# chtexturegrp

texdesc:
Stratified loamy fine sand to fine sandy loam


texdesc:
Stratified gravelly sandy loam to silty clay loam


texdesc:
Stratified weathered bedrock to fine sandy loam


texdesc:
Stratified sandy loam to silty clay loam


texdesc:
Stratified gravelly loam to silty clay loam


texdesc:
Stratified loamy sand to sandy clay loam


texdesc:
Stratified very fine sandy loam to silty clay


texdesc:
Stratified very fine sandy loam to silty clay loam


texdesc:
Stratified gravelly fine sand to silt loam


# component

taxclname:
HUMIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVENTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
Fine-silty, mixed, active, thermic Fluvaquentic Dystrudepts


taxclname:
Fine-silty, mixed, semiactive, thermic Typic Hapludults


taxclname:
GLOSSIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
GLOSSAQUIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDULTS, CLAYEY, KAOLINITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVENTIC UMBRIC DYSTROCHREPTS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
RHODIC PALEUDULTS, CLAYEY, KAOLINITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
Fine-silty, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Typic Paleudults


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIAQUULTS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
Loamy-skeletal, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Typic Paleudults


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
Fine, mixed, semiactive, thermic Oxyaquic Hapludalfs


taxclname:
GLOSSIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, CLAYEY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC ENDOAQUULTS, CLAYEY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
VERTIC OCHRAQUALFS, FINE, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
Clayey, mixed, active, thermic Lithic Hapludolls


taxclname:
Loamy-skeletal, siliceous, subactive, mesic Typic Paleudults


taxclname:
TYPIC DYSTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
LITHIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
LITHIC HAPLUDULTS, LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Typic Paleudults


taxclname:
Fine, mixed, active, thermic Typic Paleudalfs


taxclname:
Loamy, siliceous, subactive, thermic Lithic Hapludults


taxclname:
Fine, mixed, semiactive, thermic Typic Hapludults


taxclname:
Loamy-skeletal, mixed, subactive, thermic, shallow Typic Dystrudepts


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, mixed, active, thermic Fluvaquentic Dystrudepts


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Typic Hapludults


taxclname:
Fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludults


taxclname:
Loamy-skeletal, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Typic Hapludults


taxclname:
Fine-silty, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Glossic Fragiudults


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, nonacid, thermic Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, siliceous, active, thermic Fluvaquentic Dystrudepts


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, siliceous, subactive, thermic Typic Hapludults


taxclname:
DYSTRIC FLUVENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
CUMULIC HAPLUDOLLS, FINE, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
VERTIC HAPLAQUEPTS, VERY-FINE, MONTMORILLONITIC, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
VERTIC HAPLAQUEPTS, CLAYEY OVER LOAMY, MONTMORILLONITIC, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
VERTIC HAPLAQUEPTS, CLAYEY OVER LOAMY, MONTMORILLONITIC, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC OCHRAQUALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, CLAYEY OVER LOAMY, MONTMORILLONITIC, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, COARSE-SILTY, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
AQUIC UDIFLUVENTS, SANDY OVER CLAYEY, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC OCHRAQUALFS, FINE, MONTMORILLONITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
ALIC DYSTRAQUERTS, VERY-FINE, MONTMORILLONITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
VERTIC HAPLUDOLLS, VERY-FINE, MONTMORILLONITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC HAPLUDOLLS, CLAYEY OVER LOAMY, MONTMORILLONITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC OCHRAQUALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDIFLUVENTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
VERTIC HAPLAQUOLLS, FINE, MONTMORILLONITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
VERTIC HAPLUDALFS, VERY-FINE, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
FRAGIC PALEUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
AQUIC UDIFLUVENTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Fragiaquic Paleudults


taxclname:
TYPIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, THERMIC, SHALLOW


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
AQUIC HAPLUDULTS, CLAYEY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC KANHAPLUDULTS, CLAYEY, KAOLINITIC, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, OXIDIC, MESIC


taxclname:
UMBRIC DYSTROCHREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
OCHREPTIC HAPLUDULTS, LOAMY, MICACEOUS, THERMIC, SHALLOW


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC, SHALLOW


taxclname:
RUPTIC-LITHIC-ENTIC HAPLUDULTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC DYSTROCHREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
Loamy, siliceous, subactive, thermic Lithic Dystrudepts


taxclname:
CUMULIC HUMAQUEPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, NONACID, MESIC


taxclname:
LITHIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
CUMULIC HAPLUMBREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, MESIC, SHALLOW


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUMBREPTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MICACEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC DYSTROCHREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MICACEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUMBREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, FRIGID


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUMBREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUMBREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
AQUIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
FLUVENTIC HAPLUMBREPTS, SANDY-SKELETAL, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
HUMIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDIFLUVENTS, SANDY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, ACID, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, NONACID, MESIC


taxclname:
FLUVENTIC HAPLUDOLLS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, ACID, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, COARSE-SILTY, MIXED, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
GLOSSIC FRAGIUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
GLOSSAQUIC FRAGIUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
AQUIC UDIFLUVENTS, COARSE-SILTY, MIXED, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FLUVAQUENTS, COARSE-SILTY, MIXED, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
AQUIC UDIFLUVENTS, COARSE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
AQUIC UDIFLUVENTS, COARSE-SILTY, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDIFLUVENTS, COARSE-SILTY, MIXED, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
GLOSSIC PALEUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
MOLLIC PALEUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
DYSTRIC FLUVENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
DYSTRIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDULTS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
DYSTRIC FLUVENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
DYSTRIC FLUVENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC DYSTROCHREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
Fine-silty, mixed, active, thermic Ultic Hapludalfs


taxclname:
Loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Arenic Kandiudults


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, siliceous, active, acid, thermic Aeric Endoaquepts


taxclname:
Coarse-loamy, siliceous, active, thermic Fluvaquentic Dystrudepts


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Typic Fragiudults


taxclname:
Fine-silty, mixed, semiactive, thermic Oxyaquic Fragiudalfs


taxclname:
Fine-silty, mixed, active, thermic Aquic Paleudalfs


taxclname:
Fine-silty, siliceous, active, thermic Aquic Paleudalfs


taxclname:
Very-fine, smectitic, thermic Chromic Dystruderts


taxclname:
Coarse-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Glossic Fragiudults


taxclname:
Fine-silty, siliceous, active, thermic Glossaquic Hapludalfs


taxclname:
Coarse-silty, mixed, active, acid, thermic Aeric Fluvaquents


taxclname:
Fine, smectitic, thermic Chromic Dystraquerts


taxclname:
Fine-silty, siliceous, active, acid, thermic Aeric Fluvaquents


taxclname:
Fine-silty, mixed, active, thermic Oxyaquic Fragiudalfs


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDULTS, CLAYEY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDALFS, VERY-FINE, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDULTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL OVER CLAYEY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC HAPLUDOLLS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
AQUIC HAPLUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
RUPTIC-ULTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDULTS, CLAYEY, KAOLINITIC, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
AQUIC ARGIUDOLLS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, NONACID, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDIFLUVENTS, COARSE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
Coarse-loamy, siliceous, active, acid, thermic Aquic Udifluvents


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIAQUALFS, COARSE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, COARSE-SILTY OVER CLAYEY, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
Coarse-loamy, siliceous, active, acid, thermic Typic Fluvaquents


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIAQUALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC GLOSSAQUALFS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC OCHRAQUALFS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
Fine-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, acid, thermic Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts


taxclname:
Fine, mixed, active, acid, thermic Typic Epiaquepts


taxclname:
Coarse-loamy, siliceous, active, acid, thermic Typic Udifluvents


taxclname:
TYPIC OCHRAQUALFS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
GLOSSIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDALFS, FINE, MONTMORILLONITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
RUPTIC-ALFIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
ULTIC HAPLUDALFS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
AERIC FLUVAQUENTS, COARSE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FLUVAQUENTS, COARSE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, ACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
Fine, mixed, active, thermic Ultic Hapludalfs


taxclname:
Fine-silty, carbonatic, thermic Rendollic Eutrudepts


taxclname:
AQUIC FRAGIUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
GLOSSIC FRAGIUDULTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDIFLUVENTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
Fine, mixed, semiactive, thermic Aquic Hapludults


taxclname:
CUMULIC HAPLUDOLLS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVENTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
GLOSSIC FRAGIUDULTS, COARSE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
HUMIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
MOLLIC PALEUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
ULTIC HAPLUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC HAPLUDOLLS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
AQUIC PALEUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
RUPTIC-ALFIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
DYSTRIC FLUVENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDALFS, CLAYEY-SKELETAL, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
LITHIC RENDOLLS, CLAYEY-SKELETAL, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
CUMULIC HAPLUDOLLS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
ULTIC HAPLUDALFS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
GLOSSAQUIC FRAGIUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
ULTIC HAPLUDALFS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
Fine, smectitic, thermic Vertic Hapludalfs


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC HAPLAQUOLLS, FINE, MONTMORILLONITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, CLAYEY, KAOLINITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
RUPTIC-ULTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
CUMULIC HAPLAQUOLLS, FINE, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIAQUALFS, FINE-SILTY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
VERTIC OCHRAQUALFS, VERY-FINE, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC ENDOAQUOLLS, FINE, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
AERIC FRAGIAQUULTS, FINE-SILTY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
AQUIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
DYSTRIC FLUVENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
GLOSSIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FLUVAQUENTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, ACID, MESIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDULTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
FLUVENTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
LITHIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDORTHENTS, COARSE-SILTY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, COARSE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC FRAGIUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
HUMIC HAPLUDULTS, COARSE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
UMBRIC DYSTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
FRAGIC PALEUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
RUPTIC-ALFIC EUTROCHREPTS, CLAYEY-SKELETAL, MIXED, MESIC, SHALLOW


taxclname:
AQUIC DYSTRIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDORTHENTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, ACID, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PALEUDULTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL OVER CLAYEY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC


taxclname:
OCHREPTIC HAPLUDULTS, CLAYEY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC RHODUDULTS, CLAYEY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
RHODIC PALEUDULTS, CLAYEY, OXIDIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC RHODUDULTS, CLAYEY, OXIDIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDIFLUVENTS, FINE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
HUMIC HAPLUDULTS, CLAYEY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
RUPTIC-ULTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, LOAMY, SILICEOUS, THERMIC, SHALLOW


taxclname:
VERTIC HAPLUDALFS, FINE, MONTMORILLONITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
CUMULIC HAPLUMBREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
AQUIC HAPLUDULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC EUTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
RUPTIC-ALFIC EUTROCHREPTS, LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC, SHALLOW


taxclname:
AERIC OCHRAQUALFS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
AERIC OCHRAQUULTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDIFLUVENTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, NONACID, THERMIC


taxclname:
TYPIC KANHAPLUDULTS, CLAYEY, KAOLINITIC, THERMIC


taxclname:
FLUVAQUENTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
UMBRIC DYSTROCHREPTS, FINE-LOAMY, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC UDORTHENTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, NONACID, MESIC


taxclname:
FLUVENTIC DYSTROCHREPTS, COARSE-LOAMY, SILICEOUS, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC HAPLUDULTS, LOAMY-SKELETAL, MIXED, MESIC


taxclname:
TYPIC PELLUDERTS, FINE, MONTMORILLONITIC, THERMIC


# laoverlap

areaname:
Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois Drift Plain


areaname:
Humid and Very Humid Volcanic Ash Soils on Low and Intermediate Rolling Mountain Slopes


areaname:
Indiana and Ohio Till Plain, Central Part


areaname:
Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain, Western Part


areaname:
Michigan Eastern Upper Peninsula Sandy Drift


areaname:
Southwestern Michigan Fruit and Truck Crop Belt


areaname:
Central Rolling Red Plains, Western Part


areaname:
Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part


areaname:
Humid and Very Humid Organic Soils on Lava Flows


areaname:
New England and Eastern New York Upland, Northern Part


areaname:
Northern Rolling High Plains, Northeastern Part


areaname:
Humid and Very Humid Steep and Very Steep Mountain Slopes


areaname:
Arkansas Valley and Ridges, Western Part


areaname:
Alabama and Mississippi Blackland Prairie


areaname:
Central Rocky and Blue Mountain Foothills


areaname:
Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies


areaname:
Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift, Eastern Part


areaname:
Upper Kobuk and Koyukuk Hills and Valleys


areaname:
Semiarid and Subhumid Organic Soils on Lava Flows


areaname:
Warm Central Desertic Basins and Plateaus


areaname:
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys


areaname:
Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain, Eastern Part


areaname:
Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast


areaname:
Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana Drift Plain


areaname:
Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till, Southern Part


areaname:
Indiana and Ohio Till Plain, Eastern Part


areaname:
Central Rolling Red Plains, Eastern Part


areaname:
Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part


areaname:
Southwestern Plateaus, Mesas, and Foothills


areaname:
Southern Desertic Basins, Plains, and Mountains


areaname:
Semiarid and Subhumid Low Mountain Slopes


areaname:
Humid Oxidic Soils on Low and Intermediate Rolling Mountain Slopes


areaname:
Arkansas Valley and Ridges, Eastern Part


areaname:
Northern Pacific Coast Range, Foothills, and Valleys


areaname:
Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift, Western Part


areaname:
Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes, Northern Part


areaname:
Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift, West-Central Part


areaname:
Northern Illinois and Indiana Heavy Till Plain


areaname:
Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes, Western Part


areaname:
Subhumid and Humid Low and Intermediate Mountain Slopes


areaname:
Michigan Northern Lower Peninsula Sandy Drift


areaname:
Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Southern Part


areaname:
Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands


areaname:
Superior Stony and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills, Western Part


areaname:
Indiana and Ohio Till Plain, Northeastern Part


areaname:
Indiana and Ohio Till Plain, Northwestern Part


areaname:
Northern Michigan and Wisconsin Sandy Drift


areaname:
Northern Rolling High Plains, Eastern Part


areaname:
Mixed Sandy and Silty Tableland and Badlands


areaname:
Subhumid and Humid Intermediate and High Mountain Slopes


areaname:
Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and Catskill Mountains


areaname:
New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part


areaname:
Eastern Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies


areaname:
Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift, East-Central Part


areaname:
Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes, Eastern Part


areaname:
Cool Central Desertic Basins and Plateaus


areaname:
Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Northwestern Part


areaname:
Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Northeastern Part


areaname:
Ontario-Erie Plain and Finger Lakes Region


areaname:
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands


areaname:
Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till, Northern Part


areaname:
Superior Stony and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills, Eastern Part


areaname:
Indiana and Ohio Till Plain, Western Part


# mdstattabcols

coldesc:
A rating based on a system that classifies soils according to those properties that affect roadway construction and maintenance.  Soils are classified into seven basic groups plus eight subgroups, for a total of fifteen for mineral soils.  Another class for organic soils is used.  The groups are based on determinations of particle-size distribution, liquid limit, and plasticity index.  The group classification, including group index, is useful in determining the relative quality of the soil material for use in earthwork structures, particularly embankments, subgrades, subbases, and bases.  (American Association fo State Highway and Transportation Officials)


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates if a listed AASHTO classification is representative for the horizon.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon table.  Use this column to join the Horizon AASHTO table to the Horizon table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon AASHTO table.


coldesc:
The rupture resistance of a block-shaped specimen of 25 to 30 mm size and moist water state. (SSM)


coldesc:
The rupture resistance of a block-shaped specimen of 25 to 30 mm size and dry water state. (SSM)


coldesc:
The rupture resistance of a block-like specimen of 25 to 30 mm size that has been air dried and then submerged in water. (SSM)


coldesc:
The rupture resistance of an air dry plate-shaped specimen of specified size. (SSM)


coldesc:
The manner in which soil specimens fail under increasing force. (SSM)


coldesc:
The maximum capacity of thoroughly puddled soil to adhere to other objects.


coldesc:
The degree to which a puddled, wet soil mass is permanently deformed without rupturing by a slow continuous application of force in any direction.  (SSM)


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates if a set of descriptors of soil consistence is representative for the horizon.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Consistence table to the Horizon table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Consistence table.


coldesc:
One of the four kinds of symbols, that when concatenated, are used to distinguish different kinds of layers in soils. Letter suffixes are used to designate subordinate distinctions within master horizons, and layers using lowercase letters.  (SSM)


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Designation Suffix table to the Horizon table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Designation Suffix table.


coldesc:
The volume percentage of the horizon occupied by the 2 mm or larger fraction (20 mm or larger for wood fragments), on a whole soil base.


coldesc:
The lithology/composition of the 2 mm or larger fraction of the soil (20 mm or larger for wood fragments).


coldesc:
Size based on the multiaxial dimensions of the fragment fraction.


coldesc:
A description of the overall shape of the fragment.


coldesc:
An expression of the sharpness of edges and corners of fragments.  (Sedimentary Rocks, Pettijohn, 1957)


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Fragments table to the Horizon table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Fragments table.


coldesc:
The concatenated string of four kinds of symbols (five data elements) used to distinguish different kinds of layers in the soil.  (SSM)


coldesc:
An Arabic numeral used to indicate a significant change in particle-size distribution or mineralogy that indicates a difference in the material from which the horizon(s) formed and/or a significant difference in age, unless that difference in age is indicated by the suffix "b".  (SSM)
This numeral is one of four kinds of symbols, that when concatenated, are used to distinguish different kinds of layers in the soil.


coldesc:
One of four kinds of symbols, that when concatenated, are used to distinguish different kinds of layers in soils.  Master horizons and layers are the base symbols to which other characters are added to complete the designations.  Capital letters, virgules (/), and ampersands (&) are used. (SSM)


coldesc:
A character used to indicate that this horizon has an identical horizon designation as some overlying horizon.  The two horizons in question are separated by at least one other horizon.


coldesc:
One of the four kinds of symbols, when concatenated, are used to distinguish different kinds of layers in soils. Vertical subdivisions are used to subdivide a horizon or layer designated by a single letter or combination of letters.


coldesc:
The distance from the top of the soil to the upper boundary of the soil horizon.


coldesc:
The distance from the top of the soil to the base of the soil horizon.


coldesc:
A measurement from the top to bottom of a soil horizon throughout its areal extent.


coldesc:
The percent by weight of the horizon occupied by rock fragments greater than 10 inches in size.


coldesc:
The percent by weight of the horizon occupied by rock fragments 3 to 10 inches in size.


coldesc:
Soil fraction passing a number 4 sieve (4.70mm square opening) as a weight percentage of the less than 3 inch (76.4mm) fraction.


coldesc:
Soil fraction passing a number 10 sieve (2.00mm square opening) as a weight percentage of the less than 3 inch (76.4mm) fraction.


coldesc:
Soil fraction passing a number 40 sieve (0.42mm square opening) as a weight percentage of the less than 3 inch (76.4mm) fraction.


coldesc:
Soil fraction passing a number 200 sieve (0.074mm square opening) as a weight percentage of the less than 3 inch (76.4mm) fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles 0.05mm to 2.0mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2 mm fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles 1.0mm to 2.0mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2 mm fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles 0.5mm to 1.0mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2 mm fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles 0.25mm to 0.5mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2 mm fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles 0.10 to 0.25mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2 mm fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles 0.05 to 0.10mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2 mm fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles 0.002 to 0.05mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2.0mm fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles ranging in size from 0.02mm to 0.05mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2.0mm fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles ranging in size from 0.002 to 0.02mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2.0mm fraction.


coldesc:
Mineral particles less than 0.002mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2.0mm fraction.


coldesc:
Carbonate particles less than 0.002mm in equivalent diameter as a weight percentage of the less than 2.0mm fraction.


coldesc:
The amount by weight of decomposed plant and animal residue expressed as a weight percentage of the less than 2 mm soil material.


coldesc:
The oven dried weight of the less than 2 mm soil material per unit volume of soil at a water tension of 1/10 bar.


coldesc:
The oven dry weight of the less than 2 mm soil material per unit volume of soil at a water tension of 1/3 bar.


coldesc:
The oven dry weight of the less than 2 mm soil material per unit volume of soil at a water tension of 15 bar.


coldesc:
The oven dry weight of the less than 2 mm soil material per unit volume of soil exclusive of the desication cracks, measured on a coated clod.


coldesc:
Mass per unit of volume (not including pore space) of the solid soil particle either mineral or organic.  Also known as specific gravity.


coldesc:
The amount of water that would move vertically through a unit area of saturated soil in unit time under unit hydraulic gradient.


coldesc:
The amount of water that an increment of soil depth, inclusive of fragments, can store that is available to plants.  AWC is expressed as a volume fraction, and is commonly estimated as the difference between the water contents at 1/10 or 1/3 bar (field capacity) and 15 bars (permanent wilting point) tension and adjusted for salinity, and fragments.


coldesc:
The volumetric content of soil water retained at a tension of 1/10 bar (10 kPa), expressed as a percentage of the whole soil.


coldesc:
The volumetric content of soil water retained at a tension of 1/3 bar (33 kPa), expressed as a percentage of the whole soil.


