Forensics Chapter 13 Soil Examination Vocabulary

Formation of soil through the actions of wind and water on rock.

• geology

• weathering

• decomposition

The finest soil particles that can absorb and hold water.

• clay

• humus

• sand

A cross section of horizontal layers, or horizons, which have distinct compositions and properties.

• silt

• sediment

• soil profile

Material in the uppermost layer of soil made up of decaying remains of plants and animals.

• humus

• silt

• top soil

Granules of fine rock particles.

• clay

• silt

• sand

A type of soil where particles are coarser than clay and finer than sand.

• silt

• dust

• minerals

A mixture of minerals, water, gases and the remains of dead organisms.

• humus

• soil

• sediment

Soil that has settled after having been transported to a new location by water, wine or glaciers.

• weathering

• soil profile

• sediment

A naturally occurring, crystalline solid formed over time.

• mineral

• salt

• sediment

The study of soil and rocks.

• Anthropologist

• Toxicologist

• Geologist