- (Provisional definition)  Soft, friable, isovolumetrically weathered bedrock that retains the fabric and structure of the parent rock (Colman and Dethier, 1986) exhibiting extensive inter-crystal and intra-crystal weathering.  

In pedology, saprolite was formerly applied to any unconsolidated residual material underlying the soil and grading to hard bedrock below.
(<10% trees, <20% shrubs) - includes rangeland used for hayland - bluestems, mixed midgrasses, shortgrass, etc.
(20 to 50% shrub cover) - sumac, sagebrush, mesquite
(a) A category of mass movement processes, associated sediments (fall deposit), or resultant landforms (e.g., rockfall, debris fall, soil fall) characterized by very rapid movement of a mass of rock or earth that travels mostly through the air by free fall, leaping, bounding, or rolling, with little or no interaction between one moving unit and another.  Compare - topple, slide, lateral spread, flow, complex landslide, landslide.  SW & DV;   (b) The mass of material moved by a fall.  GG
(a) Stratified detritus (chiefly sand and gravel) removed or "washed out" from a glacier by melt-water streams and deposited in front of or beyond the end moraine or the margin of an active glacier.  The coarser material is deposited nearer to the ice.
<0.01 kPa  ( <0.00001 bar) suction; free water present (satiated wet).
<0.01 kPa (<0.00001 bar)  suction; free water present.
<1 cm vertical distance
<1 mm in diameter.
<1.0 kPa, or <0.5 for coarse soils, (<0.01 bar or 0.005 for coarse soils) suction.
<10 mm in diameter
<1mm
<2 mm in diameter
<5 mm in diameter
=<1500 to 0.01 kPa ( =<15 bar to 0.00001 bar) suction.
=>0.01 to 1.0 (0.5 for coarse soils) kPA suction, (=>0.00001 bar to 0.01 bar, 0.005 for coarse soils).  Water films are visible, sand grains and peds glisten, but no free water is present.
=>10 cm vertical distance.
=>10 mm in diameter.
=>10mm
>1500 kPa (>15 bar) suction
0.1 to 4 hours
0.35 to 0.8 of the 15 bar water retention.
0.8 to 1.0 of the 15 bar water retention.
1 to <10 cm vertical distance.
1 to <10 mm in diameter
1 to <2 mm in diameter.
1 to <2mm
1 to <5 mm in diameter
1) The same as "strongly contrasting particle-size classes"  described in the Keys to Soil Taxonomy except that the thickness requirement of 12.5 cm or more for each of the contrasting particle-size classes is waived.  The term is applied to the entire soil profile not just the particle-size control section. In the context of how it is to be used for identifying a kind of restriction, it is root restrictive.  2) Stratified soil textures that differ significantly enough as to restrict the movement of water and air through the soil, or that provide an unfavorable root environment.  It is in all cases root restrictive.
10 to 25% tree cover
100 pounds/acre
15 bar suction to MWR (see SSM p 91).
15 to 35 percent human artifacts, by volume
2 days to 7 days
2 to <10 mm in diameter
2 to <5 mm in diameter.
35 to 60 percent human artifacts, by volume
4 hours to 48 hours
5 to <10 mm in diameter.
5 to <10mm
60 to 90 percent human artifacts, by volume
7 days to 30 days
A basal till commonly characterized by compact, fissile ("platy")  structure and containing coarse fragments oriented with their long axes generally parallel to the direction of ice movement.
A brownish-black carbon-rich deposit that is a metamorphic intermediate between peat and sub-bituminous coal .  Dry lignite typically contains 60-70 % carbon.  SW & GG
A carbonate sedimentary rock consisting chiefly (more than 50 percent by weight or by areal percentages under the microscope) of the mineral dolomite.
A category of mass movement processes, associated sediments (complex landslide deposit) or resultant landforms characterized by a composite of several mass movement processes none of which dominates or leaves a prevailing landform.  Numerous types of complex landslides can be specified by naming the constituent processes evident (e.g. a complex earth spread - earth flow landslide).  Compare - fall, topple, slide, lateral spread, flow, landslide.  SW &  DV
A category of mass movement processes, associated sediments (flow deposit) and landforms characterized by slow to very rapid downslope movement of unconsolidated material which, whether saturated or comparatively dry, behaves much as a viscous fluid as it moves. Types of flows can be specified based on the dominant particle size of sediments (i.e. debris flow (e.g., lahar), earth flow (creep, mudflow), rock fragment flow (e.g., rockfall avalanche), debris avalanche]. Compare - fall, topple, slide, lateral spread, complex landslide, landslide.  SW & DV
A category of mass movement processes, associated sediments (slide deposit) or resultant landforms (e.g., rotational slide, translational slide, and snowslide) characterized by a failure of earth, snow, or rock under shear stress along one or several surfaces that are either visible or may reasonably be inferred.  The moving mass may or may not be greatly deformed, and movement may be rotational (rotational slide) or planar (translational slide).    A slide can result from lateral erosion, lateral pressure, weight of overlying material, accumulation of moisture, earthquakes, expansion owing to freeze-thaw of water in cracks, regional tilting, undermining, fire, and human agencies.  Compare -fall, topple, lateral spread, flow, complex landslide.  SW & DV  (b) The track of bare rock or furrowed earth left by a slide.  (c) The mass of material moved in or deposited by a slide.  Compare - fall, flow, complex landslide, landslide.  SW & GG
A category of mass movement processes, associated sediments (translational slide deposit) or resultant landforms characterized by the extremely slow to moderately rapid downslope displacement of comparatively dry soil-rock material on a surface (slip face) that is roughly parallel to the general ground surface, in contrast to falls topples, and rotational slides.  The term includes such diverse slide types as translational debris slides, translational earth slide, translational rock slide, block glides, and slab or flake slides. .  Compare - rotational slide, slide, landslide.  SW, DV, GG
A coarse-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of rounded to subangular rock fragments larger than 2 mm, commonly with a matrix of sand and finer material; cements include silica, calcium carbonate, and iron oxides.  The consolidated equivalent of gravel.
A collective term for all clastic volcanic materials that are ejected from a vent during an eruption and transported through the air, including ash [volcanic ], blocks [volcanic], cinders, lapilli, scoria, and pumice.  Tephra is a general term which, unlike many volcaniclastic terms, does not denote properties of composition, visicularity, or grain size.
A collective term for an accumulation of coarse rock debris or a sheet of coarse debris mantling a slope.  Scree is not a synonym of talus, as scree includes loose, coarse fragment material on slopes without cliffs.
A compact, weakly metamorphosed rock formed by alteration of siltstone, mudstone, or silty shale. Siltite is more indurated than mudstone or shale and lacks either shale fissility or slate-like cleavage. Siltite differs from argillite in that silt-size grains (0.002 to 0.062 mm) rather than clay-size (<0.002 mm) dominate the matrix.  Siltite differs from siltstone, mudstone, or shale in that it exhibits very low to low grade metamorphic or diagenetic layer silicate and feldspar alteration to sericite, chlorite, and albite (subgreenschist to greenschist metamorphic facies) (Maxwell, 1973; Kidder, 1987).
A compacted deposit that is 50 percent or more volcanic ash and dust
A compacted deposit that is 50 percent or more volcanic ash and dust.
A consolidated deposit of clastic particles, chemical precipitates, and organic remains accumulated at or near the surface of the earth under "normal" low temperature and pressure conditions.  Sedimentary rocks include consolidated equivalents of alluvium, colluvium, drift, and eolian, lacustrine, marine deposits; e.g., sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, clay-stone, shale, conglomerate, limestone, dolomite, coal, etc.
A consolidated deposit of clastic particles, chemical precipitates, and organic remains accumulated at or near the surface of the earth under "normal" low temperature and pressure conditions.  Sedimentary rocks include consolidated equivalents of alluvium, colluvium, drift, and eolian, lacustrine, marine deposits; e.g., sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, clay-stone, shale, conglomerate, limestone, dolomite, coal, etc.  Compare - sediment.
A dense, extremely finely grained, even-textured, siliceous, sedimentary rock similar to chert.  It is hard, white to grayish-black in color, translucent on thin edges, has a dull to waxy luster, and displays smooth conchoidal fracture when broken.  

