A view of the Earth and soil horizons shows the layers of soil that make up the Earth's surface.

 A view of the Earth and soil horizons shows the layers of soil that make up the Earth's surface. 

 Explanation 

Soil horizons: The layers of soil that differ in physical, chemical, and biological properties.

Soil profile: The arrangement of soil horizons in the Earth.

Soil scientists: Also called pedologists, they study soil profiles and horizons to classify and interpret the soil.

Soil horizon characteristics

Color: Soil horizons can be identified by their color, which can range from dark brown to yellow or reddish brown 

Texture: Soil horizons can be identified by their texture, which can be coarse or sandy 

Structure: Soil horizons can be identified by their structure 

Thickness: Soil horizons can be identified by their thickness 

Soil horizon types

O horizon: An organic horizon that can be found on the surface or buried. It's often black or dark brown in color. 

A horizon: The surface horizon, also known as topsoil, which is rich in organic matter and microorganisms 

B horizon: The subsoil, which is made up of minerals from weathered parent material 

C horizon: The substratum, which is a layer of poorly weathered or unweathered rock 

E horizon: A subsurface horizon with a significant loss of minerals