Name _______________________________ Date __________________
Science SOL ES.9
1. The formation of soil is a long
process. What is the first step in
soil formation?
4. Which of these correctly lists the
water zones from the surface to
the bedrock?
A
Water dissolves limestone and the
material leaches into weathered
rock.
A
B
B
Organic material is mixed with sand
and gravel.
D
Solid layers of rock are transformed
under heat and pressure into clay
and sand.
5. What is true about ground water?
C
C
D
Surface rocks are broken down by
mechanical and chemical
weathering.
A
B
C
D
surface zone – water level – aquifer
aeration zone – water table –
saturation zone
saturation zone – water level –
aeration zone
percolation zone – water table –
ground water zone
The water level increases after a
rain.
Rains decrease pore space.
During drought the water table rises.
During drought the water table falls.
2. What is the process called where
water soaking into soil dissolves
or washes minerals from an
upper level to a lower level?
6. The open spaces between rock or
soil particles is called what?
A
B
C
D
A
B
C
D
leaching
sweeping
exfoliation
percolation
3. Spectacular underground caves,
where the water has dissolved
away parts of the rock, which are
accompanied by rock formations
such as stalactites and
stalagmites, such as in Virginia’s
Luray Caverns, are caused by the
action of water on what mineral?
A
B
C
D
a crevasse
aeration space
depletion area
pore space
7. Which rock layer would weather
first?
A
B
C
D
conglomerate
sandstone
shale
limestone
soapstone
limestone
bauxite
granite
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © 1999, 2000 S.S. Flanagan & D.E. Mott
30
Do not reproduce without permission. 07-15-00
Name _______________________________ Date __________________
Science SOL ES.9
8. Below is a concept map of the
Earth’s fresh water sources. What
sources should be placed in the
spaces numbered 1 through 4 ?
Fresh
Water
Sources
Reservoirs
A 1 Frozen water
2 Icebergs
3 Standing water
4 Lakes and ponds
B 1 Standing water
2 Polar ice
3 Frozen water
4 Rivers and streams
C 1 Icebergs
2 Frozen water
3 Standing water
4 Underground aquifers
Most of the water on Earth is in the
polar icecaps and the majority of the
rest is in ocean saltwater.
B
Most of the water on Earth is ocean
saltwater and the majority of the
freshwater is in underground
aquifers.
C
Most of the water on Earth is ocean
saltwater and the majority of the
freshwater is in the polar icecaps.
D
Most of the water on Earth is in
underground aquifers and the
majority of the rest is in ocean
saltwater or in polar icecaps.
3
Glaciers
2
A
Running
water
Groundwater
1
9. Which of these statements about
the distribution of water on the
Earth is correct?
4
10. Why is untreated ocean water not
a good resource for the irrigation
of crops?
A
It carries minerals which interfere
with plant growth.
B
It contains many microorganisms
that destroy crops.
C
It is usually not available in farming
areas.
D
It lacks vital nutrients contained in
freshwater.
D 1 Cold water
2 Northern rivers
3 Standing water
4 Underground aquifers
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © 1999, 2000 S.S. Flanagan & D.E. Mott
31
Do not reproduce without permission. 07-15-00
Name _______________________________ Date __________________
Science SOL ES.9
Use this picture of plants growing in
soil to answer the next three
questions.
Horizon A
Horizon B
Horizon C
Bedrock
14. What type of rock is formed by
sediment transported by the
fastest-moving water?
A
B
C
D
shale
gypsum
sandstone
conglomerate
15. What type of rock layer is laid
down as sediment when the water
is calm?
A
B
C
D
shale
gypsum
sandstone
conglomerate
11. In which horizon is most plant
and animal life found?
A
B
C
D
Horizon A
Horizon B
Horizon C
Bedrock
12. In which horizon would you
possibly find an aquifer?
A
B
C
D
A
B
C
Bedrock
13. Which zone would contain the
"parent" material?
A
B
C
D
A
B
C
Bedrock
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © 1999, 2000 S.S. Flanagan & D.E. Mott
32
Do not reproduce without permission. 07-15-00