Novaculite principally occurs in the Marathon Uplift of Texas and Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma where it forms erosion resistant ridges. Novaculite appears to form from chert recrystallization with microcrystalline quartz dominant over cryptocrystalline chalcedony.  At the Ouachita Mountains type occurrence, novaculite formed by low-grade, thermal metamorphism of bedded chert.  Novaculite is commercially quarried as a whetstone or oilstone.  Compare - chert. GG & SW
A deposit of nonsorted, water-saturated, locally derived earthy material that is moving or has moved downslope, en masse, caused by the melting of seasonal frost or permafrost.
A fast density current of pyroclastic material, usually very hot, composed of a mixture of gasses and a variety of pyroclastic particles (ash, pumice, scoria, lava fragments, etc.); produced by the explosive disintegration of viscous lava in a volcanic crater or by the explosive emission of gas-charged ash from a fissure and which tends to follow topographic lows (e.g. valleys) as it moves; used in a more general sense than ash flow.  Compare - pyroclastic surge, ash flow, nue ardente, lahar.  SW, SN, GG
A flow of wet sand, as along banks of noncohesive clean sand that is subject to scour and to repeated fluctuations in pore-water pressure due to rise and fall of the tide.  GG
A general 'field' term for various  brown to yellowish brown, amorphous- to- cryptocrystalline hydrous ferric oxides that are an undetermined mixture of goethite, hematite, and lepidocrocite formed by weathering and iron oxidation from iron-bearing, rocks and minerals. SW & GG
A general 'field' term for various brown to yellowish brown, amorphous- to- cryptocrystalline hydrous ferric oxides that are an undetermined mixture of goethite, hematite, and lepidocrocite formed by weathering and iron oxidation from iron-bearing, rocks and minerals. SW & GG
A general term applied to all mineral material (clay, silt, sand, gravel, boulders) transported by a glacier and deposited directly by or from the ice, or by running water emanating from a glacier.  Drift includes unstratified material (till) that forms moraines, and stratified deposits that form outwash plains, eskers, kames, varves, and glaciofluvial sediments.  The term is generally applied to Pleistocene glacial deposits in areas that no longer contain glaciers.
A general term for lava displaying pillow structure (discontinuous, close-fitting, bun-shaped or ellipsoidal masses, generally < 1 m in diameter); considered to have formed in a subaqueous environment; such lava is usually basaltic or andesitic.  Compare -  `a`a lava, block lava, pahoehoe lava.
A general term for loose, relatively permeable material deposited during the downwasting of nearly static glacial ice, either contained within or accumulated on the surface of the glacier.
A generally fine-grained or glassy igneous rock resulting from volcanic action at or near the Earth's surface, either ejected explosively or extruded as lava.  The term includes near-surface intrusions that form a part of the volcanic structure.
A generic Microrelief term applied to areas of nominal surface relief (slightly sloping to level), relative to the adjacent ground surface; differences in overall local relief range from several centimeters to several meters.  Cross-sectional profiles can be simple or complex and generally consist of low and gently rounded, convex tops (microhigh) with gently sloping to level sides (microslope), and depressional low areas (microlow).  Microslopes commonly constitute the majority of the land surface area in gilgai and other settings with microrelief.   SW.
A generic microrelief term applied to slightly elevated areas relative to the adjacent ground surface; differences in relief range from several centimeters to several meters; cross sectional profiles can be simple or complex and generally consist of gently rounded, convex tops with gently sloping sides.
A generic microrelief term applied to slightly lower areas relative to the adjacent ground surface; differences in relief range from several centimeters to several meters; ; cross sectional profiles can be simple or complex and generally consist of subdued, concave, open or closed depressions with gently sloping sides.
A generic term loosely applied to a variety of materials, most of which occur as an earthy, unconsolidated deposit consisting chiefly of an intimate mixture of clay and calcium carbonate formed commonly by the chemical action of algae mats and organic detritus (periphyton); specifically an earthy substance containing 35-65% clay and 65-35% calcium carbonate mud; formed primarily under freshwater lacustrine conditions, but varieties associated with more saline environments and higher carbonate contents also occur.  Compare  coastal marl, freshwater marl,
A geomorphic component (characteristic piece) of flat plains (e.g., lake plain, low coastal plain, low-relief till plain) consisting of a shallow and typically closed depression that tends to be an area of focused groundwater recharge but not a permanent water body and that lies slightly lower and is wetter than the adjacent talf, and favors the accumulation of fine sediments and organic materials.  SW
A geomorphic component of flat plains (e.g., lake plain, low coastal plain, low-gradient till plain) consisting of a slightly elevated but low, broad area with low slope gradients (e.g. 1-3 % slopes); typically a microfeature but can be fairly extensive.  Commonly soils on a rise are better drained than those on the surrounding talf.  Compare - talf.  SW
A geomorphic component of flat plains (e.g., lake plain, low coastal plain, low-gradient till plain) consisting of an essentially flat (e.g. 0-1 % slopes) and broad area dominated by closed depressions and a non-integrated or poorly integrated drainage system.  Precipitation tends to pond locally and lateral transport is slow both above and below ground, which favors the accumulation of soil organic matter and a retention of fine earth sediments; better drained soils are commonly adjacent to drainageways.  Compare - rise.  SW
A geomorphic component of hills consisting of the concave to linear slope (perpendicular to the contour) which, regardless of the lateral shape is an area that forms an apron or wedge at the bottom of a hillside dominated by colluvial and slope wash processes and sediments (e.g., colluvium and slope alluvium).  Distal base slope sediments commonly grade to, or interfinger with, alluvial fills, or gradually thin to form pedisediment over residuum.  Compare - head slope, side slope, nose slope, interfluve, free face.  SW
A geomorphic component of hills consisting of the convex slopes (perpendicular to the contour) that form the narrow, roughly linear top area of a hill, ridge, or other upland where shoulders have converged to the extent that little or no summit remains; dominated by erosion, slope wash and mass movement processes and sediments (e.g., slope alluvium, creep).  Commonly, soils on crests are more similar to those on side slopes than to soils on adjacent interfluves.  Compare - interfluve, head slope, side slope, nose slope.  SW
A group of monoclinic phyllosilicate minerals with perfect basal cleavage that splits into thin elastic laminae and range from colorless to black. Large crystals of mica are referred to as a mica book.
A hard, extremely dense or compact, dull to semivitreous, cryptocrystalline sedimentary rock, consisting dominantly of interlocking crystals of quartz less than about 30 mm in diameter; it may contain amorphous silica (opal).  It sometimes contains impurities such as calcite, iron oxide, or the remains of silicious and other organisims.  It has a tough, splintery to conchoidal fracture and may be white or variously colored gray, green, blue, pink, red, yellow, brown, and black.  Chet  occurs principally as nodular or concretionary segregations in limestones and dolomites.
A highly heated mixture of volcanic gases and ash, traveling down the flank of a volcano or along the surface of the ground; produced by the explosive disintegration of viscous lava in a volcanic crater, or by the explosive emission of gas-charged ash from a fissure or group of fissures.  The solid materials contained in a typical ash flow are generally unsorted and ordinarily include volcanic dust, pumice, scoria, and blocks in addition to ash.
A horizon designation that will only be used for conversion from SSSD layers to NASIS horizons.  This designation should never be used aside for this one purpose.
A layer of sediment, eroded from the shoulder and back slope of an erosional slope, that lies on and is, or was, being transported across a pediment.
A layer of soil material (limnic materials) that is composed of diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is identified by several diagnostic criteria such as moist color value which changes on drying as a result of the irreversible shrinkage of organic-matter coats on diatoms and either a moist color value of 8 or more and a chroma of 2 or less from a saturated sodium-pyrophosphate extract on white chromatographic or filter paper, or a cation-exchange capacity of less than 240 cmol (+) per kg organic matter (measured by loss on ignition).
A light-colored, porous, friable, siliceous (largely chalcedonic) sedimentary rock, which occurs in powdery or earthy masses that result from the weathering of siliceous limestone.  It has a harsh, rough feel and is used to polish metals and stones.
A light-colored, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock (generally consolidated) consisting chiefly of opaline diatom frustules deposited in a lacustrine or marine environment.  Diatomite has a number of uses owing to its high surface area, absorptive capacity, and relative chemical stability but the term is generally reserved for deposits of actual or potential commercial value.
A light-colored, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of opaline diatom frustules deposited in a lacustrine or marine environment.  Diatomite has a number of uses owing to its high surface area, absorptive capacity, and relative chemical stability but the term is generally reserved for deposits of actual or potential commercial value.
A light-colored, vesicular, glassy rock commonly having the composition of rhyolite.  It commonly has a specific gravity of < 1.0 and is thereby sufficiently buoyant to float on water.
A light-colored, vesicular, glassy rock commonly having the composition of rhyolite.  It commonly has a specific gravity of < 1.0 and is thereby sufficiently buoyant to float on water.  Compare - scoria, tephra.
A low density, dilute, turbulent pyroclastic flow, usually very hot, composed of a generally unsorted mixture of gases, ash, pumice and dense rock fragments that travels across the ground at high speed and less constrained by topography than a pyroclastic flow; several types of pyroclastic surges can be specified (e.g. base surge, ash-cloud-surge).  Compare - pyroclastic flow.  SW, SN, GG
A map unit on the current, signed field review report for the respective geographic area.
A map unit on the signed final correlation document.
A map unit that has been used in the past, but that has since been combined with another map unit.
A map unit used by the soil survey office leader, but that has not been officially approved for use.
A nonlithified, nonsorted or poorly sorted sediment that contains a wide range of particle sizes, such as coarse fragments contained within a fine earth matrix (e.g. till, pebbly mudstone) and used when
A roll of soil 4cm long x 2mm diameter supports itself when held on end.
A roll of soil 4cm long x 4mm diameter supports itself when held on end; a 2mm roll does not.
A roll of soil 4cm long x 6mm diameter cannot support itself when held on end.
A roll of soil 4cm long x 6mm diameter supports itself when held on end; a 4mm roll does not.
A sedimentary rock (evaporite) composed chiefly of mineral anhydrite (anhydrous CaSO4); The rock is generally massive, cryptocrystalline, and may exhibit rhythmic sedimentation (rhymites).  Compare - rock gypsum, rock halite.  SW
A sedimentary rock (evaporite) composed primarily of halite (NaCl).  SW
A sedimentary rock (evaporite) composed primarily of mineral gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). The rock is generally massive, ranges from coarse crystalline to fine granular, may show disturbed bedding due to hydration expansion of parent anhydrite (anhydrous CaSO4), and may exhibit rhythmic sedimentation (rhymites).  Compare  gypsite.   GG
A sedimentary rock (evaporite) composed primarily of mineral gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). The rock is generally massive, ranges from coarse crystalline to fine granular, may show disturbed bedding due to hydration expansion of parent anhydrite (anhydrous CaSO4), and may exhibit rhythmic sedimentation (rhymites).  Compare - gypsite.   GG
A sedimentary rock consisting chiefly (more than 50 percent) of calcium carbonate, primarily in the form of calcite.  Limestones are usually formed by a combination of organic and inorganic processes and include chemical and clastic (soluble and insoluble) constituents; many contain fossils.
A soft, grayish to white, earthy or powdery, usually impure calcium carbonate precipitated on the bottoms of present-day freshwater lakes and ponds largely through the chemical action of algal mats and organic detritus, or forming deposits that underlie marshes, swamps, and bogs that occupy the sites of former (glacial) lakes.  The calcium carbonate may range from 90% to less than 30%.  Freshwater marl is usually gray; it has been used as a fertilizer for acid soils deficient in lime. Syn.: bog lime.  Compare  marl, coastal marl.
A strongly foliated crystalline rock formed by dynamic metamorphism that has well-developed parallelism of more than 50 percent of the minerals present, primarily biotite.
A strongly foliated crystalline rock formed by dynamic metamorphism that has well-developed parallelism of more than 50 percent of the minerals present, primarily muscovite.
A strongly foliated crystalline rock formed by dynamic metamorphism that has well-developed parallelism of more than 50 percent of the minerals present, primarily sericite.  A fine-grained muscovite
A term used, especially in southeast Australia, for silt and sand-sized aggregates of eolian clay occurring in sheets.
A till, commonly supraglacial, that is modified and transported by plastic mass flow; also spelled flow till.  Compare - ablation till, basal till, lodgment till, mass-movement till, slump-till, supraglacial melt-out till.
A type of basaltic lava (material) having a rough, jagged, clinkery surface and a vesicular interior.  Compare - block lava, pahoehoe lava, pillow lava.
A type of basaltic lava (material) with a characteristically smooth, billowy or rope-like surface and vesicular interior.  Compare -  `a`a lava, block lava, pillow lava.
A type of basaltic lava flow having a smooth, billowy or rope-like surface.  Compare - a'a lava.
A type of lava flow having a rough, jagged, clinkery surface.  Compare - pahoehoe lava.  GG & MA
a) a blocky or massive, fine-grained sedimentary rock in which the proportions of clay and silt are approximately equal  b) A general term that includes clay, silt, claystone, siltstone, shale, and argillite, and that should be used only when the amounts of clay and silt are not known or cannot be precisely identified.
a) An unconsolidated, near-shore marine sediment containing substantial amounts of dark greenish glauconite pellets, often mingled with clay or sand (quartz may form the dominant constituent); prominent in Cretaceous and Tertiary coastal plain strata of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland; has been commercially mined for potassium fertilizer.  The term is loosely applied to any glauconitic sediment.  b)  (Not Preferred - use glauconitic sandstone)  A sandstone consisting of greensand that is commonly poorly cemented, and has a greenish color when unweathered but an orange or yellow color when weathered.  Compare - glauconite pellets.  SW
a) In the IUGS classification, a preliminary term for (for field use) for a plutonic rock with Q (quartz) between 20 and 40 (%).   b) A general term for all phaneritic igneous rocks (mineral crystals visible unaided and all about the same size) dominated by quartz and feldspars.
Accumulation of gypsum.  This symbol indicates a gypsum accumulation.  The suffix y is used when the horizon fabric is dominated by soil particles or minerals other than gypsum. Gypsum is present in amounts that do not significantly obscure or disrupt other features of the horizon.
Accumulation of salts more soluble than gypsum.  This symbol indicates an accumulation of salts that are more soluble than gypsum.
Accumulation of secondary carbonates. This symbol indicates an accumulation of visible pedogenic calcium carbonate (less than 50 percent, by volume). Carbonate accumulations occur as carbonate filaments, coatings, masses, nodules, disseminated carbonate, or other forms.
Accumulation of silica.  This symbol indicates an accumulation of secondary silica.
Accumulation of silicate clay.  This symbol indicates an accumulation of silicate clay that has either formed and subsequently been translocated within the horizon or has been moved into the horizon by illuviation, or both.  At least some part of the horizon should show evidence of clay accumulation either as coatings on surfaces of peds or in pores, or as lamellae or as bridges between mineral grains.
Accumulation of sodium.  This symbol indicates an accumulation of exchangeable sodium.
After exerting full compression, most of the speciman flows through the fingers; a small residue remains in the palm of the hand. The approximate equivalent n-value is 1 to 2. (Pons and Zonneveld, 1965)
After exerting full compression, some of the speciman flows through the fingers, but most remains in the palm of the hand.  The approximate equivalent n-value is 0.7 to 1. (Pons and Zonneveld, 1965)
After release of pressure, practically no soil material adheres to the thumb or forefinger. (SSM)
After release of pressure, soil material adheres perceptible to both digits.  As the digits are separated, the material tends to come off one or the other rather cleanly.  The material does not stretch appreciably on separation of the digits.
After release of pressure, soil material adheres so strongly to both digits that it stretches decidely when the digits are separated.  Soil material remains on both digits.
After release of pressure, soil material adheres to both digits and tends to stretch slightly rather than pull completely free from either digit.
Aggregated or block-type specimen not obtainable.
All areas are prime farmland.
All components are hydric and no components are unranked.
All components are not hydric and no components are unranked.
All Histels except Folistels, and all Histosols except Folists.
An accumlation of sediment resulting from a mass movement and a process characterized by a slide in which shearing takes place on a well defined, curved shear surface, concave upward, producing a backward rotation in the displaced mass.
An accumulation of carbonates.
An earthy gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) variety that contains various quantities (i.e. < 50%) of soil material, silicate clay minerals and sometimes other salts (e.g. NaCl); found only in arid or semi-arid regions as secondary precipitation concentrations or efflorescence associated with rock gypsum or gypsum-bearing strata.  Compare rock gypsum, rock anhydrite.  SW & GG
An earthy, unconsolidated deposit consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate mixed with clay in approximately equal proportions (35 to 65 percent of each); formed primarily under freshwater lacustrine conditions, but varieties associated with more saline environments also occur.
An earthy, unconsolidated deposit of gray to buff-colored mud of low bulk density (dry) composed primarily of very fine, almost pure calcium carbonate formed in subaqueous settings that span freshwater lacustrine conditions (e.g. Florida Everglades) to saline intertidal settings (e.g. Florida Keys) formed by the chemical action of algal mats and organic detritus (periphyton); other marl varieties associated with different  environments (e.g. freshwater marl, glauconitic marl) also occur.  Coastal marl can be quite pure or it can be finely disseminated throughout living root mats (e.g. mangrove roots) and / or organic soil layers.  Compare  marl, freshwater marl.
An elevated area between two drainageways that sheds water to those drainageways.
An indurated or baked clay or shale with a dull, light-colored, cherty appearance, often found in the roof or floor of a burned-out coal seam.
An informal term for massive limestone composed primarily of coral and coral fragments commonly associated with marine islands or coral reefs in tropical or subtropical waters.  Compare - coral island.  SW
An off-white to dark red brown weathered detritus or rock composed of aluminum oxides (mainly gibbsite with some boehmite and diaspore), iron hydroxides, silica, silt, and especially clay minerals. Bauxite originates in tropical and subtropical environments as highly weathered residue from carbonate or silicate rocks and can occur in concretionary, earthy, pisolitic or oolitic forms.  SW & GG
Angular cobbly
Animal unit months/acre
Ashy
Ashy-pumiceous
Ashy-skeletal
At failure, the speciman changes suddenly to fluid, the fingers skid, and the soil smears.  Afterward, little or no free water remains on the fingers. (SSM)
At failure, the speciman changes suddenly to fluid, the fingers skid, and the soil smears.  Afterward, some free water can be seen on the fingers. (SSM)
At failure, the speciman does not chage suddenly to a fluid, the fingers do not skid, and no smearing occurs. (SSM)
At failure, the speciman suddenly changes to fluid, the fingers skid, the soil smears, and is very slippery.  Afterward, free water is easliy seen on the fingers. (SSM)
At least seventy-five percent (75%) of the map unit is within the range of the soil providing the name of the unit, and closely similar soils.
Bedrock
Boulders
Bouldery
Boxes/acre
Buried genetic horizon.  This symbol is used in mineral soils to indicate identifiable buried horizons with major genetic features that were developed before burial. Genetic horizons may or may not have formed in the overlying material, which may be either like or unlike the assumed parent material of the buried soil. This symbol is not used in organic soils, nor is it used to separate an organic layer from a mineral layer.
Bushels/acre
Cementation or induration.  This symbol indicates continuous or nearly continuous cementation. It is used only for horizons that are more than 90 percent cemented, although they may be fractured. The cemented layer is physically root-restrictive. The predominant cementing agent (or the two dominant ones) may be indicated by adding defined letter suffixes, singly or in pairs. The horizon suffix kkm (and less commonly km) indicates cementation by carbonates; qm, cementation by silica; sm, cementation by iron; yym, cementation by gypsum; kqm, cementation by carbonates and silica; and zm, cementation by salts more soluble than gypsum.
Cemented
Cemented earthy material that does not meet the criteria for any other specificly defined types.  This material does not slake in water.
Channers
Channery
Cindery
Cities, towns, farmsteads, industrial sites
Clastic sediments and chemical precipitates deposited in lakes.
climate condition
Coarse gravelly
COARSE-GRAINED SOILS,  Gravels, clean gravels, Poorly Graded Gravel.
COARSE-GRAINED SOILS, Gravels, clean gravels, Well-Graded Gravel.
COARSE-GRAINED SOILS, Gravels, gravel with fines, Clayey Gravel.
COARSE-GRAINED SOILS, Gravels, Gravels with fines, Silty Gravel
COARSE-GRAINED SOILS, Sands, Clean Sands, Poorly Graded Sand,
COARSE-GRAINED SOILS, Sands, Clean Sands, Well-graded Sand.
COARSE-GRAINED SOILS, Sands, sands with fines, Clayey Sand.
COARSE-GRAINED SOILS, Sands, Sands with fines, Silty Sand.
Cobbles
Cobbly
Concretions or nodules. This symbol indicates a significant accumulation of concretions or nodules. Cementation is required. The cementing agent commonly is iron, aluminum, manganese, or titanium. It cannot be silica, dolomite, calcite, or more soluble salts.
Consolidated permafrost (ice rich)
Coprogenous
Coprogenous earth
Coprogenous Earth.  This symbol, used only with L, indicates a limnic layer of coprogenous earth (or sedimentary peat).
Crates/acre
Cylindrical, elongated voids (e.g. worm tunnels).
Cylindrical, elongated, branching voids (e.g. empty root channels).
Data in the legend object, including some mapunits, correlation notes, or area overlaps, have been created but are not fully populated or the data are preliminary and incomplete.  The data are subject to major changes.  A legend with this status should not be interpreted, exported, or used by other applications.