coldesc:
The volumetric content of soil water retained at a tension of 15 bars (1500 kPa), expressed as a percentage of the whole soil.


coldesc:
The estimated volumetric soil water content at or near zero bar tension, expressed as a percentage of the whole soil.


coldesc:
The linear expression of the volume difference of natural soil fabric at 1/3 or 1/10 bar water content and oven dryness. The volume change is reported as percent change for the whole soil.


coldesc:
The water content of the soil at the change between the liquid and plastic states.


coldesc:
The numerical difference between the liquid limit and plastic limit.


coldesc:
The empirical group index formula devised for approximately within-group evaluation of the "clayey granular materials" and the "silty-clay materials".


collabel:
AASHTO Group Index - Representative Value


coldesc:
An erodibility factor which quantifies the susceptibility of soil particles to detachment and movement by water. This factor is adjusted for the effect of rock fragments.


coldesc:
An erodibility factor which quantifies the susceptibility of soil particles to detachment by water.


coldesc:
The quantity of Carbonate (CO3) in the soil expressed as CaCO3 and as a weight percentage of the less than 2 mm size fraction.


coldesc:
The percent by weight of hydrated calcium sulfate in the less than 20 mm fraction of soil.


coldesc:
A measure of the amount of Sodium (Na) relative to Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) in the water extract from saturated soil paste.


coldesc:
The electrical conductivity of an extract from saturated soil paste.


coldesc:
The amount of readily exchangeable cations that can be electrically adsorbed to negative charges in the soil, soil constituent, or other material, at pH 7.0, as estimated by the ammonium acetate method.


coldesc:
The sum of NH4OAc extractable bases plus KCl extractable aluminum.


coldesc:
The sum of NH4OAc extractable bases (pH 7.0), reported on less than 2mm base.


coldesc:
The negative logarithm to the base 10, of the hydrogen ion activity in the soil using the 1:1 soil-water ratio method.  A numerical expression of the relative acidity or alkalinity of a soil sample.  (SSM)


coldesc:
The negative logarithm to base of 10 or the hydrogen ion activity in the soil, using the 0.01M CaCl2 method, in a 1:2 soil:solution ratio.  A numerical expression of the relative acidity or alkalinity of a soil sample. (SSM)


coldesc:
The secondary iron oxides such as geothite, hematite, ferrihydrite, lepidocrocite and maghemite.  This form of iron may occur as discrete particles, as coatings on other particles, or as cementing agents between soil mineral grains.  It is iron extracted by dithionite-citrate.


coldesc:
The amount of ammonium oxalate extractable iron in the less than 2mm fraction.  It is considered a measure of noncrystalline iron in the soil.


coldesc:
A measure of soil exchangeable hydrogen ions that may become active by cation exchange.


coldesc:
The amount of aluminum extracted in 1 normal potassium chloride.  The following laboratory method is applied:  55 ml of 1 normal potassium chloride is extracted through 2.5 g of soil sample.  The extract is analyzed by use of an atomic adsorption spectrometer or similar instrument (SSIR #1, method 6G9a and NSSH).


coldesc:
The amount of ammonium oxalate extractable aluminum in the less than 2mm fraction.  This is an estimate of the total pedogenic aluminum, much of which may be in noncrystalline material, or complexed by organic matter.


coldesc:
The amount of phosphorous in the less than 2mm fraction, that is extractable using the Bray1 method.  It represents the plant available phosphorous content.


coldesc:
The amount of phosphorous in the less than 2mm fraction, that is extractable by aluminum oxalate method.  It represents the phosphorous level intermediate between total P and water soluble P.


coldesc:
The amount of water soluble phosphorous in the less than 2mm fraction, that is extractable by distilled water.  It represents the mobile phosphorous content.


collabel:
Water Soluble Phos - Representative Value


coldesc:
The estimate of the total phosphorous content of the soil, measured after total dissolution of a size fraction of the soil material.  It is reported as a gravimetric percent oxide of the size fraction used.


coldesc:
An estimation of the difficulty of working an excavation into soil layers, horizons, pedons, or geologic layers.  In most instances, excavation difficulty is related to and controlled by a water state.


coldesc:
The soil moisture status for which the excavation difficulty class is assigned for the individual component.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Horizon table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon table.


coldesc:
The number of a selected size of pores per unit area of undisturbed soils.


coldesc:
Average vertical distance through which the minimum diameter of the pore exceeds 0.5mm when the soil layer is moist or wetter.


coldesc:
A description of the multiaxial shape of the pore.


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates if the pores described are representative for the horizon.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Pores table to the Horizon table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Pores table.


coldesc:
The distinctness of the peds described in terms of ease of separation into discrete units.


coldesc:
Measurement of the smallest dimension of the selected secondary particles, units, or peds.


coldesc:
The multiaxial shape of secondary particles, units, or peds.


coldesc:
An integer number assigned by the user to identify a particular row in the table.


coldesc:
An integer referring to the Structure ID in another row in the same table, intended to indicate if the soil structure described on the current row parts or separates to the structure described on the other row.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon Structure Group table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Structure table to the Horizon Structure Group table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Structure table.


coldesc:
The narrative description of the soil structure within a soil horizon.


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates if a soil structure is representative for the horizon.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Structure Group table to the Horizon table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Structure Group table.


coldesc:
The date associated with a particular record, expressed as month, day, year -- xx/xx/xxxx.


coldesc:
A text entry is identified by its kind, category, and subcategory.  Kind is the highest division of classification.  Text kind provides a grouping of text entries according to their subject matter.


coldesc:
A text entry is identified by its kind, category, and subcategory.  Category is a subdivision of kind.  "Agr" and "Soi" are two categories for the text kind "Nontechnical Description".


coldesc:
A text entry is identified by its kind, category, and subcategory.  Subcategory is a subdivision of category.  For text kind "Nontechnical" description and text category "Agr", subcategory would correspond to the SSSD field "desnum".


coldesc:
The actual narrative text portion of a text entry.  The other parts of a text entry are its identifiers: kind, category and subcategory.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Text table to the Horizon table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Text table.


coldesc:
An expression, based on the USDA system of particle sizes, for the relative portions of the various size groups of individual mineral grains less than 2mm equivalent diameter in a mass of soil.


coldesc:
Substitute terms applied to materials that do not fit into a textural class because of organic matter content, size, rupture resistance, solubility, or another reason.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon Texture Group table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Texture table to the Horizon Texture Group table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Texture table.


coldesc:
Name for the concatenation of TEXTURE_MODIFIER and TEXTURE_CLASS.


coldesc:
A Boolean flag that when set (Y) indicates that the textures that comprise a particular texture group, are stratified.


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates if a soil texture is representative for the horizon.


coldesc:
The full texture description for a horizon, using full texture class and in lieu of names rather than abbreviations.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Texture Group table to the Horizon table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Texture Group table.


coldesc:
A term used to denote the presence of a condition or component other than sand, silt, or clay.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon Texture table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Texture Modifier table to the Horizon Texture table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Texture Modifier table.


coldesc:
A system for classifying mineral and organo-mineral soils for engineering purposes based on particle size characteristics, liquid limit, and plasticity index.


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates if a Unified soil classification is representative for the horizon.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Horizon table.  Use this column to join the Horizon Unified table to the Horizon table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Horizon Unified table.


coldesc:
Percent of coverage (canopy) attributed to a specific plant species.


coldesc:
A unique symbol used to identify a plant genus or a plant species.  (The PLANTS Database, USDA-NRCS, National Plant Data Center.)


coldesc:
The full genus and species name as listed in the PLANTS Database, USDA-NRCS, National Plant Data Center.


coldesc:
A generally accepted common name used for a plant in a geographic region, usually a state.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Canopy Cover table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Canopy Cover table.


coldesc:
Crop yield units per unit area for the specified crop.


coldesc:
The expected yield per acre of the specific crop without supplemental irrigation.


coldesc:
The expected yield per acre of the specific crop with irrigation.


coldesc:
An index of the capacity of a soil to produce a specific plant under a defined management system.


coldesc:
Crop specific groupings of soils indicating potential yields under a high level of management.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Crop Yield table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Crop Yield table.


coldesc:
Kind of diagnostic horizon or diagnostic feature in the soil.


coldesc:
The distance from the top of the soil to the upper boundary of the identified diagnostic horizon or to the upper limit of the occurrence of the diagnostic feature.


coldesc:
The distance from the top of the soil to the base of the identified diagnostic horizon or to the lower limit of the occurrence of the diagnostic feature.


coldesc:
The distance from the upper to lower boundary of the identified diagnostic horizon or feature.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Diagnostic Features table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Diagnostic Features table.


coldesc:
The name of a particular ecological classification scheme.  An example might be "West Virginia Grassland Suitability Groups" or "NRCS Ecological Sites".


coldesc:
The reference citation for a particular ecological classification scheme, typically a publication.


coldesc:
The identifier of a particular ecological community.  For NRCS ecological sites, it is the concatenated form of ecological site type, ecological site MLRA, ecological site LRU, ecological site number and ecological site state FIPS alpha code.


coldesc:
The descriptive name of a particular ecological community.  For NRCS ecological sites, it is the concatenated form of three or six other fields.  The actual fields that are concatenated together to form this name differ between range and forest ecological sites.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Ecological Classification table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Ecological Classification table.


coldesc:
The percentage of total annual site production attributed to the specific forest understory plant, expressed as percent of total air dry plant material by weight.


coldesc:
The percentage of total annual site production attributed to the specific rangeland plant, expressed as percent of total air dry plant material by weight.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Existing Plants table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Existing Plants table.


coldesc:
The type of detachment and removal of surface soil particles as largely affected by human activities. (SSM)


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates if a listed erosion type is representative for the component.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Erosion Accelerated table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Erosion Accelerated table.


coldesc:
The number in the National Register of Site Index Curves corresponding to the site index curve used to determine the site index and the annual productivity of forest overstory tree species.


coldesc:
The height in feet of the dominant or dominant and co-dominant trees at some index age, except for the pinyon-juniper forest type, for which site index is determined by basal area.


coldesc:
The annual growth of forest overstory tree species.


collabel:
Productivity ft3/ac/yr CMAI - Representative Value


collabel:
Productivity ft3/ac/yr CMAI - High Value


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Forest Productivity table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Forest Productivity table.


coldesc:
The unit of measure in which the annual productivity of forest overstory tree species is expressed.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component Forest Productivity table.  Use this column to join the Component Forest Productivity table to the Component Forest Productivity - Other table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Forest Productivity - Other table.


coldesc:
One of several pseudo-hierarchical terms used to describe relative levels of scale for geomorphic terms.


coldesc:
A word or group of words used to name a feature on the earth's surface, expressed in the plural form.


coldesc:
A user specified term(s) used in association with geomorphic features to further define, clarify, and describe the setting of a soil in the the landscape.  The terms may, for example, describe relative position, mode of formation, degree of degradation, slope, or geologic time of origin.


coldesc:
An integer number assigned by a user to identify a particular row in the table.


coldesc:
An integer referring to the Feature ID in another row in the same table, intended to indicate a relationship between two or more rows in a table.


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates if a particular geomorphic feature is representative for the component.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Geomorphic Description table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Geomorphic Description table.


coldesc:
Criterion code for the soil characteristic(s) and/or feature(s) that cause the map unit component to be classified as a "hydric soil."  These codes are the paragraph numbers in the hydric soil criteria publication.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Hydric Criteria table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Hydric Criteria table.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Interpretation table to the Component table.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of the rule at the top of the interpretation rule hierarchy (the main rule).  Use this key to find the mail rule in the Component Interpretation table.


coldesc:
The name of an interpretation, such as ENG - Dwellings with Basements.  A main rule (interpretation) may contain subordinate rules, which in turn may have other subordinate rules.  The main rule entry in this column is the user assigned name (typically connotative) for the interpretation rule at the top of the hierarchy.


coldesc:
Sequential number of the feature being described.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Rule table in NASIS.


coldesc:
A user assigned name (typically connotative) for a particular interpretation rule.


coldesc:
An interpretation rule may contain subordinate rules, which in turn may have subordinate rules.  This is an indicator of the depth within the interpretation hierarchy that a particular rule exists, where zero is the top level.


coldesc:
The minimum extreme numeric rating for the interpretation rating.


coldesc:
The rating class term for the minimum extreme of the interpretation rating.


coldesc:
The minimum numeric rating of the representative values for the interpretation rating.


coldesc:
The rating class term for the minimum of the representative values of the interpretation rating.


coldesc:
The maximum numeric rating of the representative values of the interpretation rating.


coldesc:
The rating class term for the maximum of the representative values for the interpretation rating.


coldesc:
The maximum extreme numeric rating for the interpretation rating.


coldesc:
A rating class term for the maximum extreme of the interpretation rating.


coldesc:
The value of this attribute is set to true whenever any property used in an interpretation returns any null value.


coldesc:
The value of this attribute is set to true whenever any property used in an interpretation returns a default value in place of any null value.


coldesc:
The value of this attribute is set to true whenever any property used in an interpretation that is based on multiple observations returns inconsistent results for the low low value, the low representative value, the high representative value and the high high value.

A property always returns either a representative value or a low, high and representative value.  Values for low low, low representative, high representative and high high are only derived in the case where the values of a property used in an interpretation are based on multiple observations.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Interpretation table.


coldesc:
An interger number used to sequence the months of the year in their proper order.


coldesc:
The annual probability of a flood event expressed as a class.  (SSM).


coldesc:
Average duration of inundation per flood occurrence and expressed as a class.  (NSSH)


coldesc:
The number of times ponding occurs over a period of time. (SSM)


coldesc:
The average duration, or length of time, of the ponding occurrence.  (NSSH)


coldesc:
The depth of surface water that is ponding on the soil.


coldesc:
The daily average precipitation for the referenced month.  Commonly calculated as the total precipitation for the month divided by the number of days in the month.  (February nominally has 28 days).


coldesc:
Daily average potential evapotranspiration for the referenced month.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Month table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Month table.


coldesc:
The percentage of the component of the mapunit.


coldesc:
Name assigned to a component based on its range of properties.


coldesc:
Identifies the kind of component of the mapunit. Examples are series and miscellaneous areas.


coldesc:
Indicates whether or not a component is a major component in the mapunit.


coldesc:
Phase criterion other than slope, texture, and flooding used to identify soil components.


coldesc:
Phase criterion to be used at a local level, in conjunction with "component name" to help identify a soil component.


coldesc:
The difference in elevation between two points, expressed as a percentage of the distance between those points. (SSM)


coldesc:
The distance from the point of origin of overland flow to the point where either the slope gradient decreases enough that deposition begins, or the runoff water enters a well-defined channel that may be part of a drainage network or a constructed channel. (Predicting Rainfall Erosion Losses a Guide to Conservation Planning, Agr. Handbook #537, USDA, 1978).


collabel:
Slope Length USLE - Representative Value


coldesc:
Soil loss tolerance factor.  The maximum amount of erosion at which the quality of a soil as a medium for plant growth can be maintained.


coldesc:
A value in tons/acre/year that is a factor in calculating soil loss by wind.  The values are acquired from WEG.


coldesc:
Grouping of soils that have similar properties affecting their resistance to soil blowing in cultivated areas.  The groups indicate the susceptibility to soil blowing.


coldesc:
The natural or artificial material that is observed to cover a portion of the earth's surface.  It is determined (at least conceptually) as a vertical projection downward.  Level one of a hierarchical system. (1992 NRI Instructions)


coldesc:
The description of ground cover based on a set of vegetal and non-vegetal classes.  It is determined (at least conceptually) as a vertical projection downward.  Level two of a hierarchical system.


coldesc:
Natural condition of the soil component.


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates whether or not a map unit component is classified as a "hydric soil".  If rated as hydric, the specific criteria met are listed in the Component Hydric Criteria table.


coldesc:
Identifies the natural drainage conditions of the soil and refers to the frequency and duration of wet periods.  An example of a drainage class is well drained.


coldesc:
The vertical distance from mean sea level to a point on the earth's surface.


coldesc:
One end of the range in characteristics for the slope aspect of a component.  This end of the range is expressed in degrees measured clockwise from true north, and is the end of the range that is counter-clockwise from the representative slope aspect.


coldesc:
The common, typical, or expected direction toward which the surface of the soil faces, expressed as an angle between 0 and 360 degrees measured clockwise from true north.


coldesc:
One end of the range in characteristics for the slope aspect of a component.  This end of the range is expressed in degrees measured clockwise from true north, and is the end of the range that is clockwise from the representative slope aspect.


coldesc:
A narrative description of the geomorphic setting of a component.  The description may incorporate multiple geomorphic features as well as their relationship to each other.  The individual parts of the description are recorded in the Component Geomorphic Description table.


coldesc:
The estimated ratio of the incident short-wave (solar) radiation that is reflected by the air dry, less than 2 mm fraction of the soil surface.


coldesc:
The arithmetic average of the daily maximum and minimum temperatures for a calendar year taken over the standard "normal" period, 1961 to 1990.


coldesc:
The arithmetic average of the total annual (liquid) precipitation taken over the standard "normal" period, 1961-1990.


coldesc:
An estimate of the amount of moisture available for plant use and/or soil forming processes at a given site.  It may vary, plus or minus, from "actual" precipitation amounts as a function of runon, runoff, temperature, aspect, etc.


coldesc:
The expected number of days between the last freezing temperature (0 degrees Celsius) in spring (Jan-Jul) and the first freezing temperature (0 degrees Celsius) in the fall (Aug-Dec).  The number of days is based on the probability that the values for the standard "normal" period of 1961 to 1990 will be exceeded in 5 years out of 10.


coldesc:
The broadest category in the land capability classification system for nonirrigated soils.


coldesc:
The second category in the land capability classification system for nonirrigated soils.


coldesc:
The third category in the land capability classification system for nonirrigated soils.


coldesc:
The broadest category in the land capability classification system for irrigated soils.


coldesc:
The second category in the land capability classification system for irrigated soils.


coldesc:
The third category in the land capability classification system for irrigated soils.


coldesc:
The identifier for a particular Conservation Tree Shrub Group (CTSG) which that is associated with a soil map unit component.  A CTSG is a physiographic unit or area having similar climatic and edaphic characteristics that control the selection and height of growth of trees and shrubs (National Forestry Manual).


coldesc:
A grouping for selecting plant species best suited for different kinds of soils and for predicting height growth and effectiveness. (National Forestry Manual)


coldesc:
The estimated annual potential production of range forage per year.


coldesc:
The identifier of the Forage Suitability Group to which the map unit component is assigned.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to produce the wildlife element grain.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to produce the wildlife element grass.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to produce the wildlife element herbaceous plants.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to produce the wildlife element shrub.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to produce the wildlife element coniferous trees.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to produce the wildlife element hardwood trees.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to produce the wildlife habitat element wetland plant.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to support the wildlife habitat element shallow water.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to support the habitat requirements for rangeland wildlife.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to support the habitat requirements for openland wildlife.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to produce the habitat elements for woodland wildlife.


coldesc:
Suitability of the soil to support the habitat elements for wetland wildlife.


coldesc:
The possibility that a mass of soil will slip when these conditions are met: 1) vegetation is removed, 2) soil water is at or near saturation, and 3) other normal practices are applied.  Increasing the hazard of slippage but not considered in this rating are: 1) the undercutting lower portions or loading the upper parts of a slope or 2) altering the drainage or offsite water contribution to the site such as through irrigation.


coldesc:
An interpretation rating of the susceptibility of the soil to frost heaving.


coldesc:
The decrease of surface elevation that occurs within the first 3 years of drainage of wet soils having organic layers or semifluid mineral layers.  (NSSH)


coldesc:
The potential decrease of surface elevation as a result of the drainage of wet soils having organic layers or semifluid mineral layers.  (NSSH)


coldesc:
A group of soils having similar runoff potential under similar storm and cover conditions. Examples are A and A/D.  (NSSH)


coldesc:
Susceptibility of concrete to corrosion when in contact with the soil.


coldesc:
Susceptibility of uncoated steel to corrosion when in contact with the soil.


coldesc:
A concatenation of the Soil Taxonomy subgroup and family for a soil (long name).


coldesc:
The second level of Soil Taxonomy.  The suborder is below the order and above the great group.


coldesc:
The third level of Soil Taxonomy.  The category is below the suborder and above the subgroup.


coldesc:
The fourth level of Soil Taxonomy.  The subgroup is below great group and above family.


coldesc:
Particle-size classes are used as family differentiae. Particle-size refers to grain-size distribution of the whole soil and is not the same as texture.  (Soil Taxonomy).


coldesc:
The symbol used to uniquely identify the soil mapunit in the soil survey.


coldesc:
Correlated name of the mapunit (recommended name or field name for surveys in progress).


coldesc:
Code identifying the kind of mapunit.  Example: C - consociation.


coldesc:
Identifies the current status of the map unit.

