SWS 3022 Exam 1 Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
Know the dimensions of the earth. - ✔✔Diameter: 8,000 mi
Circumference: 25,000 mi
Understand that definitions of soil depend strongly on the concerns of those making the
definitions - ✔✔
Know the parameters related to soil composition for an idealized surface soil. -
✔✔Reactive and porous
45% mineral particles
5% organic matter
50% pore space
Be able to identify the basic functions of soils in the environment. - ✔✔Medium for
plant growth
Habitat for organisms/biota
Recycling/ storage of raw materials
Katelyn Whitman, All Rights Reserved © 2025 1
, Regulator of water supplies
Engineering medium
Know the 4 basic processes involved in soil formation and be able to identify simple
examples of each. - ✔✔Additions- input of organic matter from leaves, etc
Losses- erosion of soil materials
Transformations- weathering of rocks & minerals, organic transformations
Translocations- water is primary agent, material moving downward
Understand the basics of weathering. - ✔✔Change in size and arrangement of mineral
particles
Synthesis of reactive secondary minerals
Elemental transformations
Know the 5 soil forming factors and what they mean or imply. - ✔✔Parent Material-
original material
Climate- temp, moisture
High temps/rainfall accelerate soil
Organisms- vegetation, micro/macro organisms
Relief(topography)- altitude, slope
Katelyn Whitman, All Rights Reserved © 2025 2
Answers 100% Pass
Know the dimensions of the earth. - ✔✔Diameter: 8,000 mi
Circumference: 25,000 mi
Understand that definitions of soil depend strongly on the concerns of those making the
definitions - ✔✔
Know the parameters related to soil composition for an idealized surface soil. -
✔✔Reactive and porous
45% mineral particles
5% organic matter
50% pore space
Be able to identify the basic functions of soils in the environment. - ✔✔Medium for
plant growth
Habitat for organisms/biota
Recycling/ storage of raw materials
Katelyn Whitman, All Rights Reserved © 2025 1
, Regulator of water supplies
Engineering medium
Know the 4 basic processes involved in soil formation and be able to identify simple
examples of each. - ✔✔Additions- input of organic matter from leaves, etc
Losses- erosion of soil materials
Transformations- weathering of rocks & minerals, organic transformations
Translocations- water is primary agent, material moving downward
Understand the basics of weathering. - ✔✔Change in size and arrangement of mineral
particles
Synthesis of reactive secondary minerals
Elemental transformations
Know the 5 soil forming factors and what they mean or imply. - ✔✔Parent Material-
original material
Climate- temp, moisture
High temps/rainfall accelerate soil
Organisms- vegetation, micro/macro organisms
Relief(topography)- altitude, slope
Katelyn Whitman, All Rights Reserved © 2025 2
