CLARB Soils and Geology 3

Question 1

Which publicly available resource provides detailed soil survey data, including soil limitations and suitability ratings, for landscape site analysis?

Accepted Answer

USDA Web Soil Survey (WSS)

Answer

USGS National Topographic Map Series

Answer

FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer

Answer

EPA EnviroMapper

Question 2

Karst topography — characterized by sinkholes, caves, and internal drainage — develops primarily in areas underlain by which rock type?

Accepted Answer

Soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolomite

Answer

Granite and igneous rock

Answer

Metamorphic schist and gneiss

Answer

Volcanic basalt and obsidian

Question 3

Hydric soils serve as a primary indicator for identifying which regulated landscape feature during site analysis?

Accepted Answer

Jurisdictional wetlands

Answer

Steep erodible slopes

Answer

FEMA 100-year floodplains

Answer

Brownfield contaminated sites

Question 4

What geological term describes fine-grained sediment deposited by flowing water in river floodplains and deltas?

Accepted Answer

Alluvium

Answer

Loess

Answer

Till

Answer

Colluvium

Question 5

Which of the three major rock types is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?

Accepted Answer

Igneous

Answer

Sedimentary

Answer

Metamorphic

Answer

Diagenetic

Question 6

A landscape architect discovers a site underlain by deep organic soils (peat and muck). What is the primary construction concern?

Accepted Answer

Long-term differential settlement and low bearing capacity

Answer

Excessive drainage causing plant stress

Answer

High load-bearing capacity exceeding design requirements

Answer

Alkaline pH limiting plant selection

Question 7

When reviewing a geotechnical report for a sloped landscape project, which soil parameter is most important for evaluating the risk of a landslide or slope failure?

Accepted Answer

Shear strength parameters (cohesion and internal friction angle)

Answer

Cation exchange capacity (CEC)

Answer

Permeability coefficient

Answer

Soil pH and electrical conductivity