As of SSURGO version 2.1, values for this attribute are no longer provided.  This attribute will be dropped from the next major SSURGO version.


coldesc:
The number of acres of a particular map unit within the geographic area to which the legend applies.  The number listed here may differ from that measured using GIS software due to different measuring techniques and rounding practices, or due to the fact that the value has been adjusted so that the sum total of all map units in the legend equals that listed for soil survey area.


coldesc:
The approximate width of a particular map unit delineation represented by a linear soil feature on a soil map.


collabel:
Linear Feature Width - Representative Value


coldesc:
The approximate area of a particular map unit delineation represented by a point feature on a soil map.


collabel:
Point Feature Area - Representative Value


coldesc:
Identification of map units as prime farmland, farmland of statewide importance, or farmland of local importance.


coldesc:
The overall Highly Erodible Lands (HEL) classification for the mapunit based on the rating of its components for wind and water HEL classification.


coldesc:
The Highly Erodible Lands (HEL) classification for the mapunit based on the rating of its components for water HEL classification.


coldesc:
The Highly Erodible Lands (HEL) classification for the mapunit based on the rating of its components for wind HEL classification.


coldesc:
The targeted landuse for which the Map Unit was developed.  The properties of included mapunit components are tailored towards this landuse.


coldesc:
The level of detail and relative intensity of field observation under which the map unit was developed.  Order 1 indicates the highest intensity, and order 5 the lowest.


coldesc:
Corn Suitability Rating (CSR) is an index procedure developed in Iowa to rate each different kind of soil for its row-crop productivity.


coldesc:
Interpretative class for the map unit, based on NH developed interpretations.


coldesc:
New Hampshire Soil Potential Index for Agriculture, 1992 revision.  Used for computation of weighted average SPI on a parcel of land for adjustment of current use land assessment.


coldesc:
The interpretive separations, or class, based on the ability of the map unit to support an onsite septic system. (Ancillary Soil Interpretation Ratings For On-site Sewerage Disposal in Vermont)


coldesc:
The level of certification assigned to a map unit.  Intended to indicate whether or not the map unit should be used and the degree of confidence with which it may be used.

As of SSURGO version 2.1, values for this attribute are no longer provided.  This attribute will be dropped from the next major SSURGO version.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Legend table.  Use this column to join the Mapunit table to the Legend table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Mapunit table.


coldesc:
The name of the domain to which a column's values are restricted.  A domain is a finite list of character strings that a column's value may assume.


coldesc:
Specifies the sequence in which the members of a domain should be ordered or displayed.


coldesc:
A character string that represents a member of a domain.  This value must be unique for every member of a given domain.


coldesc:
The narrative text description or definition of a member of a domain.


coldesc:
Indicates if a choice in a choice list or domain is considered "obsolete".  If obsolete, data being currently populated would likely use a different choice.


coldesc:
The number of characters in the longest member of a domain.  Each member of a domain is an ASCII character string consisting of at least 1 but no more than 254 characters.


coldesc:
The name that is used to physically implement a table in a database management system.  In a database, each table's physical name must be unique.


coldesc:
The name that is used to physically implement an index in a database management system.


coldesc:
Specifies the sequence of a column in a database table index.


coldesc:
The name that is used to physically implement a table column in a database management system.  In a database table, each column's physical name must be unique.


coldesc:
Indicates whether or not all values of an index must be unique, or whether duplicate values may exist.


coldesc:
The physical name of a table on the left side of a relationship between two tables.


coldesc:
The physical name of a table on the right side of a relationship between two tables.


coldesc:
A name given to a relationship between two tables.  If there is more than one relationship between the same two tables, the name of each of those relationships must be unique.


coldesc:
The physical name of a column of a table on the left side of a relationship between two tables.  This column is one of several potential columns used to create a join between the two tables involved in a relationship.  The left table column joins to its corresponding right table column.


coldesc:
The physical name of a column of a table on the right side of a relationship between two tables.  This column is one of several potential columns used to create a join between the two tables involved in a relationship.  The right table column joins to its corresponding left table column.


coldesc:
Indicates whether the relationship between the left table and right table is one to one (left is one, right is one) or one to many (left is one, right is many).  For a one to one relationship, a record in the left table is related to no more than one record in the right table.  For a one to many relationship, a record in the left table may be related to more than one record in the right table.  Neither cardinality implies that a record in the left table necessarily has a corresponding record in the right table.


coldesc:
Indicates if in order for a record to exist in the right table of a relationship, a corresponding record must exist in the left table of that relationship, i.e. mandatory = "yes".  In other words, when mandatory is "no", a record may exist in the right table of a relationship without having a corresponding record in the left table of that relationship.


coldesc:
Specifies the sequence of the columns in a database table.


coldesc:
A name associated with a column that is more connotative than the column's corresponding physical name.  For a SSURGO table, every column's logical name must be unique, making a column's logical name a suitable alias for identifying a column.  For SSURGO, column logical names are lower case character strings with no embedded blanks, where individual parts of the logical name may be separated using the underscore character.


coldesc:
A descriptive label associated with a column.  For a SSURGO table, every column's label must be unique, making a column's label a suitable alias for identifying a column.  For SSURGO, column labels are typically mixed case character strings with embedded blanks.


coldesc:
A column's logical data type is its generic, software independent data type.  Since the SSURGO standard does not correspond to any specific database management system (DBMS), the SSURGO metadata records only logical data types.  How a logical data type can be physically implemented varies from DBMS to DBMS.


coldesc:
Taxonomic family criteria that is used to indicate the presence of more than two strongly contrasting classes in the particle size control section.  (Soil Taxonomy)


coldesc:
Cation exchange activity classes are used as family criteria differentiae.  It is the relative cation exchange (CEC) activity level of the soil based on the CEC to clay ratio. (Soil Taxonomy)


coldesc:
Indicates the presence or absence of carbonates and the reaction.  They are treated together because of their intimate relationship, and are used to indicate family differentiae.  (Soil Taxonomy)


coldesc:
The taxonomic family temperature class used to construct the official classification name.  It may be null when the taxonomic family temperature class is embedded in the classification name.  The actual taxonomic temperature regime is recorded in another place.


coldesc:
Soil moisture subclasses are taxonomic subgroup criteria, whether included or not in the name of the subgroup.  The definition of each subclass is dependent upon the specific taxonomic great group to which it is attached.


coldesc:
Soil temperature regime as defined in Soil Taxonomy.


coldesc:
The edition of Keys to Soil Taxonomy used to classify the soil.


coldesc:
The California Storie Index expresses numerically the relative degree of suitability of a soil for general intensive agricultural uses at the time of evaluation.  The rating is based on soil characteristics only and is obtained by evaluating such factors as soil depth, texture of the surface soil, subsoil characteristics, and surface relief.

Storie, R. Earl and Walter W. Weir. 1948. Manual for identifying and classifying California soil series.  With 1958 Supplement, revised 1978. Associated Students Store, University of California, Berkley, California.


coldesc:
Numbers correspond to the NRCS printed publication "26 Ecological Communities of Florida" 1995.  This publication is based on the awareness that a soil type commonly supports a specific vegetative community, which in turn provides the habitat needed by specific wildlife species.


coldesc:
A data element with a yes/no entry, assigned by soil component, used in Florida.  It is used to identify highly erodible land.


coldesc:
A data element with a yes/no entry, assigned by soil component, used in Florida.  The basis for identifying highly erodible land is the erodibility index of a soil survey map unit.  The erodibility index of a soil is determined by dividing the potential erodibility for each soil survey map unit by the soil loss tolerance (T) value established for the soil.  The potential erodibility for a map unit differs according to the erosion type (water or wind erosion).  The T value represents the maximum annual rate of soil erosion that could take place without causing a decline in long-term productivity.  A soil map unit with an erodibility index of 8 or more is a highly erodible soil map unit.

For water erosion, a soil survey map unit is potentially highly erodible if: (1) the RKLS/T value using the minimum LS factor is less than 8 and (2) the RKLS/T value using the maximum LS factor is equal to or greater than 8. (Predicting Rainfall Erosion Losses; A Guide to Conservation Planning, Field Office Technical Guide, Nat. FSA Handbook Sec. 511.23, and Florida Erosion Control Handbook)


coldesc:
The potential of the soil to allow chemicals to leave the application site by leaching through the soil, as used in Florida state law.  Soils with a rating of High or Medium are considered to pose a potential leaching hazard.


coldesc:
The potential of the soil to allow chemicals to leave the application site with runoff water and/or detached soil particles, as defined for use in Florida.  Soils with a rating of High or Medium are considered to pose a potential runoff hazard.


coldesc:
The following soil related use restrictions for Temik 10G (aldicarb) exits if the pesticide is to be applied to citrus in Florida.
Temik cannot be used within 1000 feet of a drinking water well unless it is known that the well is cased to 100 feet below ground level or to a minimum of 30 feet below the water table in soils that have:
1. A permeability of twenty inches/hour or more (very rapid permeability) and
2. A water holding capacity of less than 0.06 inch/inch of soil (very low water holding capacity)--
in all horizons to a depth of 80 inches or to bedrock if bedrock is within 80 inches of the surface.
The choice indicates that if a component has soil properties, according to state labeling, favorable for the application of the pesticide Temik 10G, the entry is Yes.  If the component does not have favorable properties the entry is No.


coldesc:
Soil related use restrictions for Triumph 4E Insecticide are applicable in certain conditions in Florida.  Please note the label for the conditions.  The soil related conditions are as follows:
1. A permeability of six inches/hour or more (rapid or very rapid permeability) and
2. A water holding capacity of 0.10 inch/inch of soil or less (low or very low water holding capacity)--
in all horizons to a depth of 80 inches or to bedrock if bedrock is within 80 inches of the surface.

The choice indicates that if a component has soil properties, according to state labeling, favorable for the application of the pesticide Triumph 4E Insecticide (trademark), the entry is Yes.  If the component does not have favorable properties the entry is No.


coldesc:
A group of soils that share similar recommendations for drainage whether the drainage is subsurface or surface. (Agronomy Guide, ID-160 - Purdue University)


coldesc:
A number which reflects annual precipitation, rainfall distribution, and hydrologic group.  The system allows comparison of the amount of nitrate which could be leached in percolating water.  The numbers were obtained from the Midwest National Technical Center and are used in Indiana.


coldesc:
A system for ranking soils for major uses, developed by Michigan State University.  Soils are assigned to a group according to the dominant profile texture, the natural drainage class, and the management groups are listed in the same order as the series named in the complex. (Mokma, D.L., E.P. Whiteside, and J.F. Schneider. 1978. Soil Management Units in Land Use Planning. Mich. State Univ., Ext. Bull. E-1262, 12 pp.


coldesc:
A system for ranking soils in Virginia for productivity estimates.  Developed by VPI&SU.  See Virginia Agronomic Land Use Evaluation System (VALUES) 1993.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Mapunit table.  Use this column to join the Component table to the Mapunit table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component table.


coldesc:
The sequence in which the parent material occurs, when more than one parent material exists for one soil profile.  If only one parent material occurs for a soil, i.e. no lithologic discontinuities, no entry is required.


coldesc:
General description of the texture of the parent material.   Class limits correspond to those of textural groupings defined in the Soil Survey Manual and family particle-size classes in Soil Taxonomy.


coldesc:
A user specified term(s) used to further describe the nature of the parent material for a given soil.


coldesc:
A term describing the general physical, chemical and mineralogical composition of the material, mineral or organic, from which the soil develops.  Mode of deposition and/or weathering may be implied or implicit.


coldesc:
The type of bedrock from which the parent material was derived.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component Parent Material Group table.  Use this column to join the Component Parent Material Group table to the Component Parent Material table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Parent Material table.


coldesc:
Name for the concatenation of PARENT_MATERIAL_MODIFIER, PARENT_MATERIAL_KIND, and PARENT_MATERIAL_ORIGIN for each of the parent materials that may occur in a vertical cross section of a soil.


coldesc:
A yes/no field that indicates if a listed parent material is representative for the component.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Parent Material Group table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Parent Material Group table.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Potential Windbreak table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Potential Windbreak table.


coldesc:
Type of nearly continuous layer that has one or more physical, chemical, or thermal property(ies) that significantly reduce the movement of water and air through the soil or that otherwise provides an unfavorable root environment.


coldesc:
The rupture resistance class of block-like specimens from the restrictive feature that have been air dried and then submerged in water.


coldesc:
The distance from the soil surface to the upper boundary of the restrictive layer.


coldesc:
The distance from the soil surface to the lower boundary of the restrictive layer.


coldesc:
The distance from the top to bottom of a restrictive layer.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Restrictions table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Restrictions table.


coldesc:
The distance from the top of the soil to the upper boundary of the moisture layer.


coldesc:
The distance from the top of the soil to the lower boundary of the moisture layer.


coldesc:
The typical soil moisture state of the layer, for the month in question.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component Month table.  Use this column to join the Component Soil Moisture table to the Component Month table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Soil Moisture table.


coldesc:
The long-term monthly average of the mean daily soil temperature of the layer for the month in question.  Long-term is generally considered to be a 30-year average.


coldesc:
The distance from the top of the soil to the upper boundary of the soil temperature layer.


coldesc:
The distance from the top of the soil to the lower boundary of the soil temperature layer.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component Month table.  Use this column to join the Component Soil Temperature table to the Component Month table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Soil Temperature table.


coldesc:
Percent of the ground covered by fragments 2 mm or larger (20 mm or larger for wood fragments).


coldesc:
Average distance between surface stones and/or boulders, measured between edges.


coldesc:
The lithology/composition of the surface fragments 2 mm or larger (20 mm or larger for wood fragments).


coldesc:
Size based on the multiaxial dimensions of the surface fragment.


coldesc:
A description of the overall shape of the surface fragment.


coldesc:
An expression of the sharpness of edges and corners of surface fragments.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Surface Fragments table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Surface Fragments table.


coldesc:
A mappable part of the earth's surface (three dimensional) that represents an episode of landscape development of mountains.


coldesc:
A mappable part of the earth's surface (three dimensional) that represents an episode of landscape development of hills.


coldesc:
A mappable part of the earth's surface (three dimensional) that represents an episode of landscape development of terraces.


coldesc:
Description of the geomorphic component for flats.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component Geomorphic Description table.  Use this column to join the Component Geomorphic Description table to the Component Three Dimensional Surface Morphometry table.


collabel:
Component Surface Morphometry - Geomorphic Component Key

coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Three Dimensional Surface Morphometry table.


coldesc:
Two dimensional slope segments of a hillslope that have similar geometric, erosional, or depositional characteristics.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component Geomorphic Description table.  Use this column to join the Component Geomorphic Description table to the Component Two Dimensional Surface Morphometry table.


collabel:
Component Surface Morphometry - Hillslope Profile Position

coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Two Dimensional Surface Morphometry table.


coldesc:
The kind of slight variations in the height of a land surface that are too small or intricate to delineate on a topographic or soils map at commonly used scales (1:24000, and 1:10000).


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component Geomorphic Description table.  Use this column to join the Component Geomorphic Description table to the Component Microrelief Surface Morphometry table.


collabel:
Component Surface Morphometry - Micro Relief Key

coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Microrelief Surface Morphometry table.


coldesc:
The geometric, two dimensional profile (shape) of the slope parallel to elevation contours.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component Geomorphic Description table.  Use this column to join the Component Geomorphic Description table to the Component Slope Shape Surface Morphometry table.


collabel:
Component Surface Morphometry - Slope Shape Key

coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Slope Shape Surface Morphometry table.


coldesc:
Mineralogy classes are used as family differentiae.  They are based on the approximate mineralogical composition of selected size fractions of the same segment of the soil (control section) that is used for application of particle-size classes.  (Soil Taxonomy)


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Taxonomic Family Mineralogy table to the Component table.


collabel:
Component Taxonomic Family Mineralogy Key

coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Taxonomic Family Mineralogy table.


coldesc:
Soil moisture classes are unique to the family classification, though not included specifically in the name, this is a mechanism to provide clear identification of the actual moisture regime.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Taxonomic Moisture Class table to the Component table.


collabel:
Component Taxonomic Family Moisture Class Key

coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Taxonomic Moisture Class table.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Text table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Text table.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Trees To Manage table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Trees To Manage table.


coldesc:
Soil characteristics other than the defined family characteristics of particle-size classes, mineralogy classes, calcareous and reaction  classes, and soil temperature classes.  These characteristics include depth of soil, consistence, moisture equivalent, slope of soil, and permanent cracks.  (Soil Taxonomy)


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Component table.  Use this column to join the Component Taxonomic Family Other Criteria table to the Component table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Component Taxonomic Family Other Criteria table.


coldesc:
An indicator of the design scheme of the rule.  The entry provides an indication of which end of the fuzzy value range, 0 or 1, represents the most limiting features.  

Most interpretive rules are designed such that the most limiting features are those with a fuzzy value closest to 1.  However, interpretive rules that are designed to evaluate the favorable features of a soil, such as the suitability as a gravel source, may be written such that the most limiting features are those with a fuzzy value closest to 0.


coldesc:
Indicates whether or not an object is approved for use.


collabel:
Most Recent Rule Component When Last Updated

coldesc:
The date of the most recently updated component of an interpretation.  This date is not necessarily the when last updated date of the interpretation itself.  An interpretation may have a subrule, evaluation or property that was updated more recently than the master interpretation (rule) itself.  The time of update of an interpretation component (subrule, evaluation, property) in NASIS is not explicitly reflected in other components that may reference the updated component.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Distribution Metadata table.  Use this column to join the Distribution Interp Metadata table to the Distribution Metadata table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Distribution Interp Metadata table.


coldesc:
The name of a particular type of area.  Area type names include "state", "county", "mlra", etc.


coldesc:
A symbol that uniquely identifies a single occurrence of a particular type of area (e.g. Lancaster Co., Nebraska is NE109).


coldesc:
The name given to the specified geographic area.


coldesc:
Identifies the operational activity of a soil survey area and currency of published soil information.  Examples are Non-Project, Update and Published.

As of SSURGO version 2.1, values for this attribute are no longer provided.  This attribute will be dropped from the next major SSURGO version.


coldesc:
The date the final correlation document for a soil survey is signed, expressed as month, year (e.g. 07/1999).


coldesc:
The level of certification assigned to a tabular data package for a particular soil survey area.


coldesc:
The date and time that soil survey area tabular data was exported from NASIS.


coldesc:
Narrative text notes (metadata) associated with the assignment of the tabular data certification status for a particular soil survey area.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Legend table.  Use this column to join the Distribution Legend Metadata table to the Legend table.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Distribution Metadata table.  Use this column to join the Distribution Legend Metadata table to the Distribution Metadata table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Distribution Legend Metadata table.


coldesc:
The date and time that a request to export data, which was submitted by a NASIS user, was actually processed.


coldesc:
The current status of a NASIS export request.  This status may reflect either a pending request status or a processed request status.


coldesc:
The maximum number of reasons recorded for the corresponding soil interpretation.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Distribution Metadata table.


coldesc:
A sequential integer number used to denote the serial version of the spatial data for a soil survey area.


coldesc:
A symbol that, within the context of a particular soil survey area, uniquely identifies a point or line spot feature.


coldesc:
A short descriptive name of a point or line spot feature.


coldesc:
A narrative description of a point or line spot feature.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Feature Description table.


coldesc:
The name of a particular type of geographic area with which the soil survey area overlaps or coincides.  Examples include "state or territory" and "county or parish".


coldesc:
The identifying symbol given to the specified geographic area with which the soil survey area overlaps or coincides.


coldesc:
The name of a geographic area with which the soil survey area overlaps or coincides.  Examples include the name of a particular state or county.


coldesc:
The area overlap of two geographic regions, in acres.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Legend table.  Use this column to join the Legend Area Overlap table to the Legend table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Legend Area Overlap table.


coldesc:
The name of a particular type of geographic area to which the legend applies.  Examples include "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area" and "MLRA Soil Survey Area".


coldesc:
The identifying symbol given to the specified geographic area to which the legend applies.


coldesc:
The name given to the specified geographic area to which the legend applies.


coldesc:
The acreage total of all land and water areas in the specified geographic area to which the legend applies.  The number listed here is used for administrative purposes and may differ from that measured using GIS software, or other techniques, due to fact that it was assigned to agree with the acreage listed in the NRCS Natural Resource Inventory for the geographic area.


coldesc:
An NRCS business unit responsible for oversight of soil survey production activities of a particular soil survey area.


coldesc:
A short text field used to describe a particular soil survey area legend.


coldesc:
The lead agency designated as responsible for a particular soil survey.


coldesc:
The map scale in which the final map products will be published, expressed as the denominator of the scale, i.e. 24000 = 1:24000.


coldesc:
The date on which the SSURGO product for a particular soil survey is actually archived, expressed as month, day, year -- xx/xx/xxxx.


coldesc:
Identifies the relative geographic extent over which a legend has the most up-to-date soil survey data.

As of SSURGO version 2.1, values for this attribute are no longer provided.  This attribute will be dropped from the next major SSURGO version.


coldesc:
The level of certification assigned to a legend.  Intended to indicate whether or not the legend should be used and the degree of confidence with which it may be used.