Note that this certification status applies to only the legend object.
Deep, loamy or sandy, well drained or moderately well drained soils with few management limitations.
Deep, loamy, well drained and moderately well drained soils with few management limitations.
Deep, sandy and gravelly, excessively drained through moderately well drained outwash soils with few management limitations.
default choice, official choices to be determined later
Deflation by wind.
Deformation occurs prior to rupture.  Cracks develop and the speciman ruptures before compression to half its original thickness. (SSM)
Detectable flat faces with slightly-rounded corners.
Detectable flat faces with well-rounded corners (SSM).
Development of color or structure.  This symbol is used only with B to indicate the development of color or structure, or both, with little or no apparent illuvial accumulation of material.  It should not be used to indicate a transitional horizon.
Diatomaceous
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth.  This symbol, used only with L, indicates a limnic layer of diatomaceous earth.
Diverse group of soils, generally groups IA and IB soils that have management limitations.
Dominance of horizon by gypsum.  This symbol indicates a horizon that is dominated by the presence of gypsum. The gypsum content may be due to an accumulation of secondary gypsum, the transformation of primary gypsum inherited from parent material, or other processes. Suffix yy is used when the horizon fabric has such an abundance of gypsum (generally 50 percent or more, by volume) that pedogenic and/or lithologic features are obscured or disrupted by growth of gypsum crystals. Colors associated with horizons that use suffix yy are typically highly whitened with value of 7 through 9.5 and chroma of 2 or less.
Dominantly unsorted and unstratified drift, generally unconsolidated and deposited directly by a glacier without subsequent reworking by meltwater, and consisting of a heterogeneous mixture of clay, silt, sand, gravel, stones, and boulders; rock fragments of various lithologies are imbedded within a finer matrix that can range from clay to sandy loam.  Compare - ablation till, basal till, flowtill, lodgment till, drift, moraine.
Dominated by human artifacts with too little fine-earth to determine the textural class (less than about 10 percent fine-earth, by volume)
Dry permafrost.  Used in layers or horizons that are colder than 0 degrees C, but do not contain ice.  It is not used for layers or horizons that have seasonal temperatures below 0 degrees C.  The f suffix is used for layers or horizons that contain permanent ice.
Duripan
e.g. apples, pecans, date palms, citrus, ornamental nursery stock, Christmas trees
e.g. corn, soybeans, cotton, tomatoes and other truck crops, tulips
e.g. creosotebush, shrub live oak, sagebrush, mesquite (including rangeland with >50% shrub cover)
e.g. grapes, blackberries, raspberries
e.g. kudzu, cacti, yucca
e.g. oak-pine mix
Earth covered by water in a fluid state.  This includes seasonally frozen areas.
Elliptical, interlocking lenses that teminate in acute angles, bounded by slickensides; not limited to vertic materials.
Engulfment of horizon by secondary carbonates. This symbol indicates major accumulations of pedogenic calcium carbonate. The suffix kk is used when the soil fabric is plugged with fine grained pedogenic carbonate (50 percent or more, by volume) that occurs as an essentially continuous medium. The suffix corresponds to the stage III plugged horizon or higher of the carbonate morphogenetic stages (Gile et al., 1966).
erosion
Evidence of cyroturbation.  Evidence of cryoturbation includes irregular and broken horizon boundaries, sorted rock fragments, and organic soil materials occurring as bodies and broken layers within and/or between mineral soil layers. The organic bodies and layers are most commonly at the contact between the active layer and the permafrost.
Excavation can be accomplished quite easily by application of impact energy with a spade or by foot applied pressure.
Excavation cannot be accomplished in a resonable time period with a  backhoe mounted on a 40 to 60 kW (50-80 hp) tractor.
Excavation with a full length pick using an over-the-head swing is moderately to markedly difficult.  Excavation is possible in a reasonable period of time with a backhoe mounted on a 40 to 60 kW (50-80 hp) tractor.
Excavation with a spade can be accomplished with difficulty. Excavation is easily possible with a full length pick, using an over-the-head swing.
Excavations can be made with a spade using arm-applied pressure only.  Neither application of impact energy nor application of foot pressure is necessary.
excess water
Extremely bouldery
Extremely channery
Extremely cobbly
Extremely flaggy
Extremely gravelly
Extremely parabouldery
Extremely parachannery
Extremely paracobbly
Extremely paraflaggy
Extremely paragravelly
Extremely parastony
Extremely stony
Farmable under natureal conditions.
Farmland of local importance.
Farmland of statewide importance, if drained.
Farmland of statewide importance.
Farmland of unique importance.
Fescues, bromegrass, timothy, alfalfa, etc.
Fescues, bromegrass, timothy, lespedeza, etc.
Filbert, blueberry, and ornamentals, etc. as nursery stock
Fine gravelly
FINE-GRAINED SOILS, Silts and clays (liquid limit is 50% or more), Fat Clay.
FINE-GRAINED SOILS, Silts and clays (liquid limit is less than 50%), Lean Clay.
FINE-GRAINED SOILS, Silts and clays (liquid limit is less than 50%), Organic Clay or Organic Silt.
FINE-GRAINED SOILS, Silts and clays, (liquid limit is 50% or more), Elastic Silt.
FINE-GRAINED SOILS, Silts and clays, (liquid limit is 50% or more), Organic Clay or Organic Silt
FINE-GRAINED SOILS, Silts and clays, (liquid limit is less than 50%), Silt.
Flaggy
Flagstones
Flat faces absent or nearly absent with all corners rounded (SSM).
Flat faces absent with all corners rounded.
Flat or tabular-like units.
Flooding is expected infrequently, 5 to 50 percent chance in any year, (5 to 50 times in 100 years).
Flooding is likely to occur often under usual weather conditions; more than 50 percent chance of flooding in any year or more than 50 times in 100 years, but less than a 50 percent chance of flooding in all months in any year.
Flooding is likey to occur very often under usual weather conditions; more than 50 percent chance in all months of any year.
Flooding is unlikely but possible under unusual weather conditions; 1 to 5 percent chance in any year (1 to 5 times in 100 years).
Flooding is very unlikely but is possible under unusual weather conditions; less than 1 percent chance in any year (less than 1 time in 100 years, but more than 1 time in 500 years).
Fragipan character.  This symbol indicates a genetically developed layer that has a combination of firmness, brittleness, and commonly a higher bulk density than adjacent layers.  Some part of the layer is physically root-restrictive.
Fragmental material
Fragmental materials produced by usually explosive, aerial ejection of clastic particles from a volcanic vent.  Such materials may accumulate on land or under water.
Free water is above the soil surface. The occurrence of internal free water is permanent and there is a positive water potential at the soil surface for more than 21 hours of each day. The soils have a peraquic soil moisture regime.
Frozen soil or water.  This symbol indicates that a horizon or layer contains permanent ice. The symbol is not used for seasonally frozen layers or for dry permafrost.
Generally unproductive soils or miscellaneous areas.
Glacially eroded, terrestrially derived sediments (clay, silt, sand, and gravel) that accumulated on the ocean floor.  Sediments may be accumulated as an ice-contact deposit, by fluvial transport, ice-rafting, or eolian transport.
Granular materials (35% or less passing No. 200 sieve), silty or clayey gravel and sand.
Granular materials (35% or less passing No. 200), fine sand.
Granular materials (35% or less passing No. 200), silty or clayey gravel and sand.
Granular or platy:  <1 mm

Columnar or prismatic:  <10 mm

Angular or subangular blocky: <5 mm
Granular or platy: 2 to <5 mm

Columnar or prismatic: 20 to <50 mm

Angular or subangular blocky: 10 to <20 mm
Granular: =>10mm

Columnar or prismatic: 100 to <500mm

Angular or subangular blocky: =>50mm
Granular: 1 to <2 mm

Columnar or prismatic: 10 to <20 mm

Angular or subangular blocky: 5 to <10 mm
Granular: 5 to <10 mm

Columnar or prismatic: 50 to <100mm

Angular or subangular blocky: 20 to <50mm
Granular: n/a

Columnar or prismatic: =>500mm

Angular or subangular blocky: n/a
grass, grass-like plants
Grassy
Gravel
Gravelly
Gully erosion is the consequence of water that cuts down into the soil along the line of water concentration and flow.  The resulting channels cannot be obliterated by ordinary tillage operations. (SSM)
Herbaceous
High potential of slippage.
Highly decomposed organic material of any thickness that is saturated with water for 30 or more cumulative days in normal years (or is artificially drained), including that in Histels and Histosols, except for Folists.
Highly decomposed organic matter. This symbol is used with O to indicate the most highly decomposed organic materials, which have a fiber content of less than 17 percent (by volume) after rubbing.
Highly decomposed plant material that is saturated with water for less than 30 cumulative days in normal years (and is not artificially drained).
Highly organic is used to modify near surface horizons of mineral soils that are saturated with water for less than 30 cumulative days in normal years (and are not artificially drained). Excluding live roots, the horizon has organic carbon content (by weight) of: 5 to < 20 percent if the mineral fraction contains no clay; or 12 to < 20 percent if the mineral fraction contains 60 percent or more clay; or ((5 + (clay percentage multiplied by 0.12)) to < 20 percent if the mineral fraction contains less than 60 percent clay.  The organic material is at least partially decomposed.
Highly organic soils, Peat.
Highways, railroads, etc.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 15 to less than 35 percent, by volume. Boulders and boulder-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 15 to less than 35 percent, by volume. Channers and channer-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 15 to less than 35 percent, by volume. Cobbles and cobble-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 15 to less than 35 percent, by volume. Flagstones and flagstone-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 15 to less than 35 percent, by volume. Gravel and gravel-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 15 to less than 35 percent, by volume. Stones and stone-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 35 to less than 60 percent, by volume. Boulders and boulder-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 35 to less than 60 percent, by volume. Channers and channer-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 35 to less than 60 percent, by volume. Cobbles and cobble-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 35 to less than 60 percent, by volume. Flagstones and flagstone-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 35 to less than 60 percent, by volume. Gravel and gravel-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 35 to less than 60 percent, by volume. Stones and stone-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 60 to less than 90 percent, by volume. Boulders and boulder-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 60 to less than 90 percent, by volume. Channers and channer-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 60 to less than 90 percent, by volume. Cobbles and cobble-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 60 to less than 90 percent, by volume. Flagstones and flagstone-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 60 to less than 90 percent, by volume. Gravel and gravel-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizon contains a combination of rock fragments and artifacts which are discrete (=> 2mm), cohesive, and persistent. The total of rock fragments plus artifacts is 60 to less than 90 percent, by volume. Stones and stone-size artifacts dominate fraction => 2 mm.
Horizons dominated by properties of one master horizon but having subordinate properties of another. The first of these symbols indicates that the properties of the horizon so designated dominate the transitional horizon.  An AB horizon, for example, has characteristics of both an overlying A horizon and an underlying B horizon, but it is more like the A than like the B.
Horizons or layers, excluding hard bedrock, that are little affected by pedogenic processes and lack the properties of O, A, E, or B horizons.  Most are mineral layers.  The material of C layers may be either like or unlike the material from which the solum has presumably formed.  The C horizon may have been modified, even if there is no evidence of pedogenesis.
Horizons that are composed of lamellae that are separated from each other by eluvial layers.
Horizons which have formed below an A, E, or O horizon. They are dominated by the obliteration of all or much of the original rock structure and show one or more of the following:

