How is transported soil different from residual soil?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Transported soil is different from residual soil in terms of their formation, composition, and location. Transported soil is soil that has been moved from its original location by external forces such as water, wind, ice, or gravity. These soils are typically found in areas where the soil has been deposited through erosion or sedimentation processes. The transporting agents like rivers, glaciers, or wind carry the soil particles over long distances before depositing them in a new location. This movement can result in the soil having a different texture, mineral content, or fertility compared to the soil from the original location.
On the other hand, residual soil forms in place. It is the soil that develops directly from the weathering of the underlying bedrock. Over time, the parent rock breaks down due to physical, chemical, and biological processes, producing soil with characteristics similar to the bedrock it originated from. Residual soil is usually found in regions where the bedrock has undergone long-term weathering and the soil has not been transported from another area.
The major differences between these two types of soil include their texture and mineral content. Transported soil often has a more mixed composition, as the different types of particles (sand, silt, clay) have been sorted and deposited by water or wind. In contrast, residual soil typically reflects the properties of the underlying bedrock, meaning it may have more uniform mineral content. Additionally, transported soil can be more fertile because it may contain a mix of organic materials and minerals that have been deposited over time, whereas residual soil can be more weathered and may lack the nutrients found in transported soil.