As of SSURGO version 2.1, values for this attribute are no longer provided.  This attribute will be dropped from the next major SSURGO version.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Legend table.


coldesc:
A text entry can be identified by its kind, category, and subcategory.  Kind is the highest division of classification.  Text kind provides a grouping of text entries according to their subject matter.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Legend table.  Use this column to join the Legend Text table to the Legend table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Legend Text table.


coldesc:
Indicates whether or not the value of a column in a database table may be null.


coldesc:
The maximum allowable length of a column whose logical data type is "string".


coldesc:
The number of decimal digits that should be displayed for a column whose logical data type is "float".


coldesc:
The minimum allowable value of a column.


coldesc:
The maximum allowable value of a column.


coldesc:
The units of measure in which a column is recorded.


coldesc:
The narrative text description or definition of a column.


coldesc:
A name associated with a database table that is more connotative than the table's corresponding physical name.  For SSURGO, every table's logical name must be unique, making a table's logical name a suitable alias for identifying a table.  For SSURGO, table logical names are lower case character strings with no embedded blanks, where individual parts of the logical name may be separated using the underscore character.


coldesc:
A descriptive label associated with a database table.  For SSURGO, every table's label must be unique, making a table's label a suitable alias for identifying a table.  For SSURGO, table labels are typically mixed case character strings with embedded blanks.


coldesc:
A narrative text description of what a database table represents or records.


coldesc:
The base part of the file name of a table's associated ASCII pipe delimited import/export file.  The complete name of a table's associated import/export file is the base name followed by the characters ".txt".  For example, if the base name is "alpha", the name of the associated import/export file is "alpha.txt".


coldesc:
The full name of one of the twelve months of the year.


coldesc:
The difference is elevation between two points, expressed as a percentage of the distance between those points.  This column displays the slope gradient of the dominant component of the map unit based on composition percentage.


coldesc:
The difference is elevation between two points, expressed as a percentage of the distance between those points.  This column displays the weighted average slope gradient of all components in the map unit.


coldesc:
The distance from the soil surface to the top of a bedrock layer, expressed as a shallowest depth of components whose composition in the map unit is equal to or exceeds 15%.


coldesc:
The shallowest depth to a wet soil layer (water table) at any time during the year expressed as centimeters from the soil surface, for components whose composition in the map unit is equal to or exceeds 15%.


collabel:
Water Table Depth - April - June - Minimum

coldesc:
The shallowest depth to a wet soil layer (water table) during the months of April through June expressed in centimeters from the soil surface for components whose composition in the map unit is equal to or exceeds 15%.


coldesc:
The annual probability of a flood event expressed as a class. This column displays the dominant flood frequency class for the map unit, based on composition percentage of map unit components whose composition in the map unit is equal to or exceeds 15%.


coldesc:
The annual probability of a flood event expressed as a class.  This column displays the highest probability class assigned to an individual component of the map unit whose composition in the map unit is equal to or exceeds 15%.


coldesc:
The percentage of the map unit that is subject to water being ponded on the soil surface, expressed as one of four classes; 0-14%, 15-49%, 50-74% or 75-100%.


collabel:
Available Water Storage 0-25 cm - Weighted Average

coldesc:
Available water storage (AWS).  The volume of water that the soil, to a depth of 25 centimeters, can store that is available to plants.  It is reported as the weighted average of all components in the map unit, and is expressed as centimeters of water.

AWS is calculated from AWC (available water capacity) which is commonly estimated as the difference between the water contents at 1/10 or 1/3 bar (field capacity) and 15 bars (permanent wilting point) tension, and adjusted for salinity and fragments.


collabel:
Available Water Storage 0-50 cm - Weighted Average

coldesc:
Available water storage (AWS).  The volume of water that the soil, to a depth of 50 centimeters, can store that is available to plants.  It is reported as the weighted average of all components in the map unit, and is expressed as centimeters of water.

AWS is calculated from AWC (available water capacity) which is commonly estimated as the difference between the water contents at 1/10 or 1/3 bar (field capacity) and 15 bars (permanent wilting point) tension, and adjusted for salinity and fragments.


collabel:
Available Water Storage 0-100 cm - Weighted Average

coldesc:
Available water storage (AWS).  The volume of water that the soil, to a depth of 100 centimeters, can store that is available to plants.  It is reported as the weighted average of all components in the map unit, and is expressed as centimeters of water.

AWS is calculated from AWC (available water capacity) which is commonly estimated as the difference between the water contents at 1/10 or 1/3 bar (field capacity) and 15 bars (permanent wilting point) tension, and adjusted for salinity and fragments.


collabel:
Available Water Storage 0-150 cm - Weighted Average

coldesc:
Available water storage (AWS).  The volume of water that the soil, to a depth of 150 centimeters, can store that is available to plants.  It is reported as the weighted average of all components in the map unit, and is expressed as centimeters of water.

AWS is calculated from AWC (available water capacity) which is commonly estimated as the difference between the water contents at 1/10 or 1/3 bar (field capacity) and 15 bars (permanent wilting point) tension, and adjusted for salinity and fragments.


coldesc:
The natural drainage condition of the soil refers to the frequency and duration of wet periods.  This column displays the dominant drainage class for the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


coldesc:
The natural drainage condition of the soil refers to the frequency and duration of wet periods.  This column displays the wettest drainage class assigned to an individual component of the map unit whose composition in the map unit is equal to or exceeds 15%.


coldesc:
Hydrologic Group is a grouping of soils that have similar runoff potential under similar storm and cover conditions. This column displays the dominant hydrologic group for the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


collabel:
Irrigated Capability Class - Dominant Condition

coldesc:
The broadest category in the land capability classification system for soils.   This column displays the dominant capability class, under irrigated conditions, for the map unit based on composition percentage of all components in the map unit.


collabel:
Irrigated Capability Class  - Dominant Condition Aggregate Percent

coldesc:
The percent composition of the map unit that has the capability class displayed in the Irrigated Capability Class


collabel:
Non-Irrigated Capability Class - Dominant Condition

coldesc:
The broadest category in the land capability classification system for soils.   This column displays the dominant capability class, under non-irrigated conditions, for the map unit based on composition percentage of all components in the map unit.


collabel:
Non-Irrigated Capability Class  - Dominant Condition Aggregate Percent

coldesc:
The percent composition of the map unit that has the capability class displayed in the Non-Irrigated Capability Class  - Dominant Condition column.


collabel:
ENG - Dwellings W/O Basements - Dominant Condition

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for dwellings without basements, expressed as the dominant rating class for the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


collabel:
ENG - Dwellings with Basements - Dominant Condition

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for dwellings with basements, expressed as the dominant rating class for the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


collabel:
ENG - Dwellings with Basements - Least Limiting

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for dwellings with basements, expressed as the least limiting rating class for the map unit, based on the evaluation of each component in the map unit.


collabel:
ENG - Dwellings with Basements - Most Limiting

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for dwellings with basements, expressed as the most limiting rating class for the map unit, based on the evaluation of each component in the map unit.


collabel:
ENG - Septic Tank Absorption Fields - Dominant Condition

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for septic tank absorption fields, expressed as the dominant rating class for the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


collabel:
ENG - Septic Tank Absorption Fields - Least Limiting

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for septic tank absorption fields, expressed as the least limiting rating class for the map unit, based on the evaluation of each component in the map unit.


collabel:
ENG - Septic Tank Absorption Fields - Most Limiting

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for septic tank absorption fields, expressed as the most limiting rating class for the map unit, based on the evaluation of each component in the map unit.


collabel:
ENG - Sewage Lagoons - Dominant Condition

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for sewage lagoons, expressed as the dominant rating class for the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


collabel:
ENG - Sewage Lagoons - Dominant Component

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for sewage lagoons, expressed as the rating class for the dominant component in the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


collabel:
ENG - Local Roads and Streets - Dominant Condition

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for local roads and streets, expressed as the dominant rating class for the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


collabel:
ENG - Construction Materials; Sand Source - Dominant Condition

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a source of sand, expressed as the dominant class for the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


collabel:
ENG - Construction Materials; Sand Source - Most Probable

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a source of sand, expressed as the most probable class for the map unit, based on the evaluation of each component whose composition in the map unit is equal to or exceeds 15%.


collabel:
URB/REC - Paths and Trails - Dominant Condition

coldesc:
The rating of the map unit as a site for paths and trails, expressed as the dominant rating class for the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


collabel:
URB/REC - Paths and Trails - Weighted Average

coldesc:
The relative rating of the map unit for use as paths and trails, expressed as a weighted average of numerical ratings for individual soil components in the map unit.  The ratings are on a scale of 0.0 to 1.0, with the higher values indicating more limitations.


collabel:
FOR - Potential Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail) - Dominant Component

coldesc:
The relative potential erosion hazard for the map unit when used as a site for forest roads and trails, expressed as the rating class for the dominant component in the map unit, based on composition percentage of each map unit component.


coldesc:
An indication of the proportion of the map unit, expressed as a class, that is "hydric", based on the hydric classification of individual map unit components.


collabel:
AWM - Manure and Food Processing Waste - Weighted Average

coldesc:
The relative rating of the map unit for use as a disposal site of Manure and Food Processing Wastes, expressed as a weighted average of numerical ratings for individual components in the map unit.  The ratings are on a scale of 0.0 to 1.0, with the higher values indicating increasing limitations.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Mapunit table. It also serves as the non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Mapunit Aggregated Attribute table as there is a one-to-one relationship between records in these two tables.  Use this column to join the Mapunit Aggregated Attribute table to the Mapunit table.


coldesc:
The extent, in acres, of the map unit within the geographic area referenced in the Legend Area Overlap table.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Legend Area Overlap Table.  Use this column to join the Mapunit Area Overlap table to the Legend Area Overlap table.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Mapunit table.  Use this column to join the Mapunit Area Overlap table to the Mapunit table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Mapunit Area Overlap table.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Mapunit table.  Use this column to join the Mapunit Crop Yield table to the Mapunit table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Mapunit Crop Yield table.


coldesc:
Text kind provides a grouping of text entries according to their subject matter.  For example, the text kind "edit notes" groups text entries that deal with adding or changing data.


coldesc:
The unique identifier of a record in the Mapunit table.  Use this column to join the Mapunit Text table to the Mapunit table.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Mapunit Text table.


coldesc:
A sequential integer number used to denote the overall serial version of the data (tabular and/or spatial) for a soil survey area.


coldesc:
The date and time that a particular version of data (tabular and/or spatial) for the soil survey area was established.


coldesc:
A sequential integer number used to denote the serial version of the tabular data for a soil survey area.


coldesc:
The date and time that a particular version of tabular data for the soil survey area was established.


coldesc:
The FGDC (Federal Geographic Data Committee) spatial and/or tabular metadata for the corresponding soil survey area, in XML format.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Survey Area Catalog table.


coldesc:
The connotative name of an interpretation.


coldesc:
Indicates if the corresponding interpretation is designed as a limitation, suitability or class.


coldesc:
A narrative text description of the logic used to generate an interpretation.


coldesc:
The date and time that the logic of an interpretation was last modified.


coldesc:
The date and time that the corresponding interpretive results for this interpretation were generated.


coldesc:
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify a record in the Survey Area Interpretation table.


coldesc:
An integer number used to order the list of valid aggregation methods.


coldesc:
The name of a method by which a soil property or interpretation may be aggregated.  In some table contexts, the default aggregation method for the corresponding soil attribute.


coldesc:
Initials that identify an aggregation method.


coldesc:
A narrative description of an aggregation method.


coldesc:
A integer value that uniquely identifies a soil attribute available in the Soil Data Viewer application.


coldesc:
The connotative name of the corresponding soil attribute.


coldesc:
The name of the SSURGO table that contains the corresponding soil attribute.


coldesc:
The name of the SSURGO table column that contains the corresponding soil attribute.


coldesc:
The logical data type of the corresponding soil attribute.


coldesc:
The maximum allowable number of characters in a string attribute.


coldesc:
The decimal precision of the corresponding soil attribute.


coldesc:
A narrative description of the corresponding soil attribute.


coldesc:
The units of measure in which the corresponding soil attribute is recorded.


coldesc:
The abbreviated form of the units of measure in which the corresponding soil attribute is recorded.


coldesc:
A string that indicates if the corresponding Soil Data Viewer rule pertains to an intrinsic soil property or a soil interpretation.


coldesc:
A name that uniquely identifies a particular NASIS rule (interpretation).


coldesc:
An indicator of the design scheme of the rule.

1 = limitation
2 = suitability
3 = class

When rule design is either "limitation" or "suitability", this entry provides an indication of which end of the fuzzy value range, 0 or 1, represents the most limiting features.  When rule design is "class", the rating values are not considered to be logically ordered.

Most non-class interpretive rules are designed such that the most limiting features are those with a fuzzy value closest to 1.  However, non-class interpretive rules that are designed to evaluate the favorable features of a soil, such as the suitability as a gravel source, may be written such that the most limiting features are those with a fuzzy value closest to 0.


coldesc:
For a soil interpretation, the phrase to be used when a rating cannot be determined.  The default value for this string is "Not rated", but NASIS permits the designer of an interpretation to change this default.


coldesc:
Indicates if the corresponding attribute is considered to be "at the map unit level", in the map unit table hierarchy.


coldesc:
Indicates if the corresponding attribute is considered to be "at the component level", in the map unit table hierarchy.


coldesc:
Indicates if the corresponding attribute is considered to be "at the component month level", in the map unit table hierarchy.


coldesc:
Indicates if the corresponding attribute is considered to be "at the horizon level", in the map unit table hierarchy.


coldesc:
In some cases the column that is being aggregated to the map unit level corresponds to an attribute whose values are restricted to a ranked domain.  In this case, this rank value is used to resolve ties.  In order to be able to retrieve this rank value, the corresonding domain name must be provided.


coldesc:
For intrinsic soil properties, whether ties should select the lowest or highest value may be an arbitrary decision.  In such a case, this flag can be set, and in advanced mode the user can then specify at run time whether the lowest or highest value should be selected in case of a tie.


coldesc:
The term to be displayed for the option to break ties by selecting the lowest value.


coldesc:
The term to be displayed for the option to break ties by selecting the highest value.


coldesc:
Indicates if ties should be broken by selecting the lowest value (-1) or the highest value (1).


coldesc:
The name of the column in which the results of the aggreation process are ultimately stored.


coldesc:
Explicit constraints used to restrict which records in a table are subject to being aggregated.  One of several possible mechanisms for specifying constraints as to which records are subject to being aggregated.  Multiple constraint mechanisms may be concurrently specified.


coldesc:
The name of a column used to constrain which records in a table are subject to being aggregated.  One of several possible mechanisms for specifying constraints as to which records are subject to being aggregated.  Multiple constraint mechanisms may be concurrently specified.


collabel:
Primary Constraint Column Logical Data Type

coldesc:
The logical data type of the corresponding primary constraint column.


coldesc:
A connotative label associated with a column used to constrain which records in a table are subject to being aggregated.  This label is displayed in the Soil Data Viewer interface to indicate to the user what kind of constraining value is being requested.


coldesc:
The name of a column used to constrain which records in a table are subject to being aggregated.  One of several possible mechanisms for specifying constraints as to which records are subject to being aggregated.  Multiple contraint mechanisms may be concurrently specified.

The choice list for the secondary constraint column is constrained to data found in records that match the value specified for the primary constraint column.


collabel:
Secondary Constraint Column Logical Data Type

coldesc:
The logical data type of the corresponding secondary constraint column.


coldesc:
Indicates if the depth qualifier for the corresponding soil attribute can be changed at run time.


coldesc:
Indicates the means by which layer depths are qualified: "Surface Layer", "All Layers" or "Depth Range".  Pertains to properties of a soil horizon or layer.


coldesc:
Layer depth to top, when layer depths are qualified by "Depth Range".


coldesc:
Layer depth to bottom, when layer depths are qualified by "Depth Range".


coldesc:
The units of measure in which layer depth range is specified (centimeters or inches), when layer depths are qualified by "Depth Range".


coldesc:
Indicates if the month range qualifiers for the corresponding soil attribute can be changed at run time.


coldesc:
Beginning month qualifier (full month name) for soil properties at the component month level or below.


coldesc:
Ending month qualifier (full month name) for soil properties at the component month level or below.


coldesc:
The method by which horizon level attribute values are aggregated in order to derive a value to represent the corresponding component.  There are only two options, weighted average and weight sum.  For the vast majority of horizon level attributes, weighted average is used.  Weighted sum may be appropriate for a horizon level attribute whose corresponding unit of measure is something/(linear unit of measure).  At the time this was written, the only horizon level attribute for which weighted sum is used is available water capacity, whose unit of measure is cm/cm.


coldesc:
Indicates if the option to interpret nulls as zero for the corresponding soil attribute should be able to be changed at run time.


coldesc:
Indicates if null values for the corresponding soil attribute should be conditionally converted to zero at run time.


coldesc:
The value that should be substituted in lieu of a null value in the aggregation results for the corresponding soil attribute.  This value is populated when a null result should be interpreted as something other than null.  Examples include flooding and ponding frequency class, where a null value should be interpreted as "None", and depth to soil restrictive layer or depth to water table, where a null value should be interpreted as signifying that no restrictive layer or water table exists within a certain depth.


coldesc:
Indicates if the corresponding soil attribute is available in the basic mode of the Soil Data Viewer application.


coldesc:
An integer number that unique identifies a map legend.  A map legend identifies some of the attributes needed to create the legend for a corresponding thematic map.


coldesc:
The desired number of classes in a thematic map legend.  At the current time this value is only required when map legend type is "Natural Break Classes".


coldesc:
Information that is ultimately used to convey how the map legend for the corresponding soil attribute should be rendered.


coldesc:
An integer number that uniquely identifies a NASIS site.


coldesc:
The last date in which any data element of a particular NASIS object (area, data mapunit, etc.) was modified.


coldesc:
The component percent composition value below which components should not be included in the aggregation process.


coldesc:
Indicates if the corresponding soil attribute or Soil Data Viewer rule is ready to distribute publicly.


coldesc:
The logical data type of the output rating value.  For most aggregation methods, this is the same as the logical data type of the column that is the subject of the SDV Rule in question.  For aggregation method "Percent Present", the effective logical data type will always be "Integer".  For aggregation method "Weighted Average", for a class soil interpretation, the effective logical data will always be "Float".


coldesc:
An integer value used to order folders within the same context.


coldesc:
A connotative name for a folder that indicates its corresponding contents.


coldesc:
A narrative description of the contents of the corresponding folder.


coldesc:
An integer value that uniquely identifies its corresponding folder.


coldesc:
An integer value that identifies the parent folder of the corresponding folder, if any.  At this time we chose to not actually create folder hierarchies, but we decided to retain this column in case we ever do.