1. Illuvial concentration of silicate clay, iron, aluminum, humus, carbonates, gypsum, or silica, alone or in combination;
2. Evidence of the removal or addition of carbonates;
3. Residual concentration of oxides;
4. Coatings of sesquioxides that make the horizon conspicuously lower in color value, higher in chroma, or redder in hue, without apparent illuviation of iron; 
5. Alteration that forms silicate clay or liberates oxides, or both, and that forms a granular, blocky, or prismatic structure if volume changes accompany changes in moisture content; 
6. Brittleness; or
7. Strong gleying.
Horizons with two distinct parts that have recognizable properties of the two kinds of master horizons indicated by the capital letters. Most of the individual parts of one horizon component are surrounded by the other.
Hydrous
Hydrous-pumiceous
Hydrous-skeletal
Illuvial accumulation of organic matter.  This symbol is used with B to indicate the accumulation of illuvial, amorphous, dispersible complexes of organic matter and sesquioxides if the sesquioxide component is dominated by aluminum but is present only in very small quantities. The organo-sesquioxide material coats sand and silt particles. In some horizons these coatings have coalesced, filled pores, and cemented the horizon. The symbol h is also used in combination with s as "Bhs" if the amount of the sesquioxide component is significant but the color value and chroma, moist, of the horizon are 3 or less.
Illuvial accumulation of sesquioxides and organic matter.  This symbol is used with B to indicate an accumulation of illuvial, amorphous, dispersible complexes of organic matter and sesquioxides if both the organic matter and sesquioxide components are significant and if either the color value or chroma, moist, of the horizon is 4 or more. The symbol is also used in combination with h as "Bhs" if both the organic matter and sesquioxide components are significant and if the color value and chroma, moist, are 3 or less.
Indicates an accumulation of jarosite.  Jarosite is a potassium (ferric) iron hydroxy sulfate mineral (KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6) that is commonly an alteration product of pyrite that has been exposed to an oxidizing environment.  Jarosite has hue of 2.5Y or yellower and normally has chroma of 6 or more, although chroma as low as 3 or 4 have been reported.  It forms in preference to iron (hydr)oxides in active acid sulfate soils at pH of 3.5 or less and can be stable in post-active acid sulfate soils for long periods of time at higher pH.
Indicates records that contain notes related to certification of data objects.  Typically, data elements certified in the object are listed in the text attached to this record.
Individual soil units or aggregates are barely observable in place.  When gently disturbed, the soil material parts into a mixture of whole and broken units and much material that exhibits no planes of weakness. (SSM)
Individual soil units or aggregates are distinct in undisturbed soil.  When removed, the soil material parts mainly into whole units. (SSM)
Individual soil units or aggregates are well formed and evident in undisturbed soil.  When disturbed, the soil material parts into a mixture of mostly whole units, some broken units, and material not in units. (SSM)
Indurated
Irregular blocks created by artificial disturbance - i.e. tillage operations or compaction.
Lava having a surface of angular blocks; it is similar to `a`a lava but the fragments are larger and more regular in shape, somewhat smoother, and less vesicular.  Compare -  `a`a lava, pahoehoe lava, pillow lava.
Layers dominated by limnic material.  Limnic horizons or layers include both organic and mineral limnic materials that were either (1) deposited in water by precipitation or through the actions of aquatic organisms, such as algae and diatoms, or (2) derived from underwater and floating aquatic plants and subsequently modified by aquatic animals.
Layers dominated by organic material.  Some are saturated with water for long periods, or were once saturated but are now artificially drained; others have never been saturated.
Less than 0.35 of the 15 bar water retention.
Loamy very fine sand, loamy fine sand, loamy sand, loamy coarse sand, or sapric organic soil material.  Dry soil aggregates more than .84 mm are 10 to 25 percent by weight.
Low potential of slippage.
Mangrove, royal palm, etc.
Map unit descriptions converted from SSSD and downloaded to FOCS.
Map unit descriptions typically used in a descriptive legend.
Marl
Marl.  This symbol, used only with L, indicates a limnic layer of marl.
Marly
Material
Material moved by glaciers and subsequently sorted and deposited by streams flowing from the melting ice.  The deposits are stratified and may occur in the form of outwash plains, valley trains, deltas, kames, eskers, and kame terraces.
Material ranging from fine clay to sand derived from glaciers and deposited in glacial lakes by water originating mainly from the melting of glacial ice.  Many are bedded or laminated with varves or rhythmites.
material that contains 15 to < 40 percent by weight gypsum.
Material that contains 15 to < 40 percent by weight gypsum.
Material transported and deposited by the wind, dominated by particles of sand-size (0.05-2 mm).
Material transported and deposited by the wind.  Includes earth materials such as dune sands, sand sheets, loess deposits, and clay (e.g. parna).
Material transported and deposited by wind and consisting predominantly of silt size.
Material underlying a densic contact as defined in Soil Taxonomy.

The material is virtually continuous within the limits of a pedon.  Cracks that can be penetrated by roots are 10 cm or more apart.  The material is relatively unaltered and has a noncemented rupture resistance class.  Commonly, the material is earthy material such as till, volcanic mudflows, and mechanically compacted materials, but noncemented rocks can be densic materials if they are dense or resistance enough to keep roots from entering, except in cracks.
Material underlying a Lithic Contact as defined in Soil Taxonomy.

The material is virtually continuous within the limits of a pedon.  Cracks that can be penetrated by roots are 10 cm or more apart.  When moist, hand digging with a spade is impractical although the material may be chipped or scratched.  Rupture resistance class is at least strongly cemented.  Commonly, the material is indurated.
Material underlying a Paralithic Contact as defined in Soil Taxonomy.

