3.5 - Topography's Effect on Soil Formation

Topography has a strong influence on soil development. Soils on the side of hills tend to be shallow, due to erosional losses. Soils on the tops of hills tend to be deep, but lighter in color, due to downward leaching losses. Soils in the valleys tend to be deeper, darker, and contain more horizons. This is due to increased material deposition from hillside erosion, material accumulation from downward leaching from the tops of hills, and the collection of greater quantities of water in the low lying areas.

Read through the Topography slide show that describes topography’s influence on drainage, organic matter accumulation, and profile development.

Quiz

Question

In what area across a landscape would you likely find relatively flat, dark soils that are rich in organic matter with the potential for a high water table?

On the top of a hill

Incorrect: Soils developed in these areas tend to be relatively flat but well drained, thus the potential for a high water table is low.

On the slope of a hill

Incorrect: Soils developed in these areas tend to be shallow due to erosion, and they tend to not be flat or contain a high water table.

In valleys

Correct: Soils developed in these areas tend to be relatively flat, and contain dark soils that are rich in organic matter because many materials have been eroded into this area. Valley soils tend to be low lying and thus have the potential to contain a high water table.

Looks Good! Correct: Soils developed in these areas tend to be relatively flat, and contain dark soils that are rich in organic matter because many materials have been eroded into this area. Valley soils tend to be low lying and thus have the potential to contain a high water table.

Question

In what area across a landscape would you likely find shallow soils with little soil development?

On the top of a hill

Incorrect: Soils developed in these areas generally tend to be flat and deep with relatively extensive soil development.

On the slope of a hill

Correct: Soils developed in these areas tend to be shallow due to erosion, and thus they tend to have little soil development.

In valleys

Incorrect: Soils developed in these areas generally tend to be flat, deep, and dark with relatively extensive soil development.

Looks Good! Correct: Soils developed in these areas tend to be shallow due to erosion, and thus they tend to have little soil development.

Previous Page Next Page