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Geology & Earth Sciences vocabulary · Soil

Soil profile

Meaning in geology & earth sciences, with examples

nounCommon term

In geology & earth sciences, soil profile means: A vertical section through a soil from the surface down to the rock beneath, showing its different layers, called horizons.

In Turkish: toprak profili

How it is used

Soil scientists dig a soil pit or use a road cut to describe a soil profile, recording the depth, colour, texture and structure of each horizon. Profiles are compared to classify soils and judge how old and well developed they are.

Example sentences

  1. We dug a pit to describe the soil profile down to 1.5 metres.

  2. A mature soil profile shows clear horizons from top to bottom.

Common collocations

  • describe a soil profile
  • soil profile description
  • soil pit
  • a well-developed soil profile
  • soil horizonOne of the distinct layers in a soil profile, roughly parallel to the surface, that differs from the others in colour, texture or composition.
  • soilThe loose top layer of the land surface, made of weathered rock particles, organic matter, water and air, in which plants grow.
  • topsoilThe upper layer of soil, usually the top 5 to 30 cm, which is rich in organic matter and holds most plant roots and soil organisms.
  • parent materialThe rock or loose sediment from which a soil develops through weathering. Its minerals strongly affect the soil's texture, colour and fertility.

More terms: Soil

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