Let's solve this step by step.
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Step 1: Understand the Soil Profile Layers
The soil profile is made up of several horizontal layers called
horizons. Each layer has distinct characteristics:
-
O – Organic Layer: Topmost layer, composed of organic material like leaves, twigs, and decomposed matter.
-
A – Topsoil: Rich in humus and nutrients; where most plant roots grow.
-
E – Eluviation Layer: Leached of minerals and organic matter; often lighter in color.
-
B – Subsoil: Contains accumulated minerals leached from upper layers; less organic matter.
-
C – Parent Rock: Partially broken-down rock material.
-
R – Bedrock: Solid rock beneath the soil.
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Step 2: Match Labels to the Diagram
From top to bottom in the diagram:
1.
Top layer (green) →
O – Organic layer
2.
Dark brown layer below O →
A – Topsoil
3.
Lighter layer below A →
E – Eluviation layer
4.
Layer with rocks and particles →
B – Subsoil
5.
Layer with larger broken rocks →
C – Parent rock
6.
Bottom solid rock layer →
R – Bedrock
So, matching from top to bottom:
- 1st line →
O
- 2nd line →
A
- 3rd line →
E
- 4th line →
B
- 5th line →
C
- 6th line →
R
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Step 3: Answer the Questions
Now let’s answer each question using the correct letter codes.
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1. The ________ horizon is located above the bedrock and contains less humus, soluble minerals, and organic matter.
- This describes the
subsoil (B), which lies above bedrock and contains leached materials.
-
✔ Answer: B
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2. The ________ horizon is mainly composed of organic materials such as dried leaves, grasses, small rocks, twigs, surface organisms and decomposed matter.
- This is the
organic layer (O).
-
✔ Answer: O
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3. The ________ horizon is also called the humus layer.
- The
topsoil (A) is rich in humus (decayed organic matter).
-
✔ Answer: A
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4. The ________ horizon is composed of nutrients leached from the O and A.
- The
eluviation layer (E) is where nutrients are washed down from the O and A horizons.
-
✔ Answer: E
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5. The ________ horizon is very compact and is made of granite, basalt and limestone.
- This is the
bedrock (R), which is solid rock.
-
✔ Answer: R
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6. The ________ horizon is devoid of any organic matter and is made up of broken bedrock.
- This is the
parent rock (C) — partially weathered rock with no organic matter.
-
✔ Answer: C
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7. The soil profile extends from the ________ surface to the rock material.
- It starts at the
organic surface, so it's the
O layer.
-
✔ Answer: O
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✔ Final Answers:
1.
B
2.
O
3.
A
4.
E
5.
R
6.
C
7.
O
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📌 Summary of Labeling (for the diagram):
From top to bottom:
-
O – Organic layer
-
A – Topsoil
-
E – Eluviation layer
-
B – Subsoil
-
C – Parent rock
-
R – Bedrock
This completes the task!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of soil profiles worksheet.