soil horizons: O-horizon-

A-horizon-

B-horizon-

C-horizon-

8. Describe erosion and its importance to the environment.

9. Water erosion-describe the following: Splash-

Sheet-

Mass slippage-

Gully-

10. Wind erosion- describe the following: Saltation-

Suspension-