SOIL ON SOIL
Erosion
Weathering
SOIL CONSERVATION
MYSTERY
100
Which soil layer is made of weathered rock and sits just above the bedrock?
Parent Material
100
This agent of erosion works by scrapping bedrock then leaving it exposed when it melts away.
Glaciers
100
In a hot desert, rocks heat up during the day and cool quickly at night. The constant expansion and contraction causes pieces of the rock’s surface to flake off.
Thermal expansion
100
Name two ways that humans cause soil erosion.
Construction and farming
100
These organisms burrow holes in the ground that create lungs for the soil allowing air and roots to freely travel through.
Earthworms
200
Organic material consisting of dead animals and plants that are decomposing to provide soil with nutrients is called
Humus
200
This is the process of dropping off weathered sediments and materials.
Deposition
200
When oxygen reacts with metals found in rock to form rust
oxidation
200
What is the purpose of soil conservation? Why does it matter?
Soil is nonrenewable.
200
How has soil improved human health?
Medicines
300
This is the first step in the process of soil
Bedrock is exposed and weathered
300
What agent of erosion is at fault for a mudslide?
Gravity
300
What type of weathering involves roots from plants?
A. Mechanical
B. Psychological
C. Chemical
D. Creative mode
A. Mechanical
300
Name two methods for soil conservation
Vegetation
rocks
mulch
terracing
wind breaks
300
What comes first weathering or erosion?
Weathering
400
This layer is considered the most valuable layer of soil holding a majority of the nutrients soil needs.
Topsoil
400
A farmer plants corn every year on a steep hillside. Heavy spring rains wash away the top layer of dark, rich soil. Over time what will happen to his crops?
They will be weaker and less healthy.
400
It’s winter in the mountains. River water seeps into tiny cracks in the rocks during the day. At night, the temperature drops below freezing. The water turns to ice, expands, and widens the cracks a little more each night.
ice wedging
400
Scientists estimate that it takes around 100 years for __________ of soil to form.
half a centimeter
400
Which layer of soil has the least amount of humus or organic material?
Bedrock
500
What layer of soil experiences the most erosion?
topsoil
500
This is the term that describes the methods scientist use to prevent soil erosion.
Soil conservation
500
At the base of an old volcano, dark lava rocks are breaking apart. Rainwater running down the slopes contains dissolved gases from nearby hot springs. Moss and lichens are growing on the rock surfaces. When the temperature drops at night, cracks appear and small pieces chip off.
Question:
Identify at least two types of weathering happening here and explain how each one is affecting the rocks.
Biological, chemical, ice wedge
500
What farming method uses steps built into slopes to slow water erosion?
Terracing
500
Layers of soil are also known as.....
Horizons