Soils
Courtesy of US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
How do soils differ in different locations around the world? The formation of soil is impacted by the climate in the region. Values of temperature, precipitation, vegetation, and the presence of animal life will either accelerate or compromise the development of the soil in the area. You can see from the image above that many different soils exist in different climates. For this assignment, you will research and draw a soil profile for each of the five environments listed below.
Soil Environments
- Polar
- Temperate
- Tropical
- Desert
- Volcanic
Each soil profile should be drawn as accurately as possible using the Soil Profiles Template. You will need to color the profile, and ensure that your drawing is a good representation of the soil found at that climate. As you complete your drawings, make sure to include plant roots, rock fragments, and any other objects that are present in the soil. You will need to label each soil horizon including the climate that the profile represents. You soil profiles should be attractive and well-organized.
To help you get started on this activity, view Soils Around the World from eMediaVA℠. This activity will introduce you to all of the types of soils that form at different climates. To learn about all of the soil types, click on the link provided and follow all of the on-screen instructions.
Before you begin, access the Soil Profiles Checklist to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit. You will need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment so, please submit a Works Cited document. If you need assistance, visit the Developmental Module for information on citing any resources that you used.
Options to create your travel advertisement include the following:
- Hand-draw the assignment and then take a picture of it for submission to the assignment’s dropbox.
- Hand-draw the assignment and then scan it for submission to the assignment’s dropbox.
- Create a new file in a paint or graphics program and utilize the software to create the profiles You can then submit your work to the assignment’s dropbox.
- Use a mobile or computer-based application to create the profiles. Then, email or export the final product for submission to the assignment’s dropbox.
Once you have completed the soil profiles, please submit your profiles and Works Cited document to the dropbox.