# mdstattabs

tabdesc:
The Horizon AASHTO table contains the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials classification(s) for the referenced horizon.  One row in this table is marked as the representative AASHTO classification for the horizon.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Consistence table contains descriptive terms of soil consistence -- rupture resistance, plasticity, and stickiness -- for the referenced horizon.  One row in this table is marked as having the representative characteristics for the horizon.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Designation Suffix table contains the designation suffix(es), one per row,  for the referenced horizon.  For example, the "h" and "s" of a Bhs horizon appear as two rows in this table.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Fragments table lists the mineral and organic fragments that generally occur in the referenced horizon.  If the Volume % is greater than zero (low=5, RV=10, high=15) in a row, the kind and size of fragment in that row exists everywhere this horizon and component occur in the map unit.  If the Volume % includes zero (low=0, RV=5, high=10), the kind and size of fragment may exist in some places, but not in others.


tabdesc:
The Horizon table lists the horizon(s) and related data for the referenced map unit component.  If the horizon thickness is greater than zero (low=5, RV=8, high=12), the horizon exists everywhere this component occurs.  If the horizon thickness includes zero (low=0, RV=1, high=3), the horizon may exist in some places, but not in other places.
Horizons that have two distinct parts, such as E/B or E&Bt horizons, are recorded twice.  Once for the characteristics of the first part; and again on another row, using the same depths and thicknesses, for the characteristics of the other part.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Pores table lists the voids for the referenced horizon.  If the Quantity is greater than zero (low=2, RV=5, high=10) in a row, the voids in that row exist everywhere the horizon and component occur in the map unit.  If the Quantity includes zero (low=0, RV=2, high=5), the voids may exist in some places, but not in others.  More than one row can be marked as an RV row because a horizon may have more than one size or shape of void.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Structure table lists the individual soil structure size, grade, and shape terms for the referenced horizon.  Terms in this table are assembled into a structure group string which is recorded in the Horizon Structure Group table.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Structure Group table lists the ranges of  soil structure for the referenced horizon.  The row with the typically occurring structure is marked as being representative.  The entry in this table is based on grouping of entries in the Horizon Structure table.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Text table contains notes and narrative descriptions related to the referenced horizon.  Some notes may provide additional information about the horizon for which there is no explicit column for such data.  In many cases, the table is empty for a particular horizon.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Texture table lists the individual texture(s), or term(s) used in lieu of texture, for the referenced horizon.  Only the unmodified texture terms are listed in the Horizon Texture table; modifiers are listed in the Horizon Texture Modifier table.  For example, a gravelly loamy sand is shown as "GR-LS" in the Horizon Texture Group table, "ls" in the Horizon Texture table, and "gr" in the Horizon Texture Modifier table.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Texture Group table lists the range of textures for the referenced horizon as a concatenation of horizon texture and texture modifier(s).  For example, a horizon that is gravelly loamy sand in some places and gravelly loamy coarse sand in other places is shown as GR-LS on one row and GR-LCOS on another row in this table.  The row with the typically occurring texture is identified as the RV row.  Stratified textures are shown in one row.  For example, a horizon that is stratified gravelly loamy fine sand and cobbly coarse sand is shown as SR- GR-LFS CB-COS on one row and the Stratified? column for that row is marked "yes".  If two or more textures always occur together but are not stratified, all of the textures are listed on one row and the Stratified? column for that row is marked "no".


tabdesc:
The Horizon Texture Modifier table lists the texture modifier(s) for the referenced texture.  For example, a gravelly loamy sand is shown as "GR-LS" in the Horizon Texture Group table, "ls" in the Horizon Texture table, and "gr" in this table.


tabdesc:
The Horizon Unified table contains the Unified Soil Classification(s) for the referenced horizon.  One row in the Horizon Unified table is marked as the representative Unified classification for the horizon.


tabdesc:
The Component Canopy Cover table lists the overstory plants that typically occur on the referenced map unit component.


tabdesc:
The Component Crop Yield table lists commonly grown crops and their expected range in yields when grown on the referenced map unit component.  Yields for the map unit as a whole are given in the Mapunit Crop Yield table.


tabdesc:
The Component Diagnostic Features table lists the typical soil features, such as ochric epipedon or cambic horizon, for the referenced map unit component.


tabdesc:
The Component Ecological Classification table identifies the ecological sites typically associated with the referenced map unit component.  These may include the official NRCS forestland and rangland ecological sites, as well as those of other classification systems, such as the USFS Habitat Types.


tabdesc:
The Component Existing Plants table lists the plants, either rangeland or forestland plants, that typically occur on the referenced map unit component.


tabdesc:
The Component Erosion Accelerated table lists the kinds of accelerated erosion that occur on the referenced map unit component.  One row in this table is marked as the representative kind of accelerated erosion for that component.


tabdesc:
The Component Forest Productivity table lists the site index and the annual productivity in cubic feet per acre per year (CAMI) of forest overstory tree species that typically occur on the referenced map unit component.


tabdesc:
The Component Forest Productivity - Other table lists the site index and annual productivity of forest overstory tree species in units other than cubic feet per acre per year for trees that typically occur on the referenced map unit component.


tabdesc:
The Component Geomorphic Description table lists the geomorphic features on which the referenced map unit component typically occurs.


tabdesc:
The Component Hydric Criteria table lists the hydric soil criteria met for those referenced map unit components that are classified as a "hydric soil."


tabdesc:
The Component Interpretation table lists the predictions of behavior and limiting features for specified uses made for the referenced map unit component.


tabdesc:
The Component Month table lists the monthly flooding and ponding characteristics for the referenced map unit component.  This table has one row for each month of the year.


tabdesc:
The Component table lists the map unit components identified in the referenced map unit, and selected properties of each component.  If the Component % is greater than zero (low=65, RV=75, high=90) for a component, that component exists in every delineation of that mapunit.  If the Component % includes zero (low=0, RV=50, high=90), the component may exist in some delineations, but not in others.


tabdesc:
The Component Parent Material table lists the individual parent material(s) for the referenced map unit component.    In some cases where soils developed in multiple materials in a vertical sequence, that sequence will be noted.  In other cases multiple entries with no vertical sequence noted indicates the soil may have formed in one of the materials listed.


tabdesc:
The Component Parent Material Group table lists the concatenated string of parent material(s) in which the referenced map unit component formed based on entries in the Component Parent Material table.  For example, a component formed in one parent material, such as loess, or one vertical sequence of parent materials, such as loamy glacial drift over silty residuum weathered from shale, has one row in this table.  A component formed in one parent material in some locations, but another parent material (or sequence of parent materials) in other locations has two rows in this table, one for each parent material (or sequence of parent materials).  One row is identified as the representative parent material.


tabdesc:
The Component Potential Windbreak table lists the windbreak plant species commonly recommended for the referenced map unit component.  A windbreak plant listed in this table may be used alone or in combination with other plants.


tabdesc:
The Component Restrictions table lists the root restrictive feature(s) or layer(s) for the referenced map unit component.  If the thickness of the restrictive layer is greater than zero (low=5, RV=8, high=10), the restrictive layer exists in all delineations of the map unit where the component occurs.  If the thickness of the restrictive layer includes zero (low=0, RV=2, high=5), the restrictive layer may exist in some delineations, but not in others.  This table will be empty if the component does not have restrictive features, but could have several rows if several restrictive features occur in the soil.


tabdesc:
The Component Soil Moisture table describes the typical soil moisture profile for the referenced map unit component during the month referenced in the Component Month table.  The soil moisture profiles for each month, taken as a group of twelve months, describe the representative situation for the component throughout the year.


tabdesc:
The Component Soil Temperature table describes the typical soil temperature profile for the referenced map unit component during the month referenced in the Component Month table.  The soil temperature profiles for each month, taken as a group of twelve months, describe the representative situation for the component throughout the year.


tabdesc:
The Component Surface Fragments table lists the organic or mineral fragments that generally occur on the surface of the referenced map unit component.  If the cover percent is greater than zero (low=0.1, RV=1, high=3) for a row in this table, the fragment is in every delineation of the map unit where the referenced component occurs.  If the Cover % includes zero (low=0, RV=0.01, high=1) for a row in this table, the fragment may exist in some delineations and not in others.


tablabel:
Component Three Dimensional Surface Morphometry

tabdesc:
The Component Three Dimensional Surface Morphometry table lists the typical geomorphic position (s) of the referenced map unit component, in three dimension terms.  The geomorphic position(s) listed in this table apply to the geomorphic feature referenced in the Component Geomorphic Description table.


tablabel:
Component Two Dimensional Surface Morphometry

tabdesc:
The Component Two Dimensional Surface Morphometry table lists the geomorphic position(s) of the referenced map unit component, in two dimensional hillslope profile terms.  The geomorphic position(s) listed in this table apply to the geomorphic feature referenced  in the Component Geomorphic Description table.


tabdesc:
The Component Microrelief Surface Morphometry table lists microrelief features associated with the referenced geomorphic (microfeature) feature shown in the Component Geomorphic Description table.


tablabel:
Component Slope Shape Surface Morphometry

tabdesc:
The Component Slope Shape Surface Morphometry table lists the geomorphic shape(s) of the referenced map unit component, in slope shape terms.  The slope shape terms listed in this table apply to the referenced geomorphic feature shown in the Component Geomorphic Description table.


tabdesc:
The Component Taxonomic Family Mineralogy table lists the mineralogy characteristics, as defined in Soil Taxonomy, that apply to the referenced map unit component.


tabdesc:
The Component Taxonomic Moisture Class table provides clear identification of the intended taxonomic moisture class, as defined in Soil Taxonomy, that apply to the referenced map unit component, even though moisture class is implied at a higher taxonomic level.  The class or classes listed in this table describe the representative situation for the component.


tabdesc:
The Component Text table contains notes and narrative descriptions for the referenced map unit component.  In many cases, the table will be empty for a particular component.


tabdesc:
The Component Trees To Manage table lists the trees commonly recommended for managing on the referenced map unit component.


tablabel:
Component Taxonomic Family Other Criteria

tabdesc:
The Component Taxonomic Family Other Criteria table lists the other taxonomic characteristics, such as classes of coatings or permanent cracks, as defined in Soil Taxonomy, that apply to the referenced map unit component.  The characteristics listed in this table describe the representative situation for the component.


tabdesc:
The Distribution Interp Metadata table records the set of NASIS fuzzy logic interpretations which were generated for the map unit components included in a set of distribution data.


tabdesc:
The Distribution Legend Metadata table records information about the legends or soil survey areas selected for inclusion in a set of distributed data.  The presence of a legend in this table does not imply that all of the available data for that legend was included in the set of data that was distributed.  Only certain map units and components for that legend may have been selected.  The record of the criteria used for selecting map units and components may be found in the Distribution Metadata table.


tabdesc:
The Distribution Metadata table records information associated with the selection of a set of data for distribution to some entity or information system external to NASIS.  A set of distribution data may include only selected map units from a legend or legends, and only selected components of those map units.  This table records the criteria used for selecting map units and components for inclusion in the set of distributed data.  Other recorded information includes the name of the NASIS user who initiated a distribution request, and the times when that request was made, and when that request was ultimately processed.


tabdesc:
This table records the description of all spot features that occur in a soil survey area.


tabdesc:
This table records all of the spot features of a soil survey area that are represented as one or more lines.  This table is not like other tabular data tables that are delivered as ASCII delimited files.  How the information is delivered depends on the spatial format that was requested at the time the corresponding soil survey area was exported.  Spatial information is typically delivered in GIS vendor specific format, and more than one output file may be produced when the information for this spatial entity is exported.  Consequently, no spatially oriented columns are shown, because the name and number of columns necessary to portray spatial characteristics vary depending on spatial format.

This table is documented in order to show attributes that will always be available when working with the corresponding spatial entity in a GIS.  These attributes have two purposes.  One purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding spatial entity.  The other purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding tabular entity.  The tabular entity corresponding to a spot feature line is represented by a record in the Feature Description table.


tabdesc:
This table records all of the spot features of a soil survey area that are represented as one or more points.  This table is not like other tabular data tables that are delivered as ASCII delimited files.  How the information is delivered depends on the spatial format that was requested at the time the corresponding soil survey area was exported.  Spatial information is typically delivered in GIS vendor specific format, and more than one output file may be produced when the information for this spatial entity is exported.  Consequently, no spatially oriented columns are shown, because the name and number of columns necessary to portray spatial characteristics vary depending on spatial format.

This table is documented in order to show attributes that will always be available when working with the corresponding spatial entity in a GIS.  These attributes have two purposes.  One purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding spatial entity.  The other purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding tabular entity.  The tabular entity corresponding to a spot feature point is represented by a record in the Feature Description table.


tabdesc:
The Legend Area Overlap table lists the geographic areas that are coincident with the soil survey area identified in the Legend table.  For example, a survey area that covers two counties would have two rows in this table, one for each county.  Other types of geographic areas listed might include state, MLRA, rainfall (R) factor area, climate (C) factor area, etc.


tabdesc:
The Legend table identifies the soil survey area that the legend is related to, and related information about that legend.


tabdesc:
The Legend Text table contains notes and narrative descriptions related to the referenced legend.  Legend text is optional.  In many cases, this table is empty.


tabdesc:
The Mapunit table identifies the map units included in the referenced legend.  Data related the map unit as a whole are also given.


tabdesc:
The Domain Detail Static Metadata table records the individual domain members for all domains associated with the tabular data set.  Each record in this table represents one member of a particular domain.


tabdesc:
The Domain Master Static Metadata table records the metadata that pertains to a domain as a whole, for all domains associated with the tabular data set.  A domain is a fixed set of choices to which a column's value is restricted.  Each column in the Table Column Static Metadata table whose logical data type is "choice", has a corresponding domain.  Each record in this table represents a particular domain.  A particular domain may serve as the domain for more than one column.  Information about the members that make up a particular domain is found in the Domain Detail Static Metadata table.


tabdesc:
The Index Detail Static Metadata table records what columns of a table make up a particular index.  Each record in this table represents one column of a particular index.


tabdesc:
The Index Master Static Metadata table records the metadata that pertains to an index, as a whole, for all indexes defined for the tabular data set.  Each record in this table represents one index for a particular table.  An index is based on one or more columns from a particular table.  Information about the columns that make up an index is found in the Index Detail Static Metadata table.


tabdesc:
The Relationship Detail Static Metadata table records the pairs of join columns that define a particular relationship.  Each record in this table represents one pair of join columns for a particular relationship.


tabdesc:
The Relationship Master Static Metadata table records the metadata that pertains to a relationship, as a whole, for all relationships defined for the tabular data set.  Each record in this table represents one particular relationship between two related tables.  A relationship involves one or more pairs of join columns, and more than one relationship may exist between the same two tables.  Information about the join columns involved in a relationship is found in the Relationship Detail Static Metadata table.


tabdesc:
The Table Column Static Metadata table records the metadata for all columns of all tables that make up the tabular data set.  Each record in this table represents one column of a particular table.


tabdesc:
The Table Static Metadata table records metadata about the tables that make up the tabular data set.  Each record in this table represents one table.


tabdesc:
This is a lookup table for months of the year.


tabdesc:
The Mapunit Aggregated Attribute table records a variety of soil attributes and interpretations that have been aggregated from the component level to a single value at the map unit level. They have been aggregated by one or more appropriate means in order to express a consolidated value or interpretation for the map unit as a whole.


tabdesc:
The Mapunit Area Overlap table lists the map units that exist in the overlap between the entire soil survey area and the referenced geographic area in the Legend Area Overlap table.


tabdesc:
The Mapunit Crop Yield table lists commonly grown crops and their expected yields for the referenced map unit as a whole.  Yields for individual map unit components are given in the Component Crop Yield table.


tabdesc:
This table records all of the soil map units of a soil survey area that are represented as one or more lines.  This table is not like other tabular data tables that are delivered as ASCII delimited files.  How the information is delivered depends on the spatial format that was requested at the time the corresponding soil survey area was exported.  Spatial information is typically delivered in GIS vendor specific format, and more than one output file may be produced when the information for this spatial entity is exported.  Consequently, no spatially oriented columns are shown, because the name and number of columns necessary to portray spatial characteristics vary depending on spatial format.

This table is documented in order to show attributes that will always be available when working with the corresponding spatial entity in a GIS.  These attributes have two purposes.  One purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding spatial entity.  The other purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding tabular entity.  The tabular entity corresponding to a map unit line is represented by a record in the Map Unit table.


tabdesc:
This table records all of the soil map units of a soil survey area that are represented as one or more points.  This table is not like other tabular data tables that are delivered as ASCII delimited files.  How the information is delivered depends on the spatial format that was requested at the time the corresponding soil survey area was exported.  Spatial information is typically delivered in GIS vendor specific format, and more than one output file may be produced when the information for this spatial entity is exported.  Consequently, no spatially oriented columns are shown, because the name and number of columns necessary to portray spatial characteristics vary depending on spatial format.

This table is documented in order to show attributes that will always be available when working with the corresponding spatial entity in a GIS.  These attributes have two purposes.  One purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding spatial entity.  The other purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding tabular entity.  The tabular entity corresponding to a map unit point is represented by a record in the Map Unit table.


tabdesc:
This table records all of the soil map units of a soil survey area that are represented as one or more polygons.  This table is not like other tabular data tables that are delivered as ASCII delimited files.  How the information is delivered depends on the spatial format that was requested at the time the corresponding soil survey area was exported.  Spatial information is typically delivered in GIS vendor specific format, and more than one output file may be produced when the information for this spatial entity is exported.  Consequently, no spatially oriented columns are shown, because the name and number of columns necessary to portray spatial characteristics vary depending on spatial format.

This table is documented in order to show attributes that will always be available when working with the corresponding spatial entity in a GIS.  These attributes have two purposes.  One purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding spatial entity.  The other purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding tabular entity.  The tabular entity corresponding to a map unit polygon is represented by a record in the Map Unit table.


tabdesc:
The Mapunit Text table contains notes and narrative descriptions related to the referenced map unit.


tabdesc:
This table records the primary dynamic cetadata associated with a soil survey area.  This includes such things as survey area version, tabular data version, etc. The remaining dynamic metadata, which soil interpretations were generated for the corresponding soil survey area, is recorded in the Survey Area Interpretation table.


tabdesc:
This table records information about the soil interpretations that were generated for a soil survey area.


tabdesc:
This table records the set of polygons that make up a soil survey area boundary.  The table is not like other tabular data tables that are delivered as ASCII delimited files.  How the information in this table is delivered depends of the spatial format that was requested at the time the corresponding soil survey area data was exported.  Spatial information is typically delivered in GIS vendor specific format, and more than one output file may be produced when the information for this spatial entity is exported.  Consequently, no spatially oriented columns are shown, because the name and number of columns necessary to portray spatial characteristics vary depending on spatial format.

This table is documented in order to show attributes that will always be available when working with the corresponding spatial entity in a GIS.  These attributes have two purposes.  One purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding spatial entity.  The other purpose is to identify each instance of the corresponding tabular entity.  The tabular entity corresponding to the survey area boundary is represented by a record in the Legend table.


tabdesc:
This lookup table records the valid algorithms for aggregating soil property values or soil interpretation results to the map unit level.


tabdesc:
Each record in this table corresponds to either an intrinsic soil property or a soil interpretation that is available in the Soil Data Viewer application.  A record in this table is also referred to as an "SDV rule".  A rule provides most of the information necessary for the Soil Data Viewer application to be able to create a thematic map for the corresponding soil attribute.  Some additional information needed in order to be able to create a thematic map may be collected at run time.


tabdesc:
The records in this table represent the folders and subfolders by which soil attributes (SDV rules) are grouped and displayed in the Soil Data Viewer application.  One record in this table may be related to another record in this table, i.e. a subfolder must identify its corresponding parent folder.


tabdesc:
This associative table resolves the many to many relationship between Soil Data Viewer folders and soil attributes (SDV rules).


# sacatalog

fgdcmetadata:
<metadata><idinfo><citation><citeinfo><origin>
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service
</origin><pubdate>20060705</pubdate> Digital General Soil Map of U.S. <geoform>Tabular digital data and vector digital data</geoform><pubinfo><pubplace>Fort Worth, Texas</pubplace><publish>
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service
</publish></pubinfo><onlink>URL:http://DataGateway.nrcs.usda.gov/</onlink></citeinfo></citation><descript><abstract>
This data set consists of general soil association units. It was
develped by the National Cooperative Soil Survey and supersedes
the State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) data set published in 1994.
It consists of a broad based inventory of soils and nonsoil areas
that occur in a repeatable pattern on the landscape and that can
be cartographically shown at the scale mapped. The data set was
created by generalizing more detailed soil survey maps. Where more
detailed soil survey maps were not available, data on geology,
topography, vegetation, and climate were assembled, together with
Land Remote Sensing Satellite (LANDSAT) images. Soils of like areas
were studied, and the probable classification and extent of the soils
were determined.

Map unit composition was determined by transecting or sampling areas
on the more detailed maps and expanding the data statistically to
characterize the whole map unit.

This data set consists of georeferenced vector digital data and
tabular digital data. The map data were collected in 1-by 2-degree
topographic quadrangle units and merged into a seamless national
data set. It is distributed in state/territory and national extents.
The soil map units are linked to attributes in the National Soil
Information System data base which gives the proportionate extent of
the component soils and their properties.
</abstract><purpose>
These data provide information about soil features on or near the
surface of the Earth. Data were collected as part of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey. These data are intended for geographic
display and analysis at the state, regional, and national level.
The data should be displayed and analyzed at scales appropriate for
1:250,000-scale data.
</purpose></descript><timeperd><timeinfo><rngdates><begdate>2000</begdate><enddate>20060705</enddate></rngdates></timeinfo><current>publication date</current></timeperd><status> Complete <update>As needed</update></status><spdom><bounding><westbc>-110.0</westbc><eastbc>-102.0</eastbc><northbc>41.0</northbc><southbc>37.0</southbc></bounding></spdom><keywords><theme><themekt>None</themekt><themekey>Soils</themekey><themekey>General Soil Map</themekey><themekey>State Soil Geographic</themekey><themekey>STATSGO</themekey><themekey>United States Department of Agriculture</themekey><themekey>USDA</themekey><themekey>National Soil Information System (NASIS)</themekey></theme><place><placekt>
U.S. Department of Commerce, 1995, Countries, Dependencies, Areas
of Special Sovereignty, and Their Principal Administrative Divisions
(Federal Information Processing Standard 10-4): Washington, DC,
National Institute of Standards and Technology.
</placekt><placekey>Colorado</placekey></place><place><placekt>None</placekt><placekey>USA</placekey></place></keywords><accconst>None</accconst><useconst>
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service should be acknowledged as the data source in products
derived from these data. Hardcopies utilizing these data shall
clearly indicate their source. User agrees not to misrepresent these
data, nor to imply that changes made were approved by the Natural
Resources Conservation Service.

The Digital General Soil Map of U.S. was designed primarily for
regional, multicounty, river basin, State, and multistate resource
planning, management, and monitoring. Data are not detailed enough
to make interpretations at a county level. This soil survey product
is not designed for use as a primary regulatory tool in permitting
or citing decisions, but may be used as a reference source. The use
of these data is not restricted and may be interpreted by organizations,
agencies, units of government, or others; however, they are responsible
for its appropriate application. Federal, State, or local regulatory
bodies are not to reassign to the Natural Resources Conservation
Service any authority for the decisions that they make. The Natural
Resources Conservation Service will not perform any evaluations of
these maps for purposes related solely to state or local regulatory
programs.

