Topography Its Influence on drainage, organic matter accumulation, and profile development

Summary Click on a number to look at the soil profile.

1 This soil developed on the hilltop which is relatively flat. Therefore the soil is relatively deep and well drained. It also received direct sun and is thus relatively dry, dominated by shrubs and to a lesser extent grasses. Image courtesy of the SSSA Marbut Memorial Slide Set.

2 This soil developed along the hillslope with a south facing aspect. Soils are eroding due to slope, and thus there is relatively less soil development. This soil is dominated by grasses and to a lesser extent shrubs. Image courtesy of Paul McDaniel.

3 This soil developed along the toeslope, somewhat flat, and still affected by its south facing aspect. The soil is somewhat wet as evident by the somewhat gray subsurface soil. This soil is dominated by grasses and some wetland plants. Image courtesy of Paul McDaniel.

4 This soil developed in the valley and is shaded by the northern slopes. Many soil materials, including mineral and organic matter, have eroded into this area. This area is low lying and thus wet. A high water table is present. Thus, the soil profile is relatively thick and dominated by wetland plants. Image courtesy of Paul McDaniel.

5 This soil developed on the north facing aspect, thus they are cooler temperature-wise as compared to the south facing soils. These soils support coniferous trees which deposit plant litter with an acidic pH. The litter accumulates on the surface and decompose slowly. When it does decompose, it releases acid which causes the breakdown and movement of soil materials out of the white, upper soil, and redeposits materials in the lower, darker soil. Image courtesy of Paul McDaniel.