After severe wildfires and heavy rains, which soil horizon is most likely to remain intact with little disturbance?

After severe wildfires and heavy rains, which soil horizon is most likely to remain intact with little disturbance?

• A. E horizon
• B. O horizon
• C. A horizon
• D. C horizon

Answer: (D)

The C horizon, also known as the parent material, is typically composed of weathered rock and is located below the A and B horizons. It is generally less affected by surface disturbances such as wildfires and heavy rains. While the O horizon (organic layer) may be consumed by fire and the A horizon (topsoil) is subject to erosion and loss of nutrients due to heavy rainfall, the C horizon remains largely intact because it is deeper in the soil profile and less exposed to these immediate surface processes. The E horizon, which primarily consists of leached minerals, may also be susceptible to disturbance, particularly from heavy rainfall. In contrast, the C horizon's stability makes it the most likely layer to remain unaffected after such severe environmental events.

The C horizon, also known as the parent material, is typically composed of weathered rock and is located below the A and B horizons. It is generally less affected by surface disturbances such as wildfires and heavy rains. While the O horizon (organic layer) may be consumed by fire and the A horizon (topsoil) is subject to erosion and loss of nutrients due to heavy rainfall, the C horizon remains largely intact because it is deeper in the soil profile and less exposed to these immediate surface processes. The E horizon, which primarily consists of leached minerals, may also be susceptible to disturbance, particularly from heavy rainfall. In contrast, the C horizon's stability makes it the most likely layer to remain unaffected after such severe environmental events.