What is Soil?

What was the main reason for the significant reduction in the size of the Aral Sea?

• Increased natural evaporation due to climate change

• Diversion of river water for agricultural irrigation

• A sudden geological shift in the region

• Overfishing by local communities

What environmental problem resulted from the exposed seabed of the shrinking Aral Sea, carrying pollutants across the region?

• Increased rainfall and flooding

• Massive dust storms

• Growth of new, fertile ecosystems

• A decrease in regional temperatures

How long does it take for a few centimeters of prime farmland topsoil to form?

• About 50 years

• About 100 years

• About 500 years

• About 1000 years

Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor that influences soil development and distribution?

• Climate

• Vegetation

• Human activity

• Topography

What is soil? Why is it important?