Soil Formation

The cross section below represents zones of soil labeled A, B, and C. Letter D represents underlying bedrock. Which letter identifies the zone having the most organic and weathered material?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The rate of soil development in tropical areas is usually greater than the rate of soil development in arctic areas because tropical areas have

• A) less chemical weathering and a scarcity of living organisms

• B) less chemical weathering and an abundance of organisms

• C) more chemical weathering and a scarcity of living organisms

• D) more chemical weathering and an abundance of living organisms

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What are two major factors that control the development of soil in a given location?

• A) vegetative cover and slope

• B) tectonic activity and elevation

• C) erosion and transpiration

• D) bedrock composition and climate

The formation of soil is primarily the result of

• A) stream erosion and mass movement

• B) stream deposition and runoff

• C) precipitation and wind erosion

• D) weathering and biological activity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Humus, which is formed by the decay of plant and animal matter, is important for the formation of most

• A) soils

• B) minerals

• C) sediment

• D) surface bedrock

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which substance found in a soil sample collected in an arid region would most likely be absent in a soil sample collected in a humid region?

• A) rock salt

• B) quartz

• C) obsidian

• D) pyroxene

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which factor has the most influence on the development of soil?

• A) climate

• B) longitude

• C) amount of rounded sediment

• D) slope of the landscape