The material is virtually continuous within the limits of a pedon.  Cracks that can be penetrated by roots are 10 cm or more apart.  Rupture resistance is extremely weakly cemented to moderately cemented.  Commonly, the material is partially weathered bedrock or weakly consolidated bedrock such as sandstone, siltstone or shale.
Medial
Medial-pumiceous
Medial-skeletal
Medium gravelly
Medium potential of slippage.
Mineral horizons in which the main feature is loss of silicate clay, iron, or aluminum, or some combination of these, leaving a concentration of sand and silt particles.  These horizons exhibit obliteration of all or much of the original rock structure.
Mineral horizons which have formed at the surface or below an O horizon; they exhibit obliteration of all or much of the original rock structure and show one or both of the following: (1) an accumulation of humified organic closely mixed with the mineral fraction and not dominated by properties characteristic of E or B horizons, or (2) properties resulting from cultivation, pasturing, or similar kinds of disturbance.
Moderately decomposed organic material of any thickness that is saturated with water for 30 or more cumulative days in normal years (or is artificially drained), including that in Histels and Histosols, except for Folists.
Moderately decomposed plant material that is saturated with water for less than 30 cumulative days in normal years (and is not artificially drained).
Moderately high hazard of slippage.
Moderately low hazzard of slippage.
More than 30 days
Mossy
Mucky is used to modify near surface horizons of mineral soils that are saturated with water for 30 or more cumulative days in normal years (or are artificially drained). An example is mucky loam. Excluding live roots, the horizon has organic carbon content (by weight) of 5 to < 12 percent if the mineral fraction contains no clay; or 12 to < 18 percent if the mineral fraction contains 60 percent or more clay; or (5 + (clay percentage multiplied by 0.12)) to < (12 + (clay percentage multiplied by 0.10)) if the mineral fraction contains less than 60 percent clay.  The organic material is highly decomposed.
MWR to UWR water content (see SSM p91).
Nearly continuous, horizontally oriented human-manufactured materials. Examples include geotextile liners, asphalt, concrete, rubber, and plastic.
Neither wooded nor farmable under natural conditions.
No apparent erosion has occurred.  Deposition of soil sediment removed from other areas may have occurred.
No components are hydric and some or all components are not ranked.
No individual soil units or aggregates are observable, either in place or following disturbance. (SSM)
No reasonable possibility of flooding; near 0 percent chance of flooding in any year or less than 1 time in 500 years.
No reasonable possibility of ponding, near 0 percent chance on ponding in any year.
No structural units.  Material is a coherent mass (not necessarily cemented).
No structural units.  Material is entirely noncoherent.
Non or slightly vesicular pyroclastics, 2.0 to 76 mm in at least one dimension, with an apparent specific gravity of 2.0 or more.
Non or slightly vesicular pyroclastics, 2.0 to 76 mm in at least one dimension, with an apparent specific gravity of 2.0 or more.  Compare - ash [volcanic], block [volcanic], cinders, tephra.
Non-connected cavities or chambers of various shapes (e.g. vughs).
Non-woody vegetative cover composed of annual or perennial grasses, grass-like plants (sedges/rushes), forbs (including alfalfa and clovers), lichens, mosses, and ferns (>75% grass, grass-like, forb cover).
Noncalcareous loam and silt loam that has less than 20 percent clay content or sandy clay loam, sandy clay, and hemic organic soil materials.  Dry soil aggregates more than .84 mm are 40 to 45 percent by weight.
Noncalcareous loam and silt loam that has more than 20 percent clay content or noncalcareous clay loam that has less than 35 percent clay content.  Dry soil aggregates more than .84 mm are 45 to 50 percent by weight.
Noncalcareous material transported and deposited by wind and consisting predominantly of silt size (0.002-0.05 mm).
None of the speciman flows through the fingers after exerting full compression. (SSM)  The approximate equivalent n-value is less than 0.7. (Pons and Zonneveld, 1965)
Nonvegetative cover either made or modified by human activity and prohibiting or restricting vegetative growth and water penetration.
Nonvegetative natural cover often having a limited capacity to support vegetation - including construction sites (<5% vegetated).
Not prime farmland.
Not suited.
Oak, hickory, elm, aspen, etc.
Organic material of intermediate decomposition.  This symbol is used with O to indicate organic materials of intermediate decomposition. The fiber content of these materials is 17 to 40 percent (by volume) after rubbing.
Organic or mineral soil material (or any other material that can function as a soil material) that has been moved horizontally onto a pedon from a source area outside of that pedon by directed human activity, usually with the aid of machinery. There has been little or no subsequent reworking by wind, gravity, water, or ice. Human transported materials are most commonly associated with building sites, mining or dredging operations, land fills, or other similar activities that result in the formation of a constructional anthropogenic landform.
Ortstein
Overlapping lenses oriented parallel to the soil surface which are thickest in the middle and thin towards the edges; commonly associated with moist soils, texture classes high in silt or very fine sand (e.g., silt loam), and high potential frost action.
Ovoid to spherical shaped voids (e.g. solidified gaseous bubbles concentrated just below a crust).
Oxide protected weathered bedrock
Paraboulders
Parabouldery
Parachanners
Parachannery
Paracobbles
Paracobbly
Paraflaggy
Paraflagstones
Paragravel
Paragravelly
Parastones
Parastony
Partially decomposed organic matter.
Peaty is used to modify near surface horizons of mineral soils that are saturated with water for 30 or more cumulative days in normal years (or are artificially drained). An example is peaty loam. Excluding live roots, the horizon has organic carbon content (by weight) of: 5 to < 12 percent if the mineral fraction contains no clay; or 12 to < 18 percent if the mineral fraction contains 60 percent or more clay; or (5 + (clay percentage multiplied by 0.12)) to < (12 + (clay percentage multiplied by 0.10)) if the mineral fraction contains less than 60 percent clay. The organic material is slightly decomposed.
Permanently frozen
Petrocalcic
Petroferric
Petrogypsic
Physical root restriction.  This symbol indicates noncemented, root-restricting layers in naturally occurring or human-made sediments or materials. Examples are dense basal till, plowpans, and other mechanically compacted zones.
Placic
Plinthite.  This symbol indicates the presence of iron-rich, humus-poor, reddish material that is firm or very firm when moist and is less than strongly cemented. It hardens irreversibly when exposed to the atmosphere and to repeated wetting and drying.
Polyhedrals with faces that intersect at sharp angles (planes).
Polyhedrals with sub-rounded and planar faces, lacking sharp angles.
Ponding is expected infrequently under usual weather conditions; 5 to 50 percent chance of ponding in any year, or 5 to 50 times in 100 years.
Ponding is likely to occur under usual weather conditions; more than 50 percent chance in any year, or more than 50 times in 100 years.
Ponding unlikely but possible under unusual weather conditions; from nearly 0 to 5 percent chance of ponding in any year, or nearly 0 to 5 times in 100 years.
Poorly drained soils.
Pounds/acre
Presence of human-manufactured materials (artifacts). This symbol indicates the presence of manufactured artifacts that have been created or modified by humans, usually for a practical purpose in habitation, manufacturing, excavation, or construction activities. Examples of artifacts are processed wood products, liquid petroleum products, coal combustion by-products, asphalt, fibers and fabrics, bricks, cinder blocks, concrete, plastic, glass, rubber, paper, cardboard, iron and steel, altered metals and minerals, sanitary and medical waste, garbage, and landfill waste.
Presence of slickensides.  This symbol indicates the presence of slickensides.  Slickensides result directly from the swelling of clay minerals and shear failure, commonly at angles of 20 to 60 degrees above horizontal.  They are indicators that other vertic characteristics, such as wedge-shaped peds and surface cracks, may be present.
Primary packing voids between soil particles (e.g. voids between sand grains and rock fragments).
Prime farmland if drained and either protected from flooding, or not frequenlty flooded during the growing season.
Prime farmland if drained.
Prime farmland if irrigated and drained.
Prime farmland if irrigated and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season.
Prime farmland if irrigated and reclaimed from excess salts and sodium.
Prime farmland if irrigated and the product of I (soil erodibility) x C (climate factor) does not exceed 60.
Prime farmland if irrigated.
Prime farmland if protected from flooding, or not frequently flooded during the growing season.
Prime farmland if subsoiled, completely removed the root inhibiting soil layer.
Pumiceous
Randomly mixed, earthy materials artificially deposited as a result of either surficial or underground coal mining activities.
Randomly mixed, earthy materials artificially deposited as a result of either surficial or underground metal-ore mining activities.
refer to micro-high.
refer to micro-low
Rill erosion is the removal of soil through the cutting of many small, but conspicuous channels where runoff concentrates.  The channels are shallow enough that they can be obliterated with normal tillage operations. (SSM)
Rock formed by solidification from a molten or partially molten state; major varieties include plutonic and volcanic rocks.  Examples: andesite, basalt, granite.  Compare - intrusive, extrusive.
Rock fragments of any size or shape (usually coarse and angular) derived from and lying at the base of a cliff or very steep rock slope.  The accumulated mass of such loose broken rock formed chiefly by falling, rolling, or sliding.
Rock of any origin altered in mineralogical composition, chemical composition, or structure by heat, pressure, and movement at depth in the earth's crust.  Nearly all such rocks are crystalline.  Examples: schist, gneiss, quartzite, slate, marble.
Root-limiting, subsoil layers consisting of nearly continuous, horizontally oriented, human manufactured materials. Examples of materials designated by the letter M include geotextile liners, asphalt, concrete, rubber, and plastic.
Sacks/acre
saline seeps, mines, quarries, oil-waste, etc.
salt flats, slickspots, mud flats, badlands, etc.; excludes those in culturally induced earth cover
Sand and gravel
Sand, silt or clay-sized sediments transported and deposited by wind, currents, and storm washover in the relatively low-energy, brackish to saline, shallow waters of a lagoon.  Compare - marine deposit.
Sediment gradually transported on mountain or hill slopes primarily by alluvial processes and characterized by particle sorting.  In a profile sequence, sediments may be distinguished by differences in size and/or specific gravity of coarse fragments and may be separated by stone lines.  Sorting of rounded or subrounded pebbles or cobbles and burnished peds distinguish these materials from unsorted colluvial deposits.
Sediment resulting from a mass movement of rock fragments, soil, mud, more than half of the particles being larger than sand size.
Sediment resulting from slow mass movement of earth material down slopes, caused by gravity but facilitated by saturation with water and alternate freezing and thawing.
Sediment resulting from the dislodgement and downslope transport of soil and rock material as a unit under direct gravitational stress.  The process includes slow displacements such as creep and solifluction, and rapid movements such as landslides, rock slides, and falls, earthflows, debris flows, and avalanches.  Agents of fluid transport (water, ice, air) may play an important, if subordinate role in the process.
Sediment resulting from the very rapid and usually sudden sliding and flow of incoherent, unsorted mixtures of soil and weathered bedrock.
Sedimentary rock containing dominantly sand-size clastic particles.
Sedimentary rock containing dominantly silt-size clastic particles.
Sedimentary rock formed by induration of a clay, silty clay, or silty clay loam deposit and having the tendency to split into thin layers, i.e., fissility.
shrubs and trees
Silt-Clay materials (more than 35% passing No. 200) clayey soils.
Silt-Clay materials (more than 35% passing No. 200), clayey soils.
Silt-Clay Materials (more than 35% passing No. 200), clayey soils.
Silt-Clay materials (more than 35% passing NO. 200), silty soils.
Silt, noncalcareous silty clay loam that has less than 35 percent clay content, and fibric organic soil material.  Dry soil aggregates more than .84 mm are more than 50 percent by weight.
Slightly decomposed organic material of any thickness that is saturated with water for 30 or more cumulative days in normal years (or is artificially drained), including that in Histels and Histosols, except for Folists.
Slightly decomposed organic material.  This symbol is used with O to indicate the least decomposed of the organic materials. The fiber content of these materials is 40 percent or more (by volume) after rubbing.
Slightly decomposed plant material that is saturated with water for less than 30 cumulative days in normal years (and is not artificially drained).
Slowest permeability is 0.6 in/hr or less.  Soils with a muck/peat layer are rated "low".
Slowest permeability is 6.0 in/hr or more.
Slowest permeability is between 0.6 and 6.0 in/hr.  Soils with a mucky layer are rated "medium" unless the soil has a slowest permeability of less than 0.6 in/hr.  Then the soil is rated "low".
Small polyhedrals with curved or very irregular faces.
soil limitations within the rooting zone
Soil material with 40 percent or more, by weight, gypsum in the fine-earth fraction and 50 percent or more of the fine-earth fraction is comprised of particles ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 mm in diameter.
Soil material with 40 percent or more, by weight, gypsum in the fine-earth fraction and less than 50 percent of the fine-earth fraction is comprised of particles ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 mm in diameter.
Soil removal by running water.
Soil Survey area has a published report that requires extensive revision, as defined in NSSH Part 610.06.  The Director, Soil Survey Division, has approved the survey area for updating and republication, and the survey area has a signed memorandum of understanding and staffing to complete the fieldwork in 2 to 4 years.
Soil survey area has a published report that requires some degree of revision (primarily to soil maps), as defined in NSSH Part 610.06.  A comprehensive evaluation documents deficiencies for the entire survey area, and National Cooperative Soil Survey cooperators have agreed on the evaluation; however available resources do not dictate immediate project activities and a change to Maintenance status.
Soil survey area has a published report that requires some degree of revision (primarily to soil maps), as defined in NSSH Part 610.06.  A comprehensive evaluation documents deficiencies for the entire survey area, and National Cooperative Soil Survey cooperators have agreed on the evaluation; staffing is assigned and other necessary resources are available to complete all revisions within 2 years or less.
Soil survey area has a published report, but it no longer meets user needs; it requires extensive revision, as defined in NSSH Part 610.06.
Soil survey area has a signed Memorandum of Understanding and assigned staffing to complete the initial mapping and field documentation in 3 to 5 years.
Soil survey area has been printed, or otherwise reproduced and issued by a Federal or State agency, and meets the current needs of users.  Publication is defined as a traditional hard copy printed report, CD-ROM, web publication, or other media as agreed to by the National Cooperative Soil Survey cooperators in the memorandum of understanding.
Soil survey area has neither the initial mapping complete nor a signed correlation document.
Soils (and landforms) in Class 8 have limitations that preclude their use for commercial plant production and restrict their use.
Soils in Aquic suborders, great groups, or subgroups, Albolls suborder, Historthels great group, Histoturbels great group, or Andic, Cumulic, Pachic, or Vitrandic subgroups that: (a) Based on the range of characteristics for the soil series, will at least in part meet one or more Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, or (b) Show evidence that the soil meets the definition of a hydric soil.  (Federal Register Doc. 2012-4733 Filed 2-28-12) 

[Previous choices of 2a, 2b1, 2b2, and 2b3 have been deleted as choices per request of Lenore Vasilas at the behest of the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils.]
Soils in Class 1 have few limitations that restrict their use.
Soils in Class 2 have some limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require moderate conservation practices
Soils in Class 3 have severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require special conservation practices, or both.
Soils in Class 4 have very severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants, require very careful management, or both
Soils in Class 5 have little or no erosion hazard, but have other limitations impractical to remove that limit their use.
Soils in Class 6 have very severe limitations that make them generally unsuited to cultivation and limit their use largely to pasture, etc.
Soils in Class 7 have very severe limitations that make them unsuited to cultivation and that restrict their use to grazing, etc.
Soils in this group have high runoff potential when thoroughly wet. Water movement through the soil is restricted or very restricted.
Soils in this group have low runoff potential when thoroughly wet. Water is transmitted freely through the soil.
Soils in this group have moderately high runoff potential when thoroughly wet. Water transmission through the soil is somewhat restricted.
Soils in this group have moderately low runoff potential when thoroughly wet. Water transmission through the soil is unimpeded.
Soils not susceptible to wind erosion due to coarse fragments on the surface or wetness.
Soils not susceptible to wind erosion due to rock and pararock fragments at the surface and/or wetness; and Folists
Soils that are frequently flooded for long duration or very long duration during the growing season.
Soils that are frequently ponded for long duration or very long duration during the growing season.
Soils with a hydrological group of A, and soils with a hydrological group of B (in their natural, undrained state) that have a permeability of 6.0 in/hr or greater in all of the upper 20 inches of the soil.
Soils with a hydrological group of C, and soils with a hydrological group of B (in their natural, undrained state) that have a permeability of less than 6.0 in/hr within 20 inches of the soil surface.  Soils that rate low are changed to a rating of medium where the slope is more than 12 percent.
Soils with a hydrological group of D in their natural, undrained state.  Soils that are frequently flooded during the growing season are rated high.  Soils that rate medium are changed to a rating of high where the slope is more than 8 percent.
Some components are hydric and some components are not hydric.
Spruce, Douglas-fir, pine, etc.
Stones
Stony
Stratified
Stratified materials (clay, silt, sand, or gravel) formed by both marine and fluvial processes, resulting from sea level flucuations and stream migration (i.e. materials originally deposited in a nearshore environment and subsequently reworked by fluvial processes as sea level fell, or vice versa as sea level rose).
Stress applied is greater than or equal 3 joules. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 0 to 8 newtons. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 160 to 800 newtons. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 20 to 40 newtons. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 20 to 80 newtons. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 40 to 80 newtons. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 8 to 20 newtons. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 8 to 80 newtons. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 80 to 160 newtons. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 80 to 800 newtons. (SSM)
Stress applied ranges from 800 newtons to 3 joules. (SSM)
Strong gleying.  This symbol indicates either that iron has been reduced and removed during soil formation or that saturation with stagnant water has preserved it in a reduced state. Most of the affected layers have chroma of 2 or less, and many have redox concentrations. The low chroma can represent either the color of reduced iron or the color of uncoated sand and silt particles from which iron has been removed. The symbol g is not used for materials of low chroma that have no history of wetness, such as some shales or E horizons. If g is used with B, pedogenic change in addition to gleying is implied. If no other pedogenic change besides gleying has taken place, the horizon is designated Cg.
Strongly cemented to indurated bedrock.
Strongly developed faces with sharp edges (SSM).
Strongly developed faces with very sharp, broken edges.
Surface texture - Calcareous loam, calcareous silt loam, calcareous silt, calcareous sandy clay, calcareous sandy clay loam, calcareous clay loam and calcareous silty clay loam. Percent aggregates - 25 .Wind Erodibility Index - 86 t/a/yr.
Surface texture - Clay, silty clay, noncalcareous clay loam that has more than 35 percent clay, and noncalcareous silty clay loam that has more than 35 percent clay. All of these do not have sesquic, parasesquic, ferritic, ferruginous, or kaolinitic mineralogy (high iron oxide content). Percent aggregates - 25. Wind erodibility index - 86 t/a/yr.
Surface texture - Loamy very fine sand, loamy fine sand, loamy sand, loamy coarse sand; very fine sandy loam and silt loam with 5 or less percent clay and 25 or less percent very fine sand; and sapric soil materials (as defined in Soil Taxonomy); except Folists.  Percent aggregates - 10.  Wind erodibility index - 134 t/a/yr.
Surface texture - Noncalcareous loam and silt loam that have more than 20 percent clay; noncalcareous clay loam and noncalcareous silty clay loam that has less than 35 percent clay; silt loam that has parasesquic, ferritic, or kaolinitic mineralogy (high iron oxide content). Percent aggregates - 45. Wind Erodibility Index - 48 t/a/yr.
Surface texture - Noncalcareous loam that has less than 20 percent clay; noncalcareous silt loam with 12 to 20 percent clay; noncalcareous sandy clay loam; noncalcareous sandy clay; and hemic materials (as defined in Soil Taxonomy). Percent aggregates - 40. Wind Erodibility Index - 56 t/a/yr.
Surface texture - Noncalcareous silt; noncalcareous silty clay, noncalcareous silty clay loam, and noncalcareous clay that have sesquic, parasesquic, ferritic, ferruginous, or kaolinitic mineralogy (high content of iron oxide) and are Oxisols or Ultisols; and fibric material (as defined in Soil Taxonomy).  Percent aggregates - 50.  Wind Erodibility Index - 48 t/a/yr.
Surface texture - Very fine sand, fine sand, sand or coarse sand. Percent aggregates - 1 to 7.  Wind erodibility index - 160 to 310 t/a/yr, use 220 as average.
Surface texture - Very fine sandy loam, fine sandy loam, sandy loam, coarse sandy loam, and noncalcareous silt loam that has 20 to 50 percent very fine sand and 5 to 12 percent clay. Percent aggregates - 25. Wind Erodibility Index - 86 t/a/yr.
Text entries about correlation concerns related to this mapunit, not including mapunit name or status changes.
Text entries not relate to any of the other choices.
Text entries not related to any of the other choices.
Text entries related to certification of mapunits.
Text entries related to certification of this legend.  For example, statements of prior survey and legend-wide join statements.
Text entries related to correlation concerns that affect the entire legend.
Text entries related to initial, progress, and final field reviews.  For example, the general text part of a progress field review that applies to the entire legend.
Text entries that describe what changes were made to the component object, exclusive of the horizon object, and why those changes were made.
Text entries that describe what changes were made to the data and why those changes were made.
Text entries that document correlation concerns that affect this component.  For example, notes about the comparison of this component to the official series for which it is named.
Text entries that include the text of the original MOU for the survey and any amendments to the MOU.
The "caret" symbol (^) is used as a prefix to master horizon designations to indicate mineral or organic layers of human-transported material. This material has been moved horizontally onto a pedon from a source area outside of that pedon by directed human activity, usually with the aid of machinery. All horizons and layers formed in human-transported material are indicated by a "caret" prefix (e.g., ^A-^C-Ab-Btb).
The "caret" symbol (^) is used as a prefix to master horizon designations to indicate mineral or organic layers of human-transported material. This material has been moved horizontally onto a pedon from a source area outside of that pedon by directed human activity, usually with the aid of machinery. All horizons and layers formed in human-transported material are indicated by a "caret" prefix (e.g., ^A-^C-Ab-Btb).

