Soil Formation and Erosion

When plants, animals, and other organisms die, they break down and become part of the soil. What is this part of the soil called?

• sand

• silt

• clay

• humus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Soil formation begins with the weathering of_______

• Humas

• Subsoil

• Litter

• Rock

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which horizon contains clay, silt, and minerals, and is commonly referred to as subsoil?

• Horizon A

• Horizon B

• Horizon C

• Horizon D or R

The deep, underlying non-soil materials

• B horizon

• E horizon

• O horizon

• Bedrock

Which soil component has the least capacity for holding water?

• silt

• clay

• sand

• humus

You dig a small hole in the soil and the next day it rains. The hole fills with water, but does not empty even after several days of dry weather. What is the soil mostly made of?

• clay

• sand

• humus

• silt

Which process is primarily responsible for the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles during soil formation?

• Erosion

• Weathering

• Sedimentation

• Compaction

What is the main component of soil that provides nutrients to plants?

• Sand

• Silt

• Clay

• Humus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which type of soil is most likely to experience erosion due to water runoff?

• Clay

• Sandy

• Loamy

• Peaty

In an experiment, a soil sample is placed in a funnel and water is poured over it. The water quickly drains through the soil. What type of soil is this likely to be?

• Clay

• Silt

• Sand

• Loam

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4