Question

What are the two broad classifications of soil? Give example for each of them.

Answer 1

1. Residual soils: Formed from the weathering of the parent rock at the same place where they are found; they usually have a well-defined soil profile. Examples: black (regur) soil, red soil, laterite.

2. Transported soils: Formed from sediments moved and deposited by agents like rivers, wind, or glaciers; they generally lack a well‑defined profile. Example: alluvial soil (riverine/deltaic/coastal alluvium).