Soil scientists dig up large holes to expose soil profiles, social science homework help

For questions 1 to 16, select the correct answer and explain why it is the correct answer.

Soil scientists dig up large holes to expose soil profiles. A soil profile is:

The horizontal section that reveals the properties of soil horizons

The vertical section that exposes a set of soil horizons

The subsoil layer right above the bedrock

The section of water and dissolved minerals

The configuration of the land surface.

Answer: 

Soil horizons are:

The interphase between the atmosphere and the biosphere

The organic materials above the bedrock

The definite layers formed in the upper regolith

The layers of residual soil

The mineral materials originated in the subsoil

Answer: 

Which of the following IS NOT one of the five primary soil-forming factors?

Climate

Biota

Parent material

Time

Weather

Answer: 

An example of chemical weathering:

Microbial activity

Freezing

Heat

Wind abrasion

Thawing

Answer: 

Which of the following statements is NOT true about soil color?

Soil color may give clues about the content of organic matter in the soil

Soil color is the most obvious characteristic of a soil

Munsell color charts are used as a reference for color descriptions

Soil color has a considerable effect on the behavior of soils

Water content influences soil color 

Answer: 

What is the principle cause of a reddish or orange color in soils? 

Oxidized copper

Reduced copper

Oxidized iron

Oxidized magnesium

Reduced magnesium

Answer: 

What is a common cause of bluish-green colors in soils?

Toxic mineral content

High magnesium levels

Excess humus buildup

Poor drainage 

All of the above

Answer: 

What is the relationship between particle size and surface area is:

The larger the particle size, the smaller the surface area 

The larger the particle size, the larger the surface area

The smaller the particle size, the smaller the surface area

Particle size and surface area are not related

Both B and C are correct

Answer: 

Which property of water causes water droplets to form? 

Adhesion

Cohesion

Capillarity

Transpiration

Evaporation

Answer: 

Which property of water causes water to “stick” to other surfaces (like soil particles)? 

Adhesion

Cohesion

Capillarity

Transpiration

Evaporation

Answer: 

Hygroscopic water is that portion of the soil water that___________________.

Fills the tiny spaces between soil particles where it is held against gravity

Is the maximum amount of water that a soil will hold against gravity

Moves into the roots of plants before being lost to transpiration

Forms a thin film around soil particles and is unavailable to plants

Continues to move through the soil profile

Answer: 

Illuviation is defined as:

The zone of maximum leaching

A zone of accumulation from above

A zone of accumulation of organic matter

Dissolved mineral elements precipitating from the soil water

Mineral elements dissolving in the soil water

Answer: 

Eluviation is defined as:

The zone of maximum leaching

A zone of accumulation from above

A zone of accumulation of organic matter

Dissolved mineral elements precipitating from the soil water

Mineral elements dissolving in the soil water

Answer: 

Which ions will be able to move through the soil more rapidly?

Large ions

Small ions

Anions

Cations

Protons

Answer: 

What property of the ions in the previous question (#36) allows them to move more rapidly through the soil?

Size

Shape

Density

Positive charge

Negative charge

Answer: 

What is soil texture (3 points) and give two reasons why it is important (6 points)? Be specific and thorough in your answer

What is soil structure (3 points) and give two reasons why it is important (6 points)? Be specific and thorough in your answer.