The Chalfont soils are a distinct group of soils found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. The parent material for these
soils is made of silt-sized particles. These particles were originally deposited by glaciers and then later eroded and redeposited in their current location by the wind. Which of the following terms best describes the Chalfont soils' parent material?
A.
topsoil
B.
humus
C.
loam
D.
loess
Loess is a type of fertile soil formed from the action of winds that allows the accumulation of fine and very small grains (between 20 and 50 micrometres) of clay, calcium, feldspar, quartz and other minerals. This type of soil is found mainly in regions of humid or humid climate, with mild relief and significant presence of winds. About 10% of the soil on planet Earth is Loess type or similar, however, this type of soil is found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
I believe the answer is D. loess. The loess soil is a predominantly silt-sized sediment formed by accumulation of wind blown dust. This soil is highly porous, homogeneous, pale yellow and friable. One way of forming loess is from glaciers and that is why they contain glacially ground flour like clay and silt.
