Earth Science Quiz Review

What is porosity?

• the ability of water to flow through a soil

• the ability of soil to hold back groundwater

• the empty space between particles (a percentage)

• water seeping into the ground

Soil with rounded particles have a ___________ porosity than angular or flatter particles because round particles can’t pack tightly together.

If the particles are the same shape, the size doesn’t matter → they will have the________ porosity

Porosity is dependent on

• particle shape

• packing

• mixture of sizes

• climate

What will reduce porosity?

• Mixed particles of different sizes and shapes

• Mixed particles that are the same size

• Mixed particles that are the same shape

What is permeability?

• the ability of soil to hold back groundwater

• the movement of groundwater upward into tiny spaces

• the ability of water to flow through a soil

As grain size increases, the permeability ______________ (takes less time for water to flow through soil)

Soil that is already full of water (saturated) or non-porous is considered ________________.

What is retention?

• the empty space between particles

• the ability of water to flow through a soil

• the ability of soil to hold back groundwater

What is capillarity?

• the ability of soil to hold back groundwater

• the movement of groundwater upward into tiny spaces

• the ability of water to flow through a soil