The "A" is assigned to mineral horizons which have formed at the surface or below an O horizon; they exhibit obliteration of all or much of the original rock structure and show one or both of the following: (1) an accumulation of humified organic closely mixed with the mineral fraction and not dominated by properties characteristic of E or B horizons, or (2) properties resulting from cultivation, pasturing, or similar kinds of disturbance.
The "caret" symbol (^) is used as a prefix to master horizon designations to indicate mineral or organic layers of human-transported material. This material has been moved horizontally onto a pedon from a source area outside of that pedon by directed human activity, usually with the aid of machinery. All horizons and layers formed in human-transported material are indicated by a "caret" prefix (e.g., ^A-^C-Ab-Btb).

The "B" is assiged to horizons which have formed below an A, E, or O horizon. They are dominated by the obliteration of all or much of the original rock structure and show one or more of the following:

1. Illuvial concentration of silicate clay, iron, aluminum, humus, carbonates, gypsum, or silica, alone or in combination;
2. Evidence of the removal or addition of carbonates;
3. Residual concentration of oxides;
4. Coatings of sesquioxides that make the horizon conspicuously lower in color value, higher in chroma, or redder in hue, without apparent illuviation of iron; 
5. Alteration that forms silicate clay or liberates oxides, or both, and that forms a granular, blocky, or prismatic structure if volume changes accompany changes in moisture content; 
6. Brittleness; or
7. Strong gleying.
The "caret" symbol (^) is used as a prefix to master horizon designations to indicate mineral or organic layers of human-transported material. This material has been moved horizontally onto a pedon from a source area outside of that pedon by directed human activity, usually with the aid of machinery. All horizons and layers formed in human-transported material are indicated by a "caret" prefix (e.g., ^A-^C-Ab-Btb).

The "C" is assigned to horizons or layers, excluding hard bedrock, that are little affected by pedogenic processes and lack the properties of O, A, E, or B horizons.  Most are mineral layers.  The material of C layers may be either like or unlike the material from which the solum has presumably formed.  The C horizon may have been modified, even if there is no evidence of pedogenesis.
The "caret" symbol (^) is used as a prefix to master horizon designations to indicate mineral or organic layers of human-transported material. This material has been moved horizontally onto a pedon from a source area outside of that pedon by directed human activity, usually with the aid of machinery. All horizons and layers formed in human-transported material are indicated by a "caret" prefix (e.g., ^A-^C-Ab-Btb).

The "E" is assigned to mineral horizons in which the main feature is loss of silicate clay, iron, or aluminum, or some combination of these, leaving a concentration of sand and silt particles.  These horizons exhibit obliteration of all or much of the original rock structure.
The "caret" symbol (^) is used as a prefix to master horizon designations to indicate mineral or organic layers of human-transported material. This material has been moved horizontally onto a pedon from a source area outside of that pedon by directed human activity, usually with the aid of machinery. All horizons and layers formed in human-transported material are indicated by a "caret" prefix (e.g., ^A-^C-Ab-Btb).

The "O" indicates layers dominated by organic material.  Some are saturated with water for long periods, or were once saturated but are now artificially drained; others have never been saturated.
The aggregation method "Dominant Component" returns the attribute value associated with the component with the highest percent composition in the map unit.  If more than one component shares the highest percent composition, the corresponding "tie-break" rule determines which value should be returned.  The "tie-break" rule indicates whether the lower or higher attribute value should be returned in the case of a percent composition tie.    The result returned by this aggregation method may or may not represent the dominant condition throughout the map unit.
The aggregation method "Dominant Condition" first groups like attribute values for the components in a map unit.  For each group, percent composition is set to the sum of the percent composition of all components participating in that group.  These groups now represent "conditions" rather than components.  The attribute value associated with the group with the highest cumulative percent composition is returned.  If more than one group shares the highest cumulative percent composition, the corresponding "tie-break" rule determines which value should be returned.  The "tie-break" rule indicates whether the lower or higher group value should be returned in the case of a percent composition tie.    The result returned by this aggregation method represents the dominant condition throughout the map unit only when no tie has occurred.
The aggregation method "Least Limiting" is suitable only for attributes that correspond to a programmatically generated soil interpretation.  Such an interpretation attempts to determine if a soil is suitable for a particular use.  The results for such an interpretation can be ranked from least limiting (or most suitable) to most limiting (or least suitable).  For this aggregation method, the least limiting result among all components of the map unit is returned.    The result returned by this aggregation method may or may not represent the dominant condition throughout the map unit.  The result may well be based on the limitations of a map unit component of very minor extent.  If one were making a decision based on this result, that decision would be based on the least conservative, or most optimistic, result.
The aggregation method "Minimum or Maximum" returns either the lowest or highest attribute value among all components of the map unit, depending on the corresponding "tie-break" rule.  In this case, the "tie-break" rule indicates whether the lowest or highest value among all components should be returned.  For this aggregation method, percent composition ties cannot occur.  The result may correspond to a map unit component of very minor extent.  This aggregation method is appropriate for either numeric attributes or attributes with a ranked or logically ordered domain.
The aggregation method "Most Limiting" is suitable only for attributes that correspond to a programmatically generated soil interpretation.  Such an interpretation attempts to determine if a soil is suitable for a particular use.  The results for such an interpretation can be ranked from least limiting (or most suitable) to most limiting (or least suitable).  For this aggregation method, the most limiting result among all components of the map unit is returned.    The result returned by this aggregation method may or may not represent the dominant condition throughout the map unit.  The result may well be based on the limitations of a map unit component of very minor extent.  If one were making a decision based on this result, that decision would be based on the most conservative, or most pessimistic, result.
The aggregation method "Percent Present" returns the cumulative percent composition of all components of a map unit for which a certain condition is true.  For example, attribute ôHydric Rating by Map Unitö returns the cumulative percent composition of all components of a map unit where the corresponding hydric rating is ôYesö.  Conditions may be simple or complex.  At runtime, the user may be able to specify all, some or none of the conditions in question.
The aggregation method "Weighted Average" computes a weighted average value for all components in the map unit.  Percent composition is the weighting factor.    The result returned by this aggregation method represents a weighted average value of the corresponding attribute throughout the map unit.
The CEC7 to clay ratio is 0.24 to 0.40.
The CEC7 to clay ratio is 0.40 to 0.60.
The CEC7 to clay ratio is greater than or equal to 0.60.
The CEC7 to clay ratio is less than 0.24.
The component is classified and described as a non-soil area.
The component is classified and described at the family level of Soil Taxonomy.
The component is classified and described at the soil series level, the lowest level of Soil Taxonomy.
The component is described and classified at some level of Soil Taxonomy above the family level.
The component is described as being outside the range of the series for which it is named.  The differences are great enough to  warrant a new series, they do affect the use and management of the soil, but the geographical extent is considered too small to justify creating a new series.
The component is described slightly outside the Soil Taxomonic limits of the name assigned.  However, these differences are not significant enough to affect use and management of the soil.
The concave surface at the head of a drainageway where the flow of water converges downward toward the center and contour lines form concave curves.
The data in the legend object, including mapunits, correlation notes, and area overlaps, have been appropriately populated and the data have been reviewed.  At least some of the data elements have been certified for use in specific applications.  Other data elements in the object have advance data, subject to change.

Note that this certification status applies to only the legend object.
The data in the legend object, including mapunits, correlation notes, and area overlaps, have been appropriately populated, reviewed, and certified for general use.

Note, that this certification status applies to only the legend object.
The data in the legend object, including mapunits, correlation notes, and area overlaps, have been created and have been appropriately populated, but data have not been reviewed or certified.  These are advance data, subject to change.

Note that this certification status applies to only the legend object.
The data in the map unit object have been appropriately populated and the data have been reveiwed.  At least some of the data elements have been certified for use in specific applications.  Other data elements in the object have advance data, subject to change.
The data in the map unit object have been appropriately populated, reviewed, and certified for general use.
The data in the map unit object have been created and have been appropriately populated, at least in part, but the data have not been reviewed or certified.  Data in some data elements in these tables may be more complete than in others.  These are advance data, subject to change.
The distribution request failed to run to completion, and no data was exported.
The distribution request has been submitted but the processing of that request is not complete.  The request may be being held for processing at a later time.
The distribution request was processed to completetion, and all requested legends, map units and components are present in the exported dataset.
The distribution request was processed to completion, but one or more of the legends, map units or components in the original request was not found in the database at the time the request was ultimately processed.
The flat or gently sloping surface of natural step-like landforms, commonly one of a series, such as successive stream terraces.
The fragmental products of in situ granular disintegration of granite and granitic rocks, dominated by inter-crystal disintegration.
The full cycle, including land preparation and post-harvest residue cover of annual or perennial herbaceous plants that are cultivated or harvested, or both, for the production of food, feed, oil, and fiber other than wood, and excluding hay and pasture.
The hillslope position that forms the gently inclined surface at the base of a hillslope.  Toeslopes in profile are commonly gentle and linear, and are constructional surfaces forming the lower part of a hill-slope continuum that grades to valley or closed-depression floors.
The hillslope position that forms the inner, gently inclined surface at the base of a hillslope.  In profile, footslopes are commonly concave.  It is a transition zone between upslope sites of erosion and transport (shoulder, backslope) and downslope sites of deposition (toeslope).
The hillslope position that forms the uppermost inclined surface near the top of a hillslope.  If present, it comprises the transition zone from backslope to summit.  The surface is dominantly convex in profile and erosional in origin.
The hillslope profile position that forms the steepest and generally linear, middle portion of the slope.  In profile, backslopes are commonly bounded by a convex shoulder above and a concave footslope below.  They may or may not include cliff segments (i.e. free faces).  Backslopes are commonly erosional forms produced by mass movement, colluvial action, and running water.
The land surface is shaped such that the slope gradient decreases down the slope, and runoff tends to decelerate as it flows down the slope.  In profile, the surface bows downward in the mid-section.
The land surface is shaped such that the slope gradient increases down the slope, and runoff tends to accelerate as it flows down the slope.  In profile, the surface bows upward in the mid-section.
The land surface is substantially a straight line when seen in profile at right angles to the contours -- planar.
The legend and data mapunits to be included in the export file have been appropriately populated and the data have been reviewed.  At least some of the data elements have been certified for use in specific applications.  Other data elements in the export have advance data, subject to change.

This certification applies to the whole export package as a single entity.
The legend and data mapunits to be included in the export file have been appropriately populated, at least in part, but have not been reviewed or certified.  These are advance data, subject to change.  

This certification applies to the whole export package as a single entity.
The legend and data mapunits to be included in the export file have been appropriately populated, reviewed, and certified for general use.

