Using Soil Surveys for Geomorphic Analysis

Holly A.S. DolliverAssistant Professor of Soil Science & GeologyPlant and Earth Science

Cutting Edge

Soils in the Field

Soil Surveys

Soil Survey Status

Soil Surveys

Soil Survey

• Widely available (library/local NRCS/Web Soil Survey)

• Information dense

• mapped at 1:24,000 scale

• minimum map unit size = 1 ac)

Soil Survey

Landform Identification

Soil Survey

Geomorphic/Landscape Models

Northern Driftless Region

Soil Survey

Geomorphic Analysis

Geomorphic Analysis

Geomorphic Analysis

Where to begin?

Geomorphic Analysis

Parent Material

Climate

Living Organisms

Topography

Time

Soil Formation & Development