Figure 2-1. Soil Boundaries and Transitions
Distinct, sharp breaks between landforms are evident over short lateral distances, as shown by the talus cone in this canyon along the Palouse River in Washington.
Some parts of the landscape and the soils on them are separated from their neighbors by distinct, sharp boundaries over a lateral distance of just meters. For example, a stream terrace may be sharply separated from adjacent cliffs and talus cones by an abrupt, easily observed scarp. Other parts of the landscape and the soils on them have lateral boundaries that are very gradual and indistinct, transitioning over tens of meters or kilometers. For example, a loess mantle thins gradually with increasing distance from the source of the loess.
Figure 2-1. Soil Boundaries and Transitions
Distinct, sharp breaks between landforms are evident over short lateral distances, as shown by the talus cone in this canyon along the Palouse River in Washington.
Some parts of the landscape and the soils on them are separated from their neighbors by distinct, sharp boundaries over a lateral distance of just meters. For example, a stream terrace may be sharply separated from adjacent cliffs and talus cones by an abrupt, easily observed scarp. Other parts of the landscape and the soils on them have lateral boundaries that are very gradual and indistinct, transitioning over tens of meters or kilometers. For example, a loess mantle thins gradually with increasing distance from the source of the loess.