Some question and concepts to consider for Test 2

1. Starting with some type of parent material (rock) how do we get to a soil which is capable of supporting plant life? TERMS: weathering, transport (wind, water), decomposition, organic matter, topography The above factors are soil forming processes but what are some major factors that are removal processes or that can take away soil? What is meant by the term soil texture and why is it so important in affecting the nature (fertility, permeability, structure) of a soil? I jokingly said soil conservation could be summed up in a single sentence: “keep it where it is and don’t degrade it.” Explain this. What is the big connection between soil conservation and water quality? Why are aquatic habitats both very productive and very threatened areas? In the water cycle there are places where water is stored and transported and then several ways in which humans interact with this (usually not positive ways). Explain. What can stream pattern, structure and land use tell us about the overall quality of the stream as aquatic habitat or for water quality? How do the following impact aquatic habitats: connection to floodplain, point source pollution, non-point source pollution, wetland loss, agriculture and development. Explain the basic process of water treatment and some limitations. Some question and concepts to consider for Test 2