When data from the Digital General Soil Map of U.S. are overlayed
with other data layers, such as land use data, caution must be
used in generating statistics on the co-occurence of the land use
data with the soil data. The composition of the soil map unit can
be characterized independently for the land use and for the soil
component, but there are no data on their joint occurrence at a
more detailed level. Analysis of the overlayed data should be on a
map polygon basis.

Additional political, watershed, or other boundaries may be
intersected with the soil data. Although the composition of each
political and watershed unit may be described in terms of the
soil map units, information is not available to assign the
components to the boundary units with full accuracy. As with the
land use categories, the analysis should be restricted to the
classified components.

The approximate minimum area delineated is 625 hectares
(1,544 acres), which is represented on a 1:250,000-scale map by
an area approximately 1 cm by 1 cm (0.4 inch by 0.4 inch). Linear
delineations are not less than 0.5 cm (0.2 inch) in width. The
number of delineations per 1:250,000 quadrangle typically is 100
to 200, but may range up to 400. Delineations depict the dominant
soils making up the landscape. Other dissimilar soils, too small
to be delineated, are present within a delineation.

Digital enlargements of these data to scales greater than at
which they were originally mapped can cause misinterpretation
of the data. If enlarged, maps do not show the small areas of
contrasting soils that could have been shown at a larger scale.
The depicted soil boundaries, interpretations, and analysis
derived from them do not eliminate the need for onsite sampling,
testing, and detailed study of specific sites for intensive uses.
Thus, these data and their interpretations are intended for
planning purposes only.

Data values for some data elements may be incomplete or missing.
Where data are unavailable, a mask should be used to exclude the
area from analysis.

The spatial and tabular data used to create this product are
periodically updated. Data are versioned, and users are responsible
for obtaining the latest version of the product.
</useconst><ptcontac><cntinfo><cntperp><cntper>Paul R. Finnell</cntper><cntorg>
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service
</cntorg></cntperp><cntpos>Soil Scientist</cntpos><cntaddr><addrtype>mailing and physical address</addrtype> USDA-NRCS / Soils Fed. Bldg. Rm 3416 700 W. Capitol Ave. <city>Little Rock</city><state>AR</state><postal>72201</postal><country>USA</country></cntaddr><cntvoice>501-301-3116</cntvoice><cnttdd>(202) 720-2600</cnttdd><cntfax>(402) 437-5821</cntfax><cntemail>luis.hernandez@ar.usda.gov</cntemail></cntinfo></ptcontac><crossref><citeinfo><origin>U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service</origin><pubdate>1994</pubdate> State Soil Survey Geographic (STATSGO) data base </citeinfo></crossref></idinfo><dataqual><attracc><attraccr>
Accuracy is tested by manual comparison of the source with hard
copy plots and/or symbolized display of the map data on an
interactive computer graphic system. Selected  attributes that
cannot be visually verified on plots or on screen are interactively
queried and verified on screen. In addition, the attributes
are tested against a master set of valid attributes. All attribute
data conform to the attribute codes in the signed classification
and correlation document and amendments and are current as of
the date of digitizing.
</attraccr></attracc><logic>
Certain node/geometry and topology (GT)-polygon/chain
relationships are collected or generated to satisfy topological
requirements. (The GT-polygon corresponds to the soil delineation).
Some of these requirements include: chains must begin and end at
nodes, chains must connect to each other at nodes, chains do not
extend through nodes, left and right GT-polygons are defined for
each chain element and are consistent throughout, and the chains
representing the limits of the file (neatline) are free of gaps.
The tests of logical consistency are performed using vendor
software. The neatline is generated by connecting the explicitly
entered four corners of the digital file. All data outside the
enclosed region are ignored and all data crossing these
geographically straight lines are clipped at the neatline. Data
within a specified tolerance of the neatline are snapped to the
neatline. Neatline straightening aligns the digitized edges of
the digital data with the generated neatline (i.e., with the
longitude/latitude lines in geographic coordinates). All internal
polygons are tested for closure with vendor software and are
checked on hard copy plots. All data are checked for common soil
lines (i.e., adjacent polygons with the same label). Quadrangles
are edge matched within the state, merged into a statewide data
sets, and then edge matched to adjacent state data sets. Edge
locations do not deviate from centerline to centerline by more
than 0.01 inch.
</logic><complete>
A map unit is a collection of areas defined and named the same
in terms of their soil and/or nonsoil areas. Each map unit differs
in some respect from all others in a survey area and is uniquely
identified. Each individual area is a delineation. Each map unit
in the Digital General Soil Map of U.S. consists of one to more
than 21 components.

In those few areas where detailed maps did not exist,
reconnaissance soil surveys were combined with data on geology,
topography, vegetation, climate, and remote sensing images to
delineate map units and estimate the percentages of components.
Map unit components in this product are soil series phases, and
their percent composition represents the estimated areal proportion
of each within a map unit. The composition for a map unit is
generalized to represent the statewide extent of that map unit
and not the extent of any single map unit delineation. These
specifications provide a nationally consistent representation of
the associated attribute data.

The actual composition and interpretive purity of the map unit
delineations were based on statistical analysis of transect data.
The composition was largely determined by measuring transects on
detailed soil survey maps. The number of transects used was
proportional to the relative size, number, and complexity of the
delineations. The combined data on the length of the map units
crossed by the transects were used to determine the percentages
of the different soil and nonsoil areas in each map unit.

Specific National Cooperative Soil Survey Standards and
procedures were used in the classification of soils, design and
name of map units. These standards are outlined in U.S. Department
of Agriculture. 2nd Ed., 1999. Soil Taxonomy: A basic system of
soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys.
Nat. Res. Conserv. Serv., U.S. Dep. Agric. Handb. 436.; U.S.
Department of Agriculture. 9th Ed., 2003. Keys to Soil Taxonomy.
Soil Surv. staff, Nat. Res. Conserv. Serv.; U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Current Issue. National Soil Survey Handbook, title
430-VI. Soil Surv. Staff, Nat. Res. Conserv. Serv.; and U.S.
Department of Agriculture. 1993. Soil Survey Manual. Soil Surv.
Staff, U.S. Dep. Agric. Handbook 18.

Adherence to National Cooperative Soil Survey standards and
procedures is based on peer review, quality control, and quality
assurance. Quality control is outlined in documents that reside
with the Natural Resources Conservation Service state soil
scientist.
</complete><posacc><horizpa><horizpar>
The accuracy of these digital data is based upon their
compilation to base maps that meet National Map Accuracy
Standards. The difference in positional accuracy between
the map unit boundaries in the field and their digitized
map locations is unknown. The locational acuracy of soil
delineations on the ground varies with the transition
between map units.

For example, in areas where changes in soils, climate,
topography, and geology occur subtly across a portion of a
state, the transition between soil map unit boundaries will
be gradual. Where these features change abruptly, such as
from an area of foothills to a lake plain, the transition
will be very narrow. Soil delineation boundaries were
digitized within 0.01 inches of their locations on the
digitizing source. The digital map elements are edge matched
between data sets. The data along each state boundary are
matched against the data for the adjacent state. Edge
locations generally do not deviate from centerline to
centerline by more than 0.01 inch.
</horizpar></horizpa></posacc><lineage><srcinfo><srccite><citeinfo><origin>
U.S Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service
</origin><pubdate>Unknown</pubdate> multiple soil survey publications <geoform>map</geoform><pubinfo><pubplace>Washington, D.C.</pubplace><publish>U.S. Government Printing Office</publish></pubinfo></citeinfo></srccite><typesrc>paper</typesrc><srctime><timeinfo><sngdate><caldate>Unknown</caldate></sngdate></timeinfo><srccurr>publication date</srccurr></srctime><srccitea>SCS1</srccitea><srccontr>
base information for development of map unit delineations
and transect data for naming map units
</srccontr></srcinfo><srcinfo><srccite><citeinfo><origin>
U.S Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service
</origin><pubdate>Unknown</pubdate>
multiple reconnaissance, county, and State general
soil maps
<geoform>map</geoform><pubinfo><pubplace>Washington, D.C.</pubplace><publish>U.S. Government Printing Office</publish></pubinfo></citeinfo></srccite><typesrc>paper</typesrc><srctime><timeinfo><sngdate><caldate>Unknown</caldate></sngdate></timeinfo><srccurr>publication date</srccurr></srctime><srccitea>SCS2</srccitea><srccontr>
reference information for development of map unit
delineations and transect data for naming map units
where detailed surveys did not exist
</srccontr></srcinfo><srcinfo><srccite><citeinfo><origin>U.S. Geological Survey</origin><pubdate>Unknown</pubdate> multiple maps <geoform>map</geoform><pubinfo><pubplace>Reston, Virginia</pubplace><publish>U.S. Geological Survey</publish></pubinfo></citeinfo></srccite><srcscale>250000</srcscale><typesrc>stable-base material</typesrc><srctime><timeinfo><sngdate><caldate>Unknown</caldate></sngdate></timeinfo><srccurr>publication date</srccurr></srctime><srccitea>USGS1</srccitea><srccontr>
base materials for compilation of map unit delineation
linework
</srccontr></srcinfo><srcinfo><srccite><citeinfo><origin>
U.S Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service
</origin><pubdate>Unknown</pubdate>
multiple compiled mylar overlays of map unit
delineations, unpublished
<geoform>annotated overlay</geoform></citeinfo></srccite><typesrc>stable-base material</typesrc><srctime><timeinfo><sngdate><caldate>Unknown</caldate></sngdate></timeinfo><srccurr>unknown</srccurr></srctime><srccitea>SCS3</srccitea><srccontr>digitizing source</srccontr></srcinfo><srcinfo><srccite><citeinfo><origin>
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service
</origin><pubdate>1994</pubdate> State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) data base <geoform>digital data</geoform></citeinfo></srccite><srcscale>250000</srcscale><typesrc>CD-ROM</typesrc><srctime><timeinfo><sngdate><caldate>1994</caldate></sngdate></timeinfo><srccurr>1994</srccurr></srctime><srccitea>SCS4</srccitea><srccontr>
source material of soil map unit delineations and
soil symbols
</srccontr></srcinfo><srcinfo><srccite><citeinfo><origin>
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Natural Resources Conservation Service
</origin><pubdate>2005</pubdate> National Soil Information System (NASIS) data base <geoform>tabular digital data</geoform><pubinfo><pubplace>Fort Collins, Colorado</pubplace><publish>
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Natural Resources Conservation Service
</publish></pubinfo></citeinfo></srccite><typesrc>database</typesrc><srctime><timeinfo><rngdates><begdate>2005</begdate><enddate>2005</enddate></rngdates></timeinfo><srccurr>publication date</srccurr></srctime><srccitea>NASIS</srccitea><srccontr>attribute (tabular) information</srccontr></srcinfo><procstep><procdesc>
Map unit composition was determined by transecting or
sampling areas on the more detailed soil maps and expanding
the data statistically to characterize the whole map unit.
</procdesc><srcused>SCS1</srcused><procdate>1994</procdate></procstep><procstep><procdesc>
Soil map unit lines and symbols were drafted in red pencil
on a mylar overlay that was punch registered to fit the mylar
USGS 1:250,000-scale topographic quadrangle. A detailed and
complete edit was performed on all overlays before digitizing.
The soil delineation overlays were raster scanned at a
scanning resolution of at least 0.01 inches and converted to
a vector format or were manually digitized on a digitizing
tablet with a resolution of at least 0.001 inches. Four
control points corresponding to the four corners of the
quadrangles were used for registration during data collection.
The control points were either explicitly entered or developed
by the software. The data sets were edge matched and merged
into statewide coverages. A detailed and complete edit was
performed on all digital data.
</procdesc><srcused>USGS1, SCS3</srcused><procdate>1994</procdate></procstep><procstep><procdesc>
State coverages were merged into a seamless national coverage.
This reduced tabular data redundancy and polygon number. A detailed
and complete edit was performed on all digital data.
</procdesc><srcused>SCS4</srcused><procdate>2000</procdate></procstep><procstep><procdesc>
The National Soil Information System data base was developed
by Natural Resources Conservation Service soil scientists
according to national standards.
</procdesc><srcused>SCS4</srcused><procdate>2005</procdate></procstep><procstep><procdesc>
The Natural Resources Conservation Service State Soil Scientist
or delegate, upon completion of data quality verification,
determined that the tabular data should be released for official
use. A selected set of map units and components in the soil
survey legend was copied to a staging database, and rating values
for selected interpretations were generated. The list of selected
interpretations is stored in the database table named sainterp.
</procdesc><srcused>NASIS</srcused><procdate>20050715</procdate></procstep><procstep><procdesc>
The Natural Resources Conservation Service State Soil Scientist
or delegate verified that the labels on the digitized soil map
units link to map units in the tabular database, and certified
the joined data sets for release to the Soil Data Warehouse. A
system assigned version number and date stamp were added and the
data were copied to the data warehouse. The tabular data for the
map units and components were extracted from the data warehouse
and reformatted into the soil data delivery data model, then
stored in the Soil Data Mart. The spatial data were copied to the
Soil Data Mart without change.
</procdesc><srcused>NASIS</srcused><procdate>20050715</procdate></procstep><procstep><procdesc>
The tabular data were extracted from the Soil Data Mart without
change. The spatial data was exported to an ESRI shapefile.
</procdesc><srcused>NASIS</srcused><procdate>20050718</procdate></procstep><procstep><procdesc>
The Natural Resources Conservation Service State Soil Scientist or
delegate, upon completion of data quality verification, determined
that the tabular data should be released for official use. A
selected set of map units and components in the soil survey legend was
copied to a staging database, and rating values for selected
interpretations were generated. The list of selected interpretations is
stored in the database table named sainterp.
</procdesc><srcused>NASIS</srcused><procdate>20060628</procdate></procstep><procstep><procdesc>
The Natural Resources Conservation Service State Soil Scientist or
delegate verified that the labels on the digitized soil map units
link to map units in the tabular database, and certified the joined
data sets for release to the Soil Data Warehouse. A system assigned
version number and date stamp were added and the data were copied to
the data warehouse. The tabular data for the map units and components
were extracted from the data warehouse and reformatted into the soil
data delivery data model, then stored in the Soil Data Mart. The spatial
data were copied to the Soil Data Mart without change.
</procdesc><srcused>NASIS</srcused><procdate>20060629</procdate></procstep></lineage></dataqual><spdoinfo><direct>Vector</direct></spdoinfo><spref><horizsys><geograph><latres>0.000001</latres><longres>0.0000001</longres><geogunit>decimal degrees</geogunit></geograph><geodetic><horizdn>World Geodetic System 1984</horizdn><ellips>World Geodetic System 1984</ellips><semiaxis>6378137.00000</semiaxis><denflat>298.257222</denflat></geodetic></horizsys></spref><eainfo><detailed><enttyp><enttypl>General Soil Map Unit</enttypl><enttypd>
A closed polygon that consists of soils and nonsoil areas that
occur in a repeatable pattern on the landscape and that can be
cartographically shown at the scale mapped.
</enttypd><enttypds>NRCS National Cooperative Soil Survey</enttypds></enttyp><attr><attrlabl>AREASYMBOL</attrlabl><attrdef>
A symbol that uniquely identifies a single occurrence of a
particular type of area (e.g. Lancaster Co., Nebraska is NE109).
</attrdef><attrdefs>NASIS</attrdefs><attrdomv><codesetd><codesetn>None</codesetn><codesets>
National Information Technology Center, NRCS, 2150 Centre Ave.,
Bldg. A, Fort Collins, CO 80526
</codesets></codesetd></attrdomv></attr><attr><attrlabl>MUSYM</attrlabl><attrdef>
The symbol used to uniquely identify the soil map unit in the
soil survey.
</attrdef><attrdefs>NASIS</attrdefs><attrdomv><codesetd><codesetn>None</codesetn><codesets>
National Information Technology Center, NRCS, 2150 Centre Ave.,
Bldg. A, Fort Collins, CO 80526
</codesets></codesetd></attrdomv></attr><attr><attrlabl>MUKEY</attrlabl><attrdef>
A non-connotative string of characters used to uniquely identify
a record in the Mapunit table.
</attrdef><attrdefs>NASIS</attrdefs><attrdomv><udom>No predefined set of mukeys.</udom></attrdomv></attr><attr><attrlabl>SPATIALVERSION</attrlabl><attrdef>
A sequential integer number used to denote the serial version of
the spatial data for a soil survey area.
</attrdef><attrdefs>NASIS</attrdefs><attrdomv><rdom><rdommin>1</rdommin><rdommax>1</rdommax></rdom></attrdomv></attr></detailed><overview><eaover>
Map Unit Delineations are closed polygons that are geographic
mixtures of groups of soils or soils and nonsoil areas.

The map unit key uniquely identifies each closed map unit
delineation. Each map unit key is linked to a map unit symbol
and a map unit name. The map unit key is also the key for linking
information in the National Soil Information System tables.

Map Unit Delineations are described by the National Soil
Information System data base. This attribute data base gives the
proportionate extent of the component soils and the properties
for each soil. The data base contains both estimated and measured
data on the physical and chemical soil properties and soil
interpretations for engineering, water management, recreation,
agronomic, woodland, range and wildlife uses of the soil.

The National Soil Information System data base contains static
metadata. It documents the data structure and includes such
information as what tables, columns, indexes, and relationships
are defined as well as a variety of attributes of each of these
data base objects. Attributes include table and column descriptions
and detailed domain information.

The National Soil Information System data base also contains
distribution metadata. It records the criteria used in the set
of distributed data.
</eaover><eadetcit>
U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2nd Ed., 1999. Soil Taxonomy: A
basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting
soil surveys. Nat. Res. Conserv. Serv., U.S. Dep. Agric. Handb.
436.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 9th Ed., 2003. Keys to Soil
Taxonomy. Soil Surv. Staff, Nat. Res. Conserv. Serv.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Current Issue. National Soil
Survey Handbook, title 430-VI. Soil Surv. Staff, Nat. Res.
Conserv. Serv.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1993. Soil Survey Manual.
Soil Surv. Staff, U.S. Dep. Agric. Handbook 18.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1994. State Soil Geographic
(STATSGO) Data Base: Data use information. Soil Conserv. Serv.
</eadetcit></overview></eainfo><distinfo><distrib><cntinfo><cntorgp><cntorg>
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, National Cartography and Geospatial Center
</cntorg></cntorgp><cntaddr><addrtype>mailing and physical address</addrtype> 501 West Felix Street, Building 23 P.O. Box 6567 <city>Fort Worth</city><state>Texas</state><postal>76115</postal></cntaddr><cntvoice>(800) 672-5559</cntvoice><cnttdd>(202) 720-2600</cnttdd><cntfax>(817) 509-3469</cntfax></cntinfo></distrib><resdesc>Digital General Soil Map of U.S.</resdesc><distliab>
Although data in this product have been processed successfully on a
computer system at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, no warranty
expressed or implied is made by the Agency regarding the utility of
the data on any other system, nor shall the act of distribution
constitute any such warranty. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will
warrant the delivery of this product in computer-readable format, and
will offer appropriate adjustment of credit when the product is
determined unreadable by correctly adjusted computer input peripherals,
or when the physical medium is delivered in damaged condition. Request
for adjustment of credit must be made within 90 days from the date of
this shipment from the ordering site.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor any of its agencies are
liable for misuse of the data. It is also not liable for damage,
transmission of viruses, or computer contamination through the
distribution of these data sets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture
prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs,
and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to
all programs.)
</distliab><stdorder><fees>
There is currently no direct charge for requesting data or for
retrieving via FTP.
</fees><ordering>
Visit the above mentioned Internet Web Site, select state or
territory or national extent. Spatial data are available in ESRI shapefile
format. The National Soil Information System attribute soil data are
available in variable length, pipe delimited, ASCII file format.
</ordering><turnarnd>Typically within four hours</turnarnd></stdorder></distinfo><metainfo><metd>20060705</metd><metc><cntinfo><cntorgp><cntorg>
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service
</cntorg><cntper>Paul R. Finnell</cntper></cntorgp><cntpos>Soil Scientist</cntpos><cntaddr><addrtype>mailing and physical address</addrtype> USDA-NRCS / Soils Fed. Bldg. Rm 3416 700 W. Capitol Ave. <city>Little Rock</city><state>AR</state><postal>72201</postal><country>USA</country></cntaddr><cntvoice>501-301-3116</cntvoice><cnttdd>(202) 720-2600</cnttdd><cntfax>(402) 437-5821</cntfax><cntemail>luis.hernandez@ar.usda.gov</cntemail></cntinfo></metc><metstdn>Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata</metstdn><metstdv>FGDC-STD-001-1998</metstdv><metuc>none</metuc></metainfo></metadata>


# sdvalgorithm

algorithmdescription:
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.


algorithmdescription:
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.


algorithmdescription:
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.


algorithmdescription:
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.


algorithmdescription:
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.


algorithmdescription:
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".


algorithmdescription:
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 ΓÇ£Hydric Rating by Map UnitΓÇ¥ returns the cumulative percent composition of all components of a map unit where the corresponding hydric rating is ΓÇ£YesΓÇ¥.  Conditions may be simple or complex.  At runtime, the user may be able to specify all, some or none of the conditions in question.


algorithmdescription:
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.