This certification applies to the whole export package as a single entity.
The legend has been completely replaced by another legend for the survey area.  Typically this legend has an out-of-date operational soil survey status and another survey legend completely covers the geographic area served by this legend.
The legend is up-to-date for only part of the geographic area it covers.  Another legend is up-to-date for the remaining area.  Typically occurs where an update survey is on-going in a survey area or where a more recent survey covers part of the geographic area.
The legend is up-to-date wherever it has been mapped in the survey area.  If the survey area is completely mapped, the legend applies over the entire geographic area.  If the mapping is on-going, the legend is up-to-date where mapping has been completed.
The majority of soil attributes are associated with a component of a map unit, and such an attribute has to be aggregated to the map unit level before a thematic map can be rendered.  Map units, however, also have their own attributes.  An attribute of a map unit does not have to be aggregated in order to render a corresponding thematic map.  Therefore, the "aggregation method" for any attribute of a map unit is referred to as "No Aggregation Necessary".
The map unit object has been created, but is not populated or the data are preliminary and incomplete.  The data are subject to major changes.  A map unit with this status should not be interpreted, exported, or used by other applications.
The material being modified is cemented by one or more cementing agents such that it does not slake in water.
The material contains 15 percent or more rock fragments.
The material contains 18 to 35 percent clay and 15 percent or more particles that are 0.1 to 75.0 mm in size.
The material contains 18 to 35 percent clay and less than 15 percent particles that are 0.1 to 75.0 mm in size.
The material contains less than 18 percent clay and 15 percent or more particles that are 0.1 to 75.0 mm in size.  The soil texture class is loamy very fine sand, very fine sand, or finer.
The material contains less than 18 percent clay and less than 15 percent particles that are 0.1 to 75.0 mm in size.
The more or less uniform removal of soil from an area without the development of conspicuous water channels. (SSM)
The part of a hillside or mountainside consisting of an outcrop of bare rock (scarp or cliff) that sheds colluvium to slopes below and commonly stands more steeply than the angle of repose of the colluvial slope (e.g. talus slope) immediately below. SW &  GG
The process, associated sediments (debris fall deposit) or resultant landform characterized by a rapid type of fall involving the relatively free, downslope movement or collapse of detached, unconsolidated material which falls freely through the air (lacks an underlying slip face); sediments have substantial proportions of both fine earth and coarse fragments; common along undercut stream banks.  Compare - rock fall, soil fall, landslide.  SW
The process, associated sediments (debris spread deposit) or resultant landforms characterized by a very rapid type of spread dominated by lateral movement in a soil and rock mass resulting from liquefaction or plastic flow of underlying materials that may be extruded out between intact units; sediments have substantial proportions of both fine earth and coarse fragments.  Compare - earth spread, rock spread, landslide.  SW & DV
The process, associated sediments (debris topple deposit) or resultant landform characterized by a localized, very rapid type of topple in which large blocks of soil and rock material literally fall over, rotating outward over a low pivot point;  sediments have substantial proportions of both fine earth and coarse fragments.  Portions of the original material may remain intact, although reoriented, within the resulting debris pile.  Compare - earth topple, rock topple, landslide.  SW
The process, associated sediments (earth spread deposit) or resultant landforms characterized by a very rapid type of spread dominated by lateral movement in a soil mass resulting from liquefaction or plastic flow of underlying materials that may be extruded out between intact units.  Compare - debris spread, rock spread, landslide.  SW & DV
The process, associated sediments (earth topple deposit) or resultant landform characterized by a localized, very rapid type of topple in which large blocks of soil material literally fall over, rotating outward over a low pivot point; sediments < 2 mm predominate.  Portions of the original material may remain intact, although reoriented, within the resulting deposit.  Compare - debris topple, rock topple, landslide.  SW
The process, associated sediments (rock spread deposit) or resultant landforms characterized by a very rapid type of spread dominated by lateral movement in a rock mass resulting from liquefaction or plastic flow of underlying materials that may be extruded out between intact units; rock bodies predominate.  Compare - debris spread, earth spread, landslide.  SW & DV
The process, associated sediments (rock topple deposit) or resultant landform characterized by a localized, very rapid type of fall in which large blocks of rock material literally fall over, rotating outward over a low pivot point; rock bodies predominate (little fine earth).  Portions of the original material may remain intact, although reoriented, within the resulting deposit.  Compare - earth topple, debris topple, landslide.  SW
The process, associated sediments (rotational debris slide deposit) or resultant landform characterized by an extremely slow to moderately rapid type of slide, composed of comparatively dry and largely unconsolidated earthy material, portions of which remain largely intact and in which movement occurs along a well-defined, concave shear surface and resulting in a backward rotation of the displaced mass; sediments have substantial proportions of both fine earth and coarse fragments.  The landform may be single, successive (repeated up and down slope), or multiple (as the number of slide components increase).  Compare - rotational earth slide, rotational rock slide, translational slide, lateral spread, landslide.  SW & DV
The process, associated sediments (rotational earth slide deposit) or resultant landform characterized by an extremely slow to moderately rapid type of slide, composed of comparatively dry and largely unconsolidated earthy material, portions of which remain largely intact and in which movement occurs along a well-defined, concave shear surface and resulting in a backward rotation of the displaced mass; sediments predominantly fine earth (< 2 mm).  The landform may be single, successive (repeated up and down slope), or multiple (as the number of slide components increase).  Compare - rotational debris slide, rotational rock slide, translational slide, lateral spread, landslide.  SW & DV
The process, associated sediments (rotational rock slide deposit) or resultant landform characterized by an extremely slow to moderately rapid type of slide, composed of comparatively dry and largely consolidated rock bodies, portions of which remain largely intact but reoriented, and in which movement occurs along a well-defined, concave shear surface and resulting in a backward rotation of the displaced mass.  The landform may be single, successive (repeated up and down slope), or multiple (as the number of slide components increase).  Compare - rotational debris slide, rotational earth slide, translational slide, lateral spread, landslide.  SW & DV
The process, associated sediments (translational debris slide deposit) or resultant landform characterized by an extremely slow to moderately rapid type of slide, composed of comparatively dry and largely unconsolidated earthy material, portions or blocks of which remain largely intact and in which movement occurs along a well-defined, planar slip face roughly parallel to the ground surface and resulting in lateral displacement but no rotation of the displaced mass; sediments have substantial proportions of both fine earth and coarse fragments.  The landform may be single, successive (repeated up and down slope), or multiple (as the number of slide components increase).  Compare - translational earth slide, translational rock slide, rotational slide lateral spread, landslide.  SW & DV
The process, associated sediments (translational earth slide deposit) or resultant landform characterized by an extremely slow to moderately rapid type of slide, composed of comparatively dry and largely unconsolidated earthy material, portions or blocks of which remain largely intact and in which movement occurs along a well-defined, planar slip face roughly parallel to the ground surface and resulting in lateral displacement but no rotation of the displaced mass; sediments predominantly fine earth (< 2 mm).  The landform may be single, successive (repeated up and down slope), or multiple (as the number of slide components increase).  Compare translational debris slide, translational rock slide, rotational slide, lateral spread, landslide.  SW & DV
The process, associated sediments (translational rock slide deposit) or resultant landform characterized by an extremely slow to moderately rapid type of slide, composed of comparatively dry and largely consolidated rock bodies, portions or blocks of which remain largely intact and in which movement occurs along a well-defined, planar slip face roughly parallel to the ground surface and resulting in lateral displacement but no rotation of the displaced mass; sediments predominantly fine earth (< 2 mm).  The landform may be single, successive (repeated up and down slope), or multiple (as the number of slide components increase).  Compare translational debris slide, translational earth slide, rotational slide, lateral spread, landslide.  SW & DV
The projecting end of an interfluve, where contour lines connecting the opposing side slopes form convex curves around the projecting end and lines perpendicular to the contours diverge downward.  Overland flow of water is divergent.
The removal of soil by the formation of subsurface tunnels (often referred to as piping).  Free water enters the soil through macropores such as large desication cracks or rodent burrows. The tunnels tend to enlarge and coelesce.
The rule is designed in a manner such that the higher the fuzzy value, the better suited the soil is for the stated use. The fuzzy values, of child-rules, closest to 0 represent the most limiting features and will be sorted in ascending order.
The rule is designed in a manner such that the higher the fuzzy value, the more limited the soil is for the stated use. The fuzzy values, of child-rules, closest to 1 represent the most limiting features and will be sorted in descending order.
The rule is designed to result in the soil being interpreted as a member of a discrete class.  Reportable features are those with fuzzy values closest to 1.  The fuzzy values of child-rules will be sorted in descending order.
The slope bounding a drainageway and lying between the drainageway and the adjacent interfluve.  It is generally linear along the slope width and overland flow is parallel down the slope.
The SOI-5 description converted from SSSD.
The soil has lost all of the original A and/or E horizons, or the uppermost 20 cm if the original A and/or E horizons were less than 20 cm thick.  Some of the orginal underlying material may have also been removed. (SSM)
The soil has lost on the average <25% of the original A and/or E horizons, or of the uppermost 20 cm if the original A and/or E horizons were less than 20 cm thick. (SSM)
The soil has lost, on the average, 25 to 75 percent of the original A and/or E horizons, or of the uppermost 20 cm if the original A and/or E horizons were less than 20 cm thick.
The soil has lost, on the average, more than 75 percent of the original A and/or E horizon, or of the uppermost 20 cm if the original A and/or E horizons were less than 20 cm thick. (SSM)
The soil texture class contains sand or loamy sand, and the material contains 15 percent or more rock fragments.
The soil texture class is clay, sandy clay, or silty clay.
The soil texture class is sand or loamy sand and silt or silt loam.
The soil texture class is sand or loamy sand.
The soil texture class is sandy loam, sandy clay loam, clay loam, silt, silt loam, or silty clay loam.
The soil texture class is silt or silt loam and clay, sandy clay, or silty clay.
The soil texture class is silt or silt loam.
The speciman can be compressed to half its original thickness without rupture.  Radial cracks may appear and extend inward less than half the radius normal to compression. (SSM)
The speciman retains its size and shape (no deformation) until it rupture abruptly into subunits or fragments. (SSM)
The topographically highest hillslope position of a hillslope profile and exhibiting a nearly level (planar or only slightly convex) surface.
The value derived for the corresponding component is the sum of A * B for each horizon or layer where A, the value of the attribute in question, is not null and B is each horizon or layerÆs percent of the total depth range that is evaluated.  The total depth range evaluated is based on the depth range specified at runtime but excludes horizons or layers where the attribute value is null, and excludes any part of a horizon or layer outside of the specified depth range.
The value derived for the corresponding component is the sum of A * B for each horizon or layer where A, the value of the attribute in question, is not null and B is the vertical linear extent of each horizon or layer that is evaluated.  The total vertical linear extent evaluated is based on the depth range specified at runtime but excludes horizons or layers where the attribute value is null, and excludes any part of a horizon or layer outside of the specified depth range.
The value of such an attribute is a combination of dollars and cents, where cents are represented as the decimal part of the numeric value.
The value of such an attribute is a floating point (real) number.
The value of such an attribute is a string of characters that includes both printable characters and control characters such as "tab" and "paragraph break".
The value of such an attribute is a string of printable characters.  Nonprinting control characters such as "tab" and "paragraph break" cannot be part of such a string.
The value of such an attribute is an integer (whole) number.
The value of such an attribute is either a date, a time, or a range that encompasses both date and time.
The value of such an attribute is either true or false (or yes or no, or on or off).
The value of such an attribute is restricted to a finite set choices.  Typically the set of choices is a set of unique character strings, although the set may also be a set of unique numbers.
The vertical or steeply sloping surface, commonly one of a series, of natural steplike landforms, as those of a glacial stairway or of successive stream terraces.
TheA mass of material torn away as a coherent unit during a landslide; a largely intact but displaced and commonly reoriented body of rock or soil.  SW & GG
These soils have low runoff potential when drained and high runoff potential when undrained.
These soils have moderately high runoff potential when drained and high runoff potential when undrained.
These soils have moderately low runoff potential when drained and high runoff potential when undrained.
This certification applies to the whole export package as a single entity.  The legend and data mapunits to be included in the export file have been appropriately populated (both major and minor components) and the data elements have been reviewed. These datasets are typically exports from on-going projects. At least some of the data elements have been certified for use in specific applications. Other data elements in the export have advance data, subject to change. Both major and minor components are intended for interpretation. The components with uncertified data elements may not have valid interpretations.
This certification applies to the whole export package as a single entity.  The legend and data mapunits to be included in the export file have been appropriately populated (major components only) and the data elements have been reviewed. Minor components are not intended for interpretation, and are populated with only a limited number of data elements. These datasets are typically exports from on-going projects. At least some of the data elements have been certified for use in specific applications. Other data elements in the export have advance data, subject to change. The major components with uncertified data elements may not have valid interpretations. Minor components are not sufficiently populated to allow valid interpretations.
This certification applies to the whole export package as a single entity.  The legend and data mapunits to be included in the export file have been appropriately populated (major components only). Minor components are not intended for interpretation, and are populated with only a limited number of data elements. Data have been reviewed and certified for general use. These datasets are typically exports from completed projects. Valid interpretations are available for major components only.
This certification applies to the whole export package as a single entity.  The legend and data mapunits to be included in the export file have been appropriately populated, reviewed, and certified for general use. Both major and minor components are fully populated. These datasets are typically exports from completed projects. Valid interpretations are available for both major and minor components.
This certification applies to the whole export package as a single entity.  The legend and data mapunits to be included in the export file have been populated (major components only). Minor components are not intended for interpretation, and are populated with only a limited number of data elements. Data have been reviewed and certified for general use. These datasets are typically exports from initial soil surveys that were completed years ago. Data was originally populated under less stringent standards than are in place today, and data have received only a minimum amount of recent updating. The data in the export does not have the level of quality and completeness equivalent to a recently populated dataset, but it is minimally acceptable and certifiable. Valid interpretations are available for all soil map units but for major components only, and some interpretations may be marginally valid.
This choice is intended to only be used with older data where the true curve's identity is unknown.
This is composed of non-cemented material that is commonly or locally referred to as "bedrock".  It meets the criteria of "densic materials" as defined in Soil Taxonomy.
