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"Soils are
a thin layer, called the pedosphere, on top of most of Earth's land
surfaces. This thin layer is a precious natural resource. Soils
so deeply affect every other part of the ecosystem that they often
are called the "great integrator." Soils hold nutrients and water
for plants and animals. Water is filtered and cleansed as it flows
through soils. Soils affect the chemistry of the water and the amount
of water that returns to the atmosphere to form rain. The foods
we eat and most of the materials we use for paper, buildings, and
clothing are dependent on soils. Understanding soil is important
for knowing where to build our houses, roads, buildings, and playgrounds
as well. " - GLOBE, Soils, The Big Picture
There are currently
two investigation tests and three protocol tests for Soils for your
selection:
| Investigation
Tests |
Protocol
Tests |
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Below are the
Goals and Concepts defined by the GLOBE Program for Soils:
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Student Learning Goals |
Concepts
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- recognize
challenges of using remote sensing to observe the way soils
affect regional and global processes
- utilize
modeling techniques to predict soil properties and ecosystem
parameters
- develop
observational skills
- enhance
field skills in taking measurements properly, handling samples,
and taking notes
- recognize
terminology, nomenclature, and methods that scientists use
to enable communication
- use
math to visualize and model soil and related water properties
and processes
- use
statistics and graphing to analyze findings.
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- Soil
has observable and/or measurable properties that change
with time and location.
- The
interaction of organisms, climate, parent material, topography,
and time affect soil properties.
- Soil
acts as an insulating layer, creating a measurable temperature
gradient.
- Environmental
conditions affect the rate of decomposition in soil.
- The
chemical and physical properties of soils make different
soils useful in different ways
- pH
is a characteristic property that can be measured.
- Classification
helps to organize and understand the natural world.
Enrichment
- There
are 12 soil textures representing different amounts of sand-,
silt-, and clay-sized particles.
- A
soil profile can be classified according to its properties,
such as horizon, color, structure, consistency, texture,
root and rock distribution, density, pH, carbonates, and
fertility.
- Infiltration
is the rate at which water flows into the ground; the rate
changes depending on the level of soil saturation, soil
texture and structure, and land cover.
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