Cranfield University

Recognising types of soil - Quiz

Answer each question below, then choose Check answers to see your score. You can reveal the correct responses after marking.

1 How many layers of soil are there?

Just the browny black layer seen when digging the garden Usually several layers below the topsoil Hundreds, all the way to the Earth's centre

2 Which of these cause soil to form?

Natural, gradual breakdown of underlying rock Events such as volcanic explosions and earthquakes The action of water and ice All of the above

3 What is the name we give to layers of soil?

Horizons Sandwiches Profiles Layers

4 Why is the top layer of soil, the A horizon, usually much darker than lower layers?

As it is burned by the sun As the air reaches it As it contains more organic material?

5 The B horizon, immediately below the topsoil, tends to look very different. Is it...

Much darker brown Much coarser in structure Full of earthworms

6 What is the C horizon?

The soil layer above unaltered rock or sediment The outline of the land where it meets the sky The actual bedrock

7 What is a soil profile?

Vertical sectioning of the soil from the surface to bedrock? A written description of the appearance of the soil A cartoon about soil

8 Why has Soil-net introduced a number of soil walks?

Because walking is good for you To give you something to do at weekends To help you recognise soil types All of the above

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