# sdvattribute

attributedescription:
These are the estimated average yields per acre that can be expected of selected irrigated crops under a high level of management. In any given year, yields may be higher or lower than those indicated because of variations in rainfall and other climatic factors. It is assumed that the irrigation system is adapted to the soils and to the crops grown, that good-quality irrigation water is uniformly applied as needed, and that tillage is kept to a minimum.

In the database, some states maintain crop yield data by individual map unit component and others maintain the data at the map unit level. Attributes are included in this application for both, although only one or the other is likely to have data for any given geographic area. This attribute uses data maintained at the map unit component level.

The yields are actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value for the component. For these yields, only the representative value is used.

The yields are based mainly on the experience and records of farmers, conservationists, and extension agents. Available yield data from nearby areas and results of field trials and demonstrations also are considered.

The management needed to obtain the indicated yields of the various crops depends on the kind of soil and the crop. Management can include drainage, erosion control, and protection from flooding; the proper planting and seeding rates; suitable high-yielding crop varieties; appropriate and timely tillage; control of weeds, plant diseases, and harmful insects; favorable soil reaction and optimum levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for each crop; effective use of crop residue, barnyard manure, and green manure crops; and harvesting that ensures the smallest possible loss.

The estimated yields reflect the productive capacity of each soil for the selected crop. Yields are likely to increase as new production technology is developed. The productivity of a given soil compared with that of other soils, however, is not likely to change.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="3"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0" classes="5" /></Map_Legend>


attributename:
Yields of Non-Irrigated Crops (Map Unit)

attributedescription:
These are the estimated average yields per acre that can be expected of selected nonirrigated crops under a high level of management. In any given year, yields may be higher or lower than those indicated because of variations in rainfall and other climatic factors.

In the database, some states maintain crop yield data by individual map unit component and others maintain the data at the map unit level. Attributes are included in this application for both, although only one or the other is likely to contain data for any given geographic area. This attribute uses data maintained at the map unit level. 

The yields are actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value for the component. For these yields, only the representative value is used.

The yields are based mainly on the experience and records of farmers, conservationists, and extension agents. Available yield data from nearby areas and results of field trials and demonstrations also are considered.

The management needed to obtain the indicated yields of the various crops depends on the kind of soil and the crop. Management can include drainage, erosion control, and protection from flooding; the proper planting and seeding rates; suitable high-yielding crop varieties; appropriate and timely tillage; control of weeds, plant diseases, and harmful insects; favorable soil reaction and optimum levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for each crop; effective use of crop residue, barnyard manure, and green manure crops; and harvesting that ensures the smallest possible loss.

The estimated yields reflect the productive capacity of each soil for the selected crop. Yields are likely to increase as new production technology is developed. The productivity of a given soil compared with that of other soils, however, is not likely to change.


attributedescription:
This attribute is only applicable to soils in the state of Iowa.  Corn suitability ratings (CSRs) provide a relative ranking of all soils mapped in the State of Iowa according to their potential for the intensive production of row crops. The CSR is an index that can be used to rate the potential yield of one soil against that of another over a period of time. Considered in the ratings are average weather conditions and frequency of use of the soil for row crops. Ratings range from 100 for soils that have no physical limitations, occur on minimal slopes, and can be continuously row cropped to as low as 5 for soils that are severely limited for the production of row crops. 

When the soils are rated, the following assumptions are made: a) adequate management, b) natural weather conditions (no irrigation), c) artificial drainage where required, d) no frequent flooding on the lower lying soils, and e) no land leveling or terracing. The weighted CSR for a given field can be modified by the occurrence of sandy spots, local deposits, rock and gravel outcrops, field boundaries, and noncrossable drainageways. Even though predicted average yields will change with time, the CSRs are expected to remain relatively constant in relation to one another over time.


attributedescription:
Crop productivity index ratings provide a relative ranking of soils based on their potential for intensive crop production. An index can be used to rate the potential yield of one soil against that of another over a period of time. Ratings range from 0 to 100. The higher numbers indicate higher production potential. The rating is not crop specific.

When the soils are rated, the following assumptions are made: a) adequate management, b) natural weather conditions (no irrigation), c) artificial drainage where required, d) no frequent flooding on the lower lying soils, and e) no land leveling or terracing. Even though predicted average yields will change with time, the productivity indices are expected to remain relatively constant in relation to one another over time.


attributedescription:
Total range production is the amount of vegetation that can be expected to grow annually in a well managed area that is supporting the potential natural plant community. It includes all vegetation, whether or not it is palatable to grazing animals. It includes the current year's growth of leaves, twigs, and fruits of woody plants. It does not include the increase in stem diameter of trees and shrubs. It is expressed in pounds per acre of air-dry vegetation. In a favorable year, the amount and distribution of precipitation and the temperatures make growing conditions substantially better than average. Yields are adjusted to a common percent of air-dry moisture content.

In areas that have similar climate and topography, differences in the kind and amount of vegetation produced on rangeland are closely related to the kind of soil. Effective management is based on the relationship between the soils and vegetation and water.


attributename:
Yields of Non-Irrigated Crops (Component)

attributedescription:
These are the estimated average yields per acre that can be expected of selected nonirrigated crops under a high level of management. In any given year, yields may be higher or lower than those indicated because of variations in rainfall and other climatic factors.

In the database, some states maintain crop yield data by individual map unit component and others maintain the data at the map unit level. Attributes are included in this application for both, although only one or the other is likely to contain data for any given geographic area. This attribute uses data maintained at the map unit component level.

The yields are actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value for the component. For these yields, only the representative value is used.

The yields are based mainly on the experience and records of farmers, conservationists, and extension agents. Available yield data from nearby areas and results of field trials and demonstrations also are considered.

The management needed to obtain the indicated yields of the various crops depends on the kind of soil and the crop. Management can include drainage, erosion control, and protection from flooding; the proper planting and seeding rates; suitable high-yielding crop varieties; appropriate and timely tillage; control of weeds, plant diseases, and harmful insects; favorable soil reaction and optimum levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for each crop; effective use of crop residue, barnyard manure, and green manure crops; and harvesting that ensures the smallest possible loss.

The estimated yields reflect the productive capacity of each soil for the selected crop. Yields are likely to increase as new production technology is developed. The productivity of a given soil compared with that of other soils, however, is not likely to change.


attributedescription:
The "site index" is the average height, in feet, that dominant and codominant trees of a given species attain in a specified number of years. The site index applies to fully stocked, even-aged, unmanaged stands. 

This attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this attribute, only the representative value is used.


attributename:
Forest Productivity (Cubic Feet per Acre per Year)

attributedescription:
Forest productivity is the volume of wood fiber that is the yield likely to be produced by the most important tree species. This number, expressed as cubic feet per acre per year and calculated at the age of culmination of the mean annual increment (CMAI), indicates the amount of fiber produced in a fully stocked, even-aged, unmanaged stand.

This attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this attribute, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Total range production is the amount of vegetation that can be expected to grow annually in a well managed area that is supporting the potential natural plant community. It includes all vegetation, whether or not it is palatable to grazing animals. It includes the current year's growth of leaves, twigs, and fruits of woody plants. It does not include the increase in stem diameter of trees and shrubs. It is expressed in pounds per acre of air-dry vegetation. In a normal year, growing conditions are about average. Yields are adjusted to a common percent of air-dry moisture content.

In areas that have similar climate and topography, differences in the kind and amount of vegetation produced on rangeland are closely related to the kind of soil. Effective management is based on the relationship between the soils and vegetation and water.


attributedescription:
Total range production is the amount of vegetation that can be expected to grow annually in a well managed area that is supporting the potential natural plant community. It includes all vegetation, whether or not it is palatable to grazing animals. It includes the current year's growth of leaves, twigs, and fruits of woody plants. It does not include the increase in stem diameter of trees and shrubs. It is expressed in pounds per acre of air-dry vegetation. In an unfavorable year, growing conditions are well below average, generally because of low available soil moisture. Yields are adjusted to a common percent of air-dry moisture content.

In areas that have similar climate and topography, differences in the kind and amount of vegetation produced on rangeland are closely related to the kind of soil. Effective management is based on the relationship between the soils and vegetation and water.


attributedescription:
These are the estimated average yields per acre that can be expected of selected irrigated crops under a high level of management. In any given year, yields may be higher or lower than those indicated because of variations in rainfall and other climatic factors. It is assumed that the irrigation system is adapted to the soils and to the crops grown, that good-quality irrigation water is uniformly applied as needed, and that tillage is kept to a minimum.

In the database, some states maintain crop yield data by individual map unit component and others maintain the data at the map unit level. Attributes are included in this application for both, although only one or the other is likely to contain data for any given geographic area. This attribute uses data maintained at the map unit level.

The yields are actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value for the component. For these yields, only the representative value is used.

The yields are based mainly on the experience and records of farmers, conservationists, and extension agents. Available yield data from nearby areas and results of field trials and demonstrations also are considered.

The management needed to obtain the indicated yields of the various crops depends on the kind of soil and the crop. Management can include drainage, erosion control, and protection from flooding; the proper planting and seeding rates; suitable high-yielding crop varieties; appropriate and timely tillage; control of weeds, plant diseases, and harmful insects; favorable soil reaction and optimum levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for each crop; effective use of crop residue, barnyard manure, and green manure crops; and harvesting that ensures the smallest possible loss.

The estimated yields reflect the productive capacity of each soil for the selected crop. Yields are likely to increase as new production technology is developed. The productivity of a given soil compared with that of other soils, however, is not likely to change.


attributedescription:
"Risk of corrosion" pertains to potential soil-induced electrochemical or chemical action that corrodes or weakens uncoated steel. The rate of corrosion of uncoated steel is related to such factors as soil moisture, particle-size distribution, acidity, and electrical conductivity of the soil. Special site examination and design may be needed if the combination of factors results in a severe hazard of corrosion. The steel in installations that intersect soil boundaries or soil layers is more susceptible to corrosion than the steel in installations that are entirely within one kind of soil or within one soil layer.

The risk of corrosion is expressed as "low," "moderate," or "high."

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="2"><ColorRampType type="2" name="Defined" /><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="High" label="High" order="1"><Color red="255" green="0" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="Moderate" label="Moderate" order="2"><Color red="255" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="Low" label="Low" order="3"><Color red="0" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
"Risk of corrosion" pertains to potential soil-induced electrochemical or chemical action that corrodes or weakens concrete. The rate of corrosion of concrete is based mainly on the sulfate and sodium content, texture, moisture content, and acidity of the soil. Special site examination and design may be needed if the combination of factors results in a severe hazard of corrosion. The concrete in installations that intersect soil boundaries or soil layers is more susceptible to corrosion than the concrete in installations that are entirely within one kind of soil or within one soil layer.

The risk of corrosion is expressed as "low," "moderate," or "high."


attributedescription:
Farmland classification identifies map units as prime farmland, farmland of statewide importance, farmland of local importance, or unique farmland. It identifies the location and extent of the soils that are best suited to food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. NRCS policy and procedures on prime and unique farmlands are published in the "Federal Register," Vol. 43, No. 21, January 31, 1978.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="2"><ColorRampType type="2" name="Defined" /><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="Not prime farmland" label="Not prime farmland" order="1"><Color red="255" green="0" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="All areas are prime farmland" label="All areas are prime farmland" order="2"><Color red="50" green="204" blue="50" /></Labels><Labels value="Prime farmland if drained" label="Prime farmland if drained" order="3"><Color red="0" green="250" blue="154" /></Labels><Labels value="Prime farmland if protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season" label="Prime farmland if protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season" order="4"><Color red="127" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="Prime farmland if irrigated" label="Prime farmland if irrigated" order="5"><Color red="255" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="Prime farmland if drained and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season" label="Prime farmland if drained and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season" order="6"><Color red="255" green="215" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="Prime farmland if irrigated and drained" label="Prime farmland if irrigated and drained" order="7"><Color red="165" green="42" blue="42" /></Labels><Labels value="Prime farmland if irrigated and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season" label="Prime farmland if irrigated and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season" order="8"><Color red="183" green="189" blue="113" /></Labels><Labels value="Prime farmland if subsoiled, completely removing the root inhibiting soil layer" label="Prime farmland if subsoiled, completely removing the root inhibiting soil layer" order="9"><Color red="255" green="218" blue="185" /></Labels><Labels value="Prime farmland if irrigated and the product of I (soil erodibility) x C (climate factor) does not exceed 60" label="Prime farmland if irrigated and the product of I (soil erodibility) x C (climate factor) does not exceed 60" order="10"><Color red="32" green="178" blue="170" /></Labels><Labels value="Prime farmland if irrigated and reclaimed of excess salts and sodium" label="Prime farmland if irrigated and reclaimed of excess salts and sodium" order="11"><Color red="0" green="139" blue="139" /></Labels><Labels value="Farmland of statewide importance" label="Farmland of statewide importance" order="12"><Color red="0" green="255" blue="255" /></Labels><Labels value="Farmland of local importance" label="Farmland of local importance" order="13"><Color red="70" green="130" blue="180" /></Labels><Labels value="Farmland of unique importance" label="Farmland of unique importance" order="14"><Color red="0" green="191" blue="255" /></Labels></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Land capability classification shows, in a general way, the suitability of soils for most kinds of field crops. Crops that require special management are excluded. The soils are grouped according to their limitations for field crops, the risk of damage if they are used for crops, and the way they respond to management. The criteria used in grouping the soils do not include major and generally expensive landforming that would change slope, depth, or other characteristics of the soils, nor do they include possible but unlikely major reclamation projects. Capability classification is not a substitute for interpretations that show suitability and limitations of groups of soils for rangeland, for woodland, or for engineering purposes.

In the capability system, soils are generally grouped at three levels-capability class, subclass, and unit. Only class and subclass are included in this data set.

Capability classes, the broadest groups, are designated by the numbers 1 through 8. The numbers indicate progressively greater limitations and narrower choices for practical use. The classes are defined as follows:

Class 1 soils have few limitations that restrict their use.

Class 2 soils have moderate limitations that reduce the choice of plants or that require moderate conservation practices.

Class 3 soils have severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants or that require special conservation practices, or both.

Class 4 soils have very severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants or that require very careful management, or both.

Class 5 soils are subject to little or no erosion but have other limitations, impractical to remove, that restrict their use mainly to pasture, rangeland, forestland, or wildlife habitat.

Class 6 soils have severe limitations that make them generally unsuitable for cultivation and that restrict their use mainly to pasture, rangeland, forestland, or wildlife habitat.

Class 7 soils have very severe limitations that make them unsuitable for cultivation and that restrict their use mainly to grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat.

Class 8 soils and miscellaneous areas have limitations that preclude commercial plant production and that restrict their use to recreational purposes, wildlife habitat, watershed, or esthetic purposes.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="7"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="1" label="Capability Class - I" order="1" /><Labels value="2" label="Capability Class - II" order="2" /><Labels value="3" label="Capability Class - III" order="3" /><Labels value="4" label="Capability Class - IV" order="4" /><Labels value="5" label="Capability Class - V" order="5" /><Labels value="6" label="Capability Class - VI" order="6" /><Labels value="7" label="Capability Class - VII" order="7" /><Labels value="8" label="Capability Class - VIII" order="8" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
This rating presents the taxonomic classification based on Soil Taxonomy.

The system of soil classification used by the National Cooperative Soil Survey has six categories (Soil Survey Staff, 1999 and 2003). Beginning with the broadest, these categories are the order, suborder, great group, subgroup, family, and series. Classification is based on soil properties observed in the field or inferred from those observations or from laboratory measurements. This table shows the classification of the soils in the survey area. The categories are defined in the following paragraphs.

ORDER. Twelve soil orders are recognized. The differences among orders reflect the dominant soil-forming processes and the degree of soil formation. Each order is identified by a word ending in sol. An example is Alfisols.

SUBORDER. Each order is divided into suborders primarily on the basis of properties that influence soil genesis and are important to plant growth or properties that reflect the most important variables within the orders. The last syllable in the name of a suborder indicates the order. An example is Udalfs (Ud, meaning humid, plus alfs, from Alfisols).

GREAT GROUP. Each suborder is divided into great groups on the basis of close similarities in kind, arrangement, and degree of development of pedogenic horizons; soil moisture and temperature regimes; type of saturation; and base status. Each great group is identified by the name of a suborder and by a prefix that indicates a property of the soil. An example is Hapludalfs (Hapl, meaning minimal horizonation, plus udalfs, the suborder of the Alfisols that has a udic moisture regime).

SUBGROUP. Each great group has a typic subgroup. Other subgroups are intergrades or extragrades. The typic subgroup is the central concept of the great group; it is not necessarily the most extensive. Intergrades are transitions to other orders, suborders, or great groups. Extragrades have some properties that are not representative of the great group but do not indicate transitions to any other taxonomic class. Each subgroup is identified by one or more adjectives preceding the name of the great group. The adjective Typic identifies the subgroup that typifies the great group. An example is Typic Hapludalfs.

FAMILY. Families are established within a subgroup on the basis of physical and chemical properties and other characteristics that affect management. Generally, the properties are those of horizons below plow depth where there is much biological activity. Among the properties and characteristics considered are particle-size class, mineralogy class, cation-exchange activity class, soil temperature regime, soil depth, and reaction class. A family name consists of the name of a subgroup preceded by terms that indicate soil properties. An example is fine-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Typic Hapludalfs.

SERIES. The series consists of soils within a family that have horizons similar in color, texture, structure, reaction, consistence, mineral and chemical composition, and arrangement in the profile.

References:
Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436.

Soil Survey Staff. 2006. Keys to soil taxonomy. 10th edition. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (The soils in a given survey area may have been classified according to earlier editions of this publication.)

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="4"><ColorRampType type="0" name="Random"><Values min="50" max="99" /><Saturation min="33" max="66" /><Hue start="0" end="360" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0" /></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
An "ecological site ID" is the symbol assigned to a particular ecological site. An "ecological site" is the product of all the environmental factors responsible for its development. It has characteristic soils that have developed over time; a characteristic hydrology, particularly infiltration and runoff, that has developed over time; and a characteristic plant community (kind and amount of vegetation). The vegetation, soils, and hydrology are all interrelated. Each is influenced by the others and influences the development of the others. For example, the hydrology of the site is influenced by development of the soil and plant community. The plant community on an ecological site is typified by an association of species that differs from that of other ecological sites in the kind and/or proportion of species or in total production. Descriptions of ecological sites are provided in the Field Office Technical Guide, which is available in local offices of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.


attributedescription:
Land capability classification shows, in a general way, the suitability of soils for most kinds of field crops. Crops that require special management are excluded. The soils are grouped according to their limitations for field crops, the risk of damage if they are used for crops, and the way they respond to management. The criteria used in grouping the soils do not include major and generally expensive landforming that would change slope, depth, or other characteristics of the soils, nor do they include possible but unlikely major reclamation projects. Capability classification is not a substitute for interpretations that show suitability and limitations of groups of soils for rangeland, for woodland, or for engineering purposes.

In the capability system, soils are generally grouped at three levels-capability class, subclass, and unit. Only class and subclass are included in this data set.

Capability subclasses are soil groups within one capability class. They are designated by adding a small letter, "e," "w," "s," or "c," to the class numeral, for example, 2e. The letter "e" shows that the main hazard is the risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained; "w" shows that water in or on the soil interferes with plant growth or cultivation (in some soils the wetness can be partly corrected by artificial drainage); "s" shows that the soil is limited mainly because it is shallow, droughty, or stony; and "c," used in only some parts of the United States, shows that the chief limitation is climate that is very cold or very dry.

In class 1 there are no subclasses because the soils of this class have few limitations. Class 5 contains only the subclasses indicated by "w," "s," or "c" because the soils in class 5 are subject to little or no erosion. They have other limitations that restrict their use to pasture, rangeland, forestland, or wildlife habitat.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="8"><ColorRampType type="0" name="Random"><Values min="50" max="99" /><Saturation min="33" max="66" /><Hue start="0" end="360" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="e" label="Erosion" order="1" /><Labels value="s" label="Soil limitation within the rooting zone" order="2" /><Labels value="w" label="Excess water" order="3" /><Labels value="c" label="Climate condition" order="4" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
An ecological site name provides a general description of a particular ecological site. For example, "Loamy Upland" is the name of a rangeland ecological site. An "ecological site" is the product of all the environmental factors responsible for its development. It has characteristic soils that have developed over time; a characteristic hydrology, particularly infiltration and runoff, that has developed over time; and a characteristic plant community (kind and amount of vegetation). The vegetation, soils, and hydrology are all interrelated. Each is influenced by the others and influences the development of the others. For example, the hydrology of the site is influenced by development of the soil and plant community. The plant community on an ecological site is typified by an association of species that differs from that of other ecological sites in the kind and/or proportion of species or in total production. Descriptions of ecological sites are provided in the Field Office Technical Guide, which is available in local offices of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.  Descriptions of those displayed in this map and summary table may also be accessed through the Ecological Site Assessment tab in Web Soil Survey.

