Soil Horizons Exploration
This worksheet explores the different layers of soil, known as soil horizons, their characteristics, and their importance in various ecosystems.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Soil Horizons Exploration
Name:
Date:
Score:
Read each question carefully and provide your best answer. Refer to the provided diagram where necessary.
Observe the soil profile diagram below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Which soil horizon is primarily composed of organic matter, such as decaying leaves and humus?
A Horizon
B Horizon
O Horizon
C Horizon
2. Which horizon is often referred to as the 'subsoil' and accumulates clay, iron, and aluminum oxides leached from above?
O Horizon
A Horizon
B Horizon
R Horizon
3. The process of leaching, where minerals and organic matter are transported downwards by water, is most prominent in the horizon.
4. The horizon consists of partially weathered parent material and lacks significant organic matter.
5. The R horizon is also known as bedrock and is the unweathered parent material.
True
False
6. The E horizon is characterized by an accumulation of organic matter and is typically dark in color.
True
False
7. Describe the key characteristics that differentiate the A horizon from the B horizon.
8. Explain the ecological importance of having distinct soil horizons in an ecosystem.