This is used only to indicate that more than one pair of contrasting particle size families exist within the control section.  (see Soil Taxonomy)
This symbol indicates a residual accumulation of sesquioxides.
This symbol indicates the presence of sulfides in mineral or organic horizons. Horizons with sulfides typically have dark colors (e.g. value  4, chroma  2). These horizons typically form in soils associated with coastal environments that are permanently saturated or submerged (i.e., tidal marshes or estuaries). Soil materials which have sulfidization actively occurring emanate hydrogen sulfide gas which is detectable by its odor (Fanning and Fanning, 1989, or Fanning et al., 2002). Sulfides may also occur in upland environments that have a source of sulfur to form sulfides. Soils in such environments are often of geologic origin and may not produce a hydrogen sulfide odor. Examples include soils formed in parent materials derived from coal deposits such as lignite or soils formed in coastal plain deposits such as glauconite that have not been oxidized because of thick layers of overburden.
This term is NOT the same as the identically named soil characteristic defined in Soil Taxonomy. It is characterized by an increase of 20 percent or more clay content (absolute) within a vertical distance of 7.5 cm or less.  The increase in clay content can occur anywhere in the soil profile.  It is root restrictive.
This unit is generally not suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  Excessive soil wetness in association with the minimal slope is the limiting condition.  Prolonged periods of saturation at or near the soil surface do not allow for the proper functioning of septic systems.
This unit is generally not suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  Steep slopes in association with the depth to bedrock is the limiting condition.  Cut and fill site modifications that reduce the slope gradient are difficult to achieve due to the depth to bedrock.
This unit is generally not suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  Steep slopes in association with the slowly permeable substratum is the limiting condition.  Cut and fill site modifications that reduce the slope gradient are not generally effective due to the slowly permeable substratum.
This unit is generally not suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The very shallow to shallow depth to bedrock is the limiting condition.
This unit is marginally suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The depth to bedrock is the major limitation.  On-site investigations are needed to locate areas with sufficient soil depth.   A significant percentage of the soils in this unit are less than 18 inches to bedrock and are not suitable as a site.  However, there may be deeper areas that are suitable. Additional fill material may be needed in some areas in order to meet the separation distance requirement between the bottom of the leachfield and bedrock.
This unit is marginally suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The depth to the seasonal high water table and slopes greater than 20 percent in some areas are the major limitations.  A detailed, site-specific analysis is generally required.  On-site groundwater level monitoring and determination of induced groundwater mounding is often necessary to establish the suitability of this unit.  Curtain drains may help lower the water table to an acceptable level.  There may be less-sloping areas within the unit that are suitable for siting a septic system, or, if feasible, cut and fill site modifications may produce an acceptable area within the unit.  An erosion prevention and sediment control plan is required by the State for construction on sites over 20 percent slope.
This unit is marginally suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The depth to the seasonal high water table and the restricted depth to bedrock in some areas are the major limitations.  On-site investigations can help avoid areas with limited depth to bedrock.  Additional fill material may be needed in some areas in order to meet the separation distance requirement between the bottom of the leachfield and bedrock. A detailed, site-specific analysis with groundwater level monitoring and determination of induced groundwater mounding may be required to establish the suitability of this unit.  Mound system construction and other site modifications are often necessary.  On sloping sites, curtain drains can help lower the water table to an acceptable level.
This unit is marginally suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The depth to the seasonal high water table in association with the minimal slope is the major limitation.  A detailed, site-specific analysis is generally required.  On-site groundwater level monitoring and determination of induced groundwater mounding is often necessary to establish the suitability of this unit.  Curtain drains may help lower the water table to an acceptable level, however, the minimal slope may prevent their use in many areas.
This unit is marginally suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The depth to the seasonal high water table is the major limitation.  A detailed, site-specific analysis is generally required.  On-site groundwater level monitoring and determination of induced groundwater mounding is often necessary to establish the suitability of this unit.  Curtain drains may help lower the water table to an acceptable level.
This unit is marginally suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The hazard of flooding and the depth to the seasonal high water table are the major limitations. This unit is on floodplains and typically includes land in the floodway and the special flood hazard area. Consult flood hazard maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in local town offices for more information. Wastewater systems must be located, designed and constructed in a manner that avoids impairment to the system and contamination from the system due to flooding. A detailed, site-specific analysis with groundwater level monitoring and determination of induced groundwater mounding may be required to establish the suitability of this unit.  Mound system construction and other site modifications are often necessary.
This unit is marginally suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The hazard of flooding is the major limitation. This unit is on floodplains and typically includes land in the floodway and the special flood hazard area. Consult flood hazard maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in local town offices for more information. Wastewater systems must be located, designed and constructed in a manner that avoids impairment to the system and contamination from the system due to flooding.
This unit is moderately suited as a site for on-site waste disposal, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2002 Environmental Protection Rules.  Flooding from surface waters is the primary concern. Locating the septic system on the highest part of the floodplain and with the maximum setback from surface waters is recommended.
This unit is moderately suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  Slopes greater than 20 percent are the primary concern.  Cut and fill site modifications may produce an acceptable area within the unit.  An erosion prevention and sediment control plan is required by the State for construction on sites over 20 percent slope.
This unit is moderately suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The depth to bedrock and slopes greater than 20 percent in some areas are the primary concerns.  A significant percentage of this map unit has sufficient soil depth over bedrock to accept a range of designs.  On-site investigations can help avoid areas with limited depth to bedrock. Additional fill material may be needed in some areas in order to meet the separation distance requirement between the bottom of the leachfield and bedrock. There may be less-sloping areas within the unit that are suitable for siting a septic system, or, if feasible, cut and fill site modifications may produce an acceptable area within the unit.  An erosion prevention and sediment control plan is required by the State for construction on sites over 20 percent slope.
This unit is moderately suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The depth to bedrock in some areas is the primary concern.  A significant percentage of this map unit has sufficient soil depth over bedrock to accept a range of designs.  On-site investigations can help avoid areas with limited depth to bedrock.  Additional fill material may be needed in some areas in order to meet the separation distance requirement between the bottom of the leachfield and bedrock.
This unit is moderately suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The depth to the seasonal high water table is the primary concern.  Mound system construction and other site modifications are often necessary.  On sloping sites, curtain drains can help lower the water table to an acceptable level.  In some cases, a detailed, site-specific analysis with groundwater level monitoring and determination of induced groundwater mounding may be required to establish the suitability of this unit.
This unit is moderately suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The rapid permeability in the substratum and slopes greater than 20 percent are the primary concerns.  Backfilling absorption trenches and beds with at least one foot of finer textured material, or other site modifications, may be necessary to slow the percolation rate enough to allow for thorough filtering of effluent.  Cut and fill site modifications may produce an acceptable area within the unit.  An erosion prevention and sediment control plan is required by the State for construction on sites over 20 percent slope
This unit is moderately suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The slow permeability in the substratum and slopes greater than 20 percent in some areas are the primary concerns.  Mound system construction and other site modifications may be necessary.  There may be less-sloping areas within the unit that are suitable for siting a septic system, or, if feasible, cut and fill site modifications may produce an acceptable area within the unit.  An erosion prevention and sediment control plan is required by the State for construction on sites over 20 percent slope.
This unit is moderately suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The slow permeability in the substratum is the primary concern. Mound system construction and other site modifications may be necessary.
This unit is not rated as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems.  Due to the variable nature of the soils, on-site investigations are needed to determine their suitability.
This unit is well suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  Slopes greater than 20 percent in some areas are a concern.  There may be less-sloping areas within the unit that are suitable for siting a septic system, or, if feasible, cut and fill site modifications may produce an acceptable area within the unit.  An erosion prevention and sediment control plan is required by the State for construction on sites over 20 percent slope.
This unit is well suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The rapid permeability in the substratum and slopes greater than 20 percent in some areas are concerns.  Backfilling absorption trenches with at least one foot of finer textured material or other site modifications may be necessary to slow the percolation rate enough to allow for thorough filtering of effluent.  There may be less-sloping areas within the unit that are suitable for siting a septic system, or, if feasible, cut and fill site modifications may produce an acceptable area within the unit.  An erosion prevention and sediment control plan is required by the State for construction on sites over 20 percent slope.
This unit is well suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  The rapid permeability in the substratum is a concern.  Backfilling absorption trenches with at least one foot of finer textured material or other site modifications may be necessary to slow the percolation rate enough to allow for thorough filtering of effluent.
This unit is well suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules.  With moderate permeability and slopes less than 20 percent, there are few limitations.
Thousands/acre
Till deposited in or by the bottom parts of a glacier or ice sheet; types include lodgement till, subglacial flow till; synonym (not preferred; obsolete): basal till.  SW & GM
Till derived from slow melting of debris-rich stagnant ice buried beneath sufficient overburden to inhibit deformation under gravity, thus preserving structures derived from the parent ice.
Tillage or other disturbance.  This symbol indicates a disturbance of the surface layer by mechanical means, pasturing, or similar uses.  A disturbed organic horizon is designated Op.  A disturbed mineral horizon is designated Ap even though it is clearly a former E, B, or C horizon.
Tons/acre
Two or more dissimilar soils that occur in a regularly repeating pattern that could have been separated at the scale of field mapping, but were not separated due to the intended purpose of the survey.
Two or more dissimilar soils that occur in a regularly repeating pattern, that cannot be separated at the scale of field mapping.
Two or more similar soils that are not always geographically associated, and are mapped together due to them having the same or very similar use and management concerns.
Uncemented vitric, vesicular, pyroclastic material, more than 2.0 mm in at least one dimension, with an apparent specific gravity (including vesicles) of more than 1.0 and less than 2.0.
Uncemented vitric, vesicular, pyroclastic material, more than 2.0 mm in at least one dimension, with an apparent specific gravity (including vesicles) of more than 1.0 and less than 2.0.  Compare - ash [volcanic], block [volcanic], lapilli, tephra.
Uncemented vitric, vesicular, pyroclastic material, more than 2.0 mm in at least one dimension, with an apparent specific gravity (including vesicles) of more than 1.0 and less than 2.0.  Compare - ash [volcanic], block [volcanic], lapilli, tephra.  KST
Unconsolidated clastic material subaerially deposited by running water, including gravel, sand, silt, clay, and various mixtures of these.
Unconsolidated material of mixed composition deposited at the base (bottom) of a glacier [ The term emphaizes the e.g. subglacial till.  Types of basal till include lodgment, melt-out, and flow till.
Unconsolidated volcaniclastic material emplaced as mudflows on or near the flanks of a volcano.
Unconsolidated, pyroclastic material less than 2 mm in all dimensions.
Unconsolidated, pyroclastic material less than 2 mm in all dimensions.  Commonly called "volcanic ash".  Compare - block [volcanic], cinders, lapilli, tephra.
Unconsolidated, randomly mixed sediments extracted and deposited during dredging and dumping activities (e.g. adjoining the Intracoastal Waterway).  Dredge spoils lie unconformably upon natural, undisturbed soil or regolith and can form anthropogenic landforms (e.g. dredge spoil bank).
Unconsolidated, unsorted earth material being transported or deposited on side slopes and/or at the base of slopes by mass movement (e.g. direct gravitational action) and by local, unconcentrated runoff.
Unconsolidated, weathered, or partly weathered mineral material that accumulates by disintegration of bedrock in place.
Undecomposed organic matter
Under very gentle pressure most of the speciman flows through the fingers like a slightly viscous fluid; very little or no residue remains in the palm of the hand. (SSM)  The approximate equivalent n-value is equal to or greater than 2. (Pons and Zonneveld, 1965)
Unknown texture
Unweathered bedrock
Used to indicate that the soil does not qualify as "aniso".
UWR to 0.01 bar suction (see SSM p91).
Variable
Vegetative cover composed of multi-stemmed and single-stemmed woody plants that attain a mature height of less than four meters (>50% shrub canopy cover).
Vegetative cover recognized as woody plants which usually have one perennial stem, a definitely formed crown of foliage, and a mature height of at least four meters (including ornamentals and Christmas trees) (>25% tree canopy cover).
Vertically elongated units with flat tops.
Vertically elongated units with rounded tops which commonly are "bleached".
Very bouldery
Very channery
Very cobbly
Very fine sand, fine sand, sand, or coarse sand.  Dry soil aggregates more than .84 mm are 1 percent by weight.
Very fine sand, fine sand, sand, or coarse sand.  Dry soil aggregates more than .84 mm are 5 to 7 percent by weight.
Very fine sand, fine sand, sand, or coarse sand.  Dry soil aggregates more than .84 mm are 7 to 10 percent by weight.
Very fine sand, fine sand, sand, or coarse sand.  Dry soil aggregates more than .84 mm area 3 to 5 percent by weight.
Very fine sandy loam, fine sandy loam, sandy loam, coarse sandy loam, or ash material.  Clay, silty clay, noncalcareous clay loam, or noncalcareous silty clay loam that has more than 35 percent clay content.  Calcareous loam and silt loam or calcareous clay loam and silty clay loam.  Dry soil aggregates more than .84 mm are 25 to 40 percent by weight.
Very flaggy
Very gravelly
Very parabouldery
Very parachannery
Very paracobbly
Very paraflaggy
Very paragravelly
Very parastony
Very stony
Vesicular, cindery crust or bomb-sized fragments of such material on the surface of andesitic or basaltic lava, the vesicular nature of which is due to the escape of volcanic gases before solidification; it is usually heavier, darker, and more crystalline than pumice.  Synonym - cinder.
Vesicular, cindery crust or bomb-sized fragments of such material on the surface of andesitic or basaltic lava, the vesicular nature of which is due to the escape of volcanic gases before solidification; it is usually heavier, darker, and more crystalline than pumice.  Synonym - cinder.  Compare - pumice, tephra.
Water
Water.  This symbol indicates water layers within or beneath the soil. The water layer is designated as Wf if it is permanently frozen and as W if it is not permanently frozen. The W (or Wf) designation is not used for shallow water, ice, or snow above the soil surface.
Weathered bedrock
Weathered or soft bedrock.  This symbol is used with C to indicate layers of bedrock that are moderately cemented or less cemented. Examples are weathered igneous rock and partly consolidated sandstone, siltstone, or shale. The excavation difficulty is low to high.
Well sorted, sand-sized, clastic material transported, sorted and deposited primarily by wave action and deposited in a shore environment.  Compare - eolian sands.
Wheat, rice, oats, rye, etc.
Wooded under natural conditions.
Woody