AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Soil Formation and Erosion
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
How do soils contribute to the protection of water quality?
Soils protect water quality by effectively filtering and cleaning water as it moves through the soil layers.
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How do soils contribute to the protection of water quality?
Soils protect water quality by effectively filtering and cleaning water as it moves through the soil layers.
Why would a conservationist argue that preventing soil erosion is critical for maintaining a clean local water supply?
Because soils filter and clean water, protecting them from erosion ensures they remain in place to maintain the quality of water that moves through them.
If a construction site leaves large piles of loose dirt uncovered, what environmental problem could be caused by a heavy rainstorm?
The rain could cause significant soil erosion, washing the soil into nearby waterways and negatively impacting water quality.
What two factors are used to categorize soils into different horizons?
Soils are categorized into horizons based on their composition and the amount of organic material they contain.
Explain the relationship between weathering and soil formation.
Weathering is the initial step in soil formation where parent material is broken down into smaller particles that can then be transported and deposited.
What is the fundamental process of soil formation?
Soils are formed when parent material is weathered, transported, and deposited.
What are the two primary natural forces that cause soil erosion?
The two primary forces that cause soil erosion are winds and water.
What is parent material in the context of soil formation?
Parent material is the original geologic material that is weathered to form the basis of soil.
What are soil horizons?
Soil horizons are the distinct layers that soils are categorized into based on their composition and organic material.
Describe the general characteristics of soil.
Soil is formed from weathered parent material and is characterized by distinct layers, or horizons, based on composition and organic content.