C HORIZON Meaning and
Definition
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The C horizon, also referred to as the parent material horizon, is a specific layer in the soil profile that lies beneath the B horizon and above the bedrock or unweathered material. It is a portion of the soil profile that plays a crucial role in the formation and development of soil.
The C horizon consists of weathered rock or fragments of bedrock that have undergone limited alteration. It can also include deposits of unaltered material, such as silt or sand. This layer tends to be harder and more compacted compared to the upper layers of the soil profile due to the presence of relatively less organic matter and more dense particles.
The C horizon represents the transition zone between the mineral-rich parent material and the underlying bedrock. It is typically characterized by the absence or minimal occurrence of plant roots, as the soil conditions and compactness often impede root penetration.
In terms of soil formation, the C horizon plays a significant role as it provides the initial material for weathering and subsequent soil development. Over time, with the influence of climate, topography, and biological activity, the C horizon can gradually transform into other soil horizons, such as the B horizon, through various processes like leaching and accumulation of minerals.
Understanding the characteristics and composition of the C horizon is crucial for soil scientists, agronomists, and environmentalists, as it helps determine the soil's fertility, drainage capacity, and overall suitability for various land uses, such as agriculture, construction, or conservation.
Common Misspellings for C HORIZON
- x horizon
- d horizon
- c gorizon
- c borizon
- c norizon
- c jorizon
- c uorizon
- c yorizon
- c hirizon
- c hkrizon
- c hlrizon
- c hprizon
- c h0rizon
- c h9rizon
- c hoeizon
- c hodizon
- c hofizon
- c hotizon
- c ho5izon
- c ho4izon
Etymology of C HORIZON
The term "C horizon" is commonly used in the field of soil science to refer to the third or deepest layer of soil, characterized by its parent material and few or no signs of biological activity. The etymology of the term "C horizon" stems from the German word "Chernozem", which means "black earth". Chernozem is a type of highly fertile soil found in regions of Eastern Europe and Russia. The term "C horizon" was coined by Russian scientists who used the letter "C" to represent Chernozem, referring to the layer where the soil composition is similar to this productive black earth. Over time, the use of "C horizon" became widespread in the scientific community to describe the parent material-rich layer of soil found at the bottom of soil profiles.
Similar spelling word for C HORIZON
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