Ecological sites and their respective unique set of characteristics are uniquely identified by the Ecological Site ID.  The same Ecological Site Name may be assigned to multiple Ecological Site IDs.  If you wish to display a map of unique ecological sites, it is recommended that you select the Ecological Site ID attribute from the choice list.


attributedescription:
Each tree and shrub species has certain climatic and physiographic limits. Within these parameters, trees and shrubs may be well suited or poorly suited to a given environment because of climate or site or soil characteristics. On the basis of the performance of individual species to specific conditions of soil, climate, physiography, and management, Conservation Tree and Shrub Groups (CTSGs) have been developed. Individual soils have been grouped with similar soils into one of the 10 main CTSGs. Most of these main groups are further divided into subgroups.

This interpretation provides guidance in selecting the species best suited to each of the groups of soils within each vegetative zone. It also can be used for predicting survival, height, growth, species attributes, and effectiveness and for selecting species for windbreaks, riparian plantings, recreation and wildlife plantings, and ornamental or environmental plantings.

Tree and shrub species associated with each CTSG are broken down by vegetative zones (rainfall zones). These lists are available in the local office of the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or on the Web in the electronic Field Office Technical Guide. Because vegetative zones are rather large, climatic differences within a zone should be considered when species are recommended for planting. For example, some species adapted to the eastern end of a zone may be inadequately adapted to the western end. Care must be taken to ensure that conditions on individual sites are considered when species suitability and performance are determined. A case-by-case decision may be necessary to determine which CTSG is most appropriate when an individual site has characteristics that differ from those of the CTSG in which it occurs. These differences occur because of inclusions of other soils, site modifications (such as leveling and drainage manipulation), soil pH (calcareous sites), irrigation, soil amendments, or other factors.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="8"><ColorRampType type="0" name="Random"><Values min="50" max="99" /><Saturation min="33" max="66" /><Hue start="0" end="360" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="1" label="1" order="1" /><Labels value="1A" label="1A" order="2" /><Labels value="1H" label="1H" order="3" /><Labels value="1K" label="1K" order="4" /><Labels value="1KK" label="1KK" order="5" /><Labels value="1S" label="1S" order="6" /><Labels value="1SK" label="1SK" order="7" /><Labels value="1SKK" label="1SKK" order="8" /><Labels value="2" label="2" order="9" /><Labels value="2A" label="2A" order="10" /><Labels value="2H" label="2H" order="11" /><Labels value="2K" label="2K" order="12" /><Labels value="2KK" label="2KK" order="13" /><Labels value="3" label="3" order="14" /><Labels value="3A" label="3A" order="15" /><Labels value="4" label="4" order="16" /><Labels value="4A" label="4A" order="17" /><Labels value="4C" label="4C" order="18" /><Labels value="4CA" label="4CA" order="19" /><Labels value="4CC" label="4CC" order="20" /><Labels value="4CK" label="4CK" order="21" /><Labels value="4K" label="4K" order="22" /><Labels value="5" label="5" order="23" /><Labels value="5A" label="5A" order="24" /><Labels value="5K" label="5K" order="25" /><Labels value="5KK" label="5KK" order="26" /><Labels value="6" label="6" order="27" /><Labels value="6A" label="6A" order="28" /><Labels value="6D" label="6D" order="29" /><Labels value="6DA" label="6DA" order="30" /><Labels value="6DK" label="6DK" order="31" /><Labels value="6G" label="6G" order="32" /><Labels value="6GA" label="6GA" order="33" /><Labels value="6GK" label="6GK" order="34" /><Labels value="6GKK" label="6GKK" order="35" /><Labels value="6K" label="6K" order="36" /><Labels value="6KK" label="6KK" order="37" /><Labels value="7" label="7" order="38" /><Labels value="7A" label="7A" order="39" /><Labels value="8" label="8" order="40" /><Labels value="8K" label="8K" order="41" /><Labels value="9C" label="9C" order="42" /><Labels value="9L" label="9L" order="43" /><Labels value="9N" label="9N" order="44" /><Labels value="9NW" label="9NW" order="45" /><Labels value="9W" label="9W" order="46" /><Labels value="10" label="10" order="47" /><Labels value="Not applicable" label="Not applicable" order="48" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributename:
Forage Suitability Group ID (Component Table)

attributedescription:
Forage suitability groups (FSGs) consist of one or more individual soil map unit components having similar potentials and limitations for forage production. Soils within a forage suitability group are sufficiently uniform to support the same adapted forage plants under the same management conditions, require similar conservation treatment and management to produce the quality and quantity of forage plants desired, and have comparable potential productivity.

FSGs are numbered in the same manner as ecological sites. The number consists of five parts. The first part is a G, which indicates a forage suitability group. The second part is a 3-digit number coupled with one letter to identify the MLRA. The third part is an additional letter identifying the LRU where applicable. The fourth part is a 3-digit FSG number. The last part is a 2-digit state postal code.

The forage suitability group is stored in the Component table in the database. This information is stored in the Ecological Site table for some areas. To access such data, see choices for ecological sites in the Land Classification folder.


attributedescription:
This rating indicates the proportion of map units that meets the criteria for hydric soils. Map units are composed of one or more map unit components or soil types, each of which is rated as hydric soil or not hydric. Map units that are made up dominantly of hydric soils may have small areas of minor nonhydric components in the higher positions on the landform, and map units that are made up dominantly of nonhydric soils may have small areas of minor hydric components in the lower positions on the landform. Each map unit is designated as "hydric," "predominantly hydric," "partially hydric," "predominantly nonhydric," or "nonhydric" depending on the rating of its respective components and the percentage of each component within the map unit.

"Hydric" means that all components listed for a given map unit are rated as being hydric. "Predominantly hydric" means components that comprise 66 to 99 percent of the map unit are rated as hydric. "Partially hydric" means components that comprise 33 to 66 percent of the map unit are rated as hydric.  "Predominantly nonhydric" means components that comprise up to 33 percent of the map unit are rated as hydric.  "Nonhydric" means that none of the components are rated as hydric. The assumption here is that all components of the map unit are rated as hydric or nonhydric in the underlying database.  A "Not rated or not available" map unit rating is displayed when none of the components within a map unit have been rated.

Hydric soils are defined by the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils (NTCHS) as soils that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part (Federal Register, 1994). Under natural conditions, these soils are either saturated or inundated long enough during the growing season to support the growth and reproduction of hydrophytic vegetation.

The NTCHS definition identifies general soil properties that are associated with wetness. In order to determine whether a specific soil is a hydric soil or nonhydric soil, however, more specific information, such as information about the depth and duration of the water table, is needed. Thus, criteria that identify those estimated soil properties unique to hydric soils have been established (Federal Register, 2002). These criteria are used to identify map unit components that normally are associated with wetlands. The criteria used are selected estimated soil properties that are described in "Soil Taxonomy" (Soil Survey Staff, 1999) and "Keys to Soil Taxonomy" (Soil Survey Staff, 2006) and in the "Soil Survey Manual" (Soil Survey Division Staff, 1993).

If soils are wet enough for a long enough period of time to be considered hydric, they should exhibit certain properties that can be easily observed in the field. These visible properties are indicators of hydric soils. The indicators used to make onsite determinations of hydric soils are specified in "Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States" (Hurt and Vasilas, 2006).

References:

Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States.
Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States.
Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric soils in the United States.
Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 18.
Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436.
Soil Survey Staff. 2006. Keys to soil taxonomy. 10th edition. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="1"><ColorRampType type="2" name="Defined" /><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels lower_value="100" upper_value="101" label="Hydric (100%)" order="1"><Color red="255" green="0" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels lower_value="66" upper_value="99" label="Predominantly hydric (66 to 99%)" order="2"><Color red="255" green="150" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels lower_value="33" upper_value="65" label="Partially hydric (33 to 65%)" order="3"><Color red="255" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels lower_value="1" upper_value="32" label="Predominantly nonhydric (1 to 32%)" order="4"><Color red="150" green="255" blue="150" /></Labels><Labels lower_value="0" upper_value="0.5" label="Nonhydric (0%)" order="5"><Color red="0" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
The wind erodibility index is a numerical value indicating the susceptibility of soil to wind erosion, or the tons per acre per year that can be expected to be lost to wind erosion. There is a close correlation between wind erosion and the texture of the surface layer, the size and durability of surface clods, rock fragments, organic matter, and a calcareous reaction. Soil moisture and frozen soil layers also influence wind erosion.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="7"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="0" label="0" order="1" /><Labels value="38" label="38" order="2" /><Labels value="48" label="48" order="3" /><Labels value="56" label="56" order="4" /><Labels value="86" label="86" order="5" /><Labels value="134" label="134" order="6" /><Labels value="160" label="160" order="7" /><Labels value="180" label="180" order="8" /><Labels value="220" label="220" order="9" /><Labels value="250" label="250" order="10" /><Labels value="310" label="310" order="11" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Erosion factor K indicates the susceptibility of a soil to sheet and rill erosion by water. Factor K is one of six factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to predict the average annual rate of soil loss by sheet and rill erosion in tons per acre per year. The estimates are based primarily on percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter and on soil structure and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). Values of K range from 0.02 to 0.69. Other factors being equal, the higher the value, the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill erosion by water.

"Erosion factor Kf (rock free)" indicates the erodibility of the fine-earth fraction, or the material less than 2 millimeters in size.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="7"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value=".02" label=".02" order="1" /><Labels value=".05" label=".05" order="2" /><Labels value=".10" label=".10" order="3" /><Labels value=".15" label=".15" order="4" /><Labels value=".17" label=".17" order="5" /><Labels value=".20" label=".20" order="6" /><Labels value=".24" label=".24" order="7" /><Labels value=".28" label=".28" order="8" /><Labels value=".32" label=".32" order="9" /><Labels value=".37" label=".37" order="10" /><Labels value=".43" label=".43" order="11" /><Labels value=".49" label=".49" order="12" /><Labels value=".55" label=".55" order="13" /><Labels value=".64" label=".64" order="14" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Erosion factor K indicates the susceptibility of a soil to sheet and rill erosion by water. Factor K is one of six factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to predict the average annual rate of soil loss by sheet and rill erosion in tons per acre per year. The estimates are based primarily on percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter and on soil structure and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). Values of K range from 0.02 to 0.69. Other factors being equal, the higher the value, the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill erosion by water.

"Erosion factor Kw (whole soil)" indicates the erodibility of the whole soil. The estimates are modified by the presence of rock fragments.


attributedescription:
A wind erodibility group (WEG) consists of soils that have similar properties affecting their susceptibility to wind erosion in cultivated areas. The soils assigned to group 1 are the most susceptible to wind erosion, and those assigned to group 8 are the least susceptible.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="7"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="1" label="1" order="1" /><Labels value="2" label="2" order="2" /><Labels value="3" label="3" order="3" /><Labels value="4" label="4" order="4" /><Labels value="4L" label="4L" order="5" /><Labels value="5" label="5" order="6" /><Labels value="6" label="6" order="7" /><Labels value="7" label="7" order="8" /><Labels value="8" label="8" order="9" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
The T factor is an estimate of the maximum average annual rate of soil erosion by wind and/or water that can occur without affecting crop productivity over a sustained period. The rate is in tons per acre per year.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="2"><ColorRampType type="2" name="Defined" /><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="1" label="1" order="1"><Color red="255" green="0" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="2" label="2" order="2"><Color red="255" green="127" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="3" label="3" order="3"><Color red="255" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="4" label="4" order="4"><Color red="127" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="5" label="5" order="5"><Color red="0" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributename:
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Ksat), Standard Classes

attributedescription:
Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) refers to the ease with which pores in a saturated soil transmit water. The estimates are expressed in terms of micrometers per second. They are based on soil characteristics observed in the field, particularly structure, porosity, and texture. Saturated hydraulic conductivity is considered in the design of soil drainage systems and septic tank absorption fields. 

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.

The numeric Ksat values have been grouped according to standard Ksat class limits. The classes are:

Very low: 0.00 to 0.01
Low: 0.01 to 0.1
Moderately low: 0.1 to 1.0
Moderately high: 1 to 10
High: 10 to 100
Very high: 100 to 705

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="6"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels lower_value="0" upper_value="0.01" label="Very Low (0.0 - 0.01)" order="1" /><Labels lower_value="0.01" upper_value="0.1" label="Low (0.01 - 0.1)" order="2" /><Labels lower_value="0.1" upper_value="1" label="Moderately Low (0.1 - 1)" order="3" /><Labels lower_value="1" upper_value="10" label="Moderately High (1 - 10)" order="4" /><Labels lower_value="10" upper_value="100" label="High (10 - 100)" order="5" /><Labels lower_value="100" upper_value="705" label="Very High (100 - 705)" order="6" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Bulk density, one-third bar, is the ovendry weight of the soil material less than 2 millimeters in size per unit volume of soil at water tension of 1/3 bar, expressed in grams per cubic centimeter. Bulk density data are used to compute linear extensibility, shrink-swell potential, available water capacity, total pore space, and other soil properties. The moist bulk density of a soil indicates the pore space available for water and roots. Depending on soil texture, a bulk density of more than 1.4 can restrict water storage and root penetration. Moist bulk density is influenced by texture, kind of clay, content of organic matter, and soil structure.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Available water supply (AWS) is the total volume of water (in centimeters) that should be available to plants when the soil, inclusive of rock fragments, is at field capacity. It is commonly estimated as the amount of water held between field capacity and the wilting point, with corrections for salinity, rock fragments, and rooting depth. AWS is reported as a single value (in centimeters) of water for the specified depth of the soil. AWS is calculated as the available water capacity times the thickness of each soil horizon to a specified depth.

For each soil layer, available water capacity, used in the computation of AWS, is recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For the derivation of AWS, only the representative value for available water capacity is used.

The available water supply for each map unit component is computed as described above and then aggregated to a single value for the map unit by the process described below.

A map unit typically consists of one or more "components." A component is either some type of soil or some nonsoil entity, e.g., rock outcrop. For the attribute being aggregated (e.g., available water supply), the first step of the aggregation process is to derive one attribute value for each of a map unit's components. From this set of component attributes, the next step of the process is to derive a single value that represents the map unit as a whole. Once a single value for each map unit is derived, a thematic map for the map units can be generated. Aggregation is needed because map units rather than components are delineated on the soil maps.

The composition of each component in a map unit is recorded as a percentage. A composition of 60 indicates that the component typically makes up approximately 60 percent of the map unit.

For the available water supply, when a weighted average of all component values is computed, percent composition is the weighting factor.


attributedescription:
Bulk density, 15 bar, is the ovendry weight of the soil material less than 2 millimeters in size per unit volume of soil at water tension of 15 bars, expressed in grams per cubic centimeter. Bulk density, 15 bar, is necessary for resource assessment models, such as soil hydrology, water budgets, leaching,┬¼ and nutrient-pesticide loading.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.

For each soil horizon or layer in the underlying database, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values.  A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the corresponding component.  A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the corresponding component.  For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
This displays the representative texture class and modifier of the surface horizon.

Texture is given in the standard terms used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These terms are defined according to percentages of sand, silt, and clay in the fraction of the soil that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter. "Loam," for example, is soil that is 7 to 27 percent clay, 28 to 50 percent silt, and less than 52 percent sand. If the content of particles coarser than sand is 15 percent or more, an appropriate modifier is added, for example, "gravelly."


attributedescription:
Liquid limit (LL) is one of the standard Atterberg limits used to indicate the plasticity characteristics of a soil. It is the water content, on a percent by weight basis, of the soil (passing #40 sieve) at which the soil changes from a plastic to a liquid state.  Generally, the amount of clay- and silt-size particles, the organic matter content, and the type of minerals determine the liquid limit. Soils that have a high liquid limit have the capacity to hold a lot of water while maintaining a plastic or semisolid state.

Liquid limit is used in classifying soils in the Unified and AASHTO classification systems.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Bulk density, one-tenth bar, is the ovendry weight of the soil material less than 2 millimeters in size per unit volume of soil at water tension of 1/10 bar, expressed in grams per cubic centimeter. Bulk density data are used to compute linear extensibility, shrink-swell potential, available water capacity, total pore space, and other soil properties. The moist bulk density of a soil indicates the pore space available for water and roots. Depending on soil texture, a bulk density of more than 1.4 can restrict water storage and root penetration. Moist bulk density is influenced by texture, kind of clay, content of organic matter, and soil structure.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Sand as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.05 millimeter to 2 millimeters in diameter. In the database, the estimated sand content of each soil layer is given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter.  The content of sand, silt, and clay affects the physical behavior of a soil. Particle size is important for engineering and agronomic interpretations, for determination of soil hydrologic qualities, and for soil classification.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Silt as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.002 to 0.05 millimeter in diameter. In the database, the estimated silt content of each soil layer is given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter.

The content of sand, silt, and clay affects the physical behavior of a soil. Particle size is important for engineering and agronomic interpretations, for determination of soil hydrologic qualities, and for soil classification

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Plasticity index (PI) is one of the standard Atterberg limits used to indicate the plasticity characteristics of a soil. It is defined as the numerical difference between the liquid limit and plastic limit of the soil.  It is the range of water content in which a soil exhibits the characteristics of a plastic solid. 

The plastic limit is the water content that corresponds to an arbitrary limit between the plastic and semisolid states of a soil.  The liquid limit is the water content, on a percent by weight basis, of the soil (passing #40 sieve) at which the soil changes from a plastic to a liquid state.   

Soils that have a high plasticity index have a wide range of moisture content in which the soil performs as a plastic material. Highly and moderately plastic clays have large PI values.  Plasticity index is used in classifying soils in the Unified and AASHTO classification systems.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Available water capacity (AWC) refers to the quantity of water that the soil is capable of storing for use by plants. The capacity for water storage is given in centimeters of water per centimeter of soil for each soil layer. The capacity varies, depending on soil properties that affect retention of water. The most important properties are the content of organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil structure, with corrections for salinity and rock fragments. Available water capacity is an important factor in the choice of plants or crops to be grown and in the design and management of irrigation systems. It is not an estimate of the quantity of water actually available to plants at any given time.

Available water supply (AWS) is computed as AWC times the thickness of the soil. For example, if AWC is 0.15 cm/cm, the available water supply for 25 centimeters of soil would be 0.15 x 25, or 3.75 centimeters of water.

For each soil layer, AWC is recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) refers to the ease with which pores in a saturated soil transmit water. The estimates are expressed in terms of micrometers per second. They are based on soil characteristics observed in the field, particularly structure, porosity, and texture. Saturated hydraulic conductivity is considered in the design of soil drainage systems and septic tank absorption fields. 

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.

The numeric Ksat values have been grouped according to standard Ksat class limits.


attributedescription:
Organic matter is the plant and animal residue in the soil at various stages of decomposition. The estimated content of organic matter is expressed as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter.

The content of organic matter in a soil can be maintained by returning crop residue to the soil. Organic matter has a positive effect on available water capacity, water infiltration, soil organism activity, and tilth. It is a source of nitrogen and other nutrients for crops and soil organisms. An irregular distribution of organic carbon with depth may indicate different episodes of soil deposition or soil formation. Soils that are very high in organic matter have poor engineering properties and subside upon drying.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Linear extensibility refers to the change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture content is decreased from a moist to a dry state. It is an expression of the volume change between the water content of the clod at 1/3- or 1/10-bar tension (33kPa or 10kPa tension) and oven dryness. The volume change is reported as percent change for the whole soil. The amount and type of clay minerals in the soil influence volume change.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="6"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels lower_value="0" upper_value="3" label="Low (0 - 3)" order="1" /><Labels lower_value="3" upper_value="6" label="Moderate (3 - 6)" order="2" /><Labels lower_value="6" upper_value="9" label="High (6 - 9)" order="3" /><Labels lower_value="9" upper_value="30" label="Very High (9 - 30)" order="4" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Clay as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are less than 0.002 millimeter in diameter. The estimated clay content of each soil layer is given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter. The amount and kind of clay affect the fertility and physical condition of the soil and the ability of the soil to adsorb cations and to retain moisture. They influence shrink-swell potential, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), plasticity, the ease of soil dispersion, and other soil properties. The amount and kind of clay in a soil also affect tillage and earth-moving operations.

Most of the material is in one of three groups of clay minerals or a mixture of these clay minerals. The groups are kaolinite, smectite, and hydrous mica, the best known member of which is illite.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Water content, one-third bar, is the amount of soil water retained at a tension of 1/3 bar, expressed as a volumetric percentage of the whole soil. Water retained at 1/3 bar is significant in the determination of soil water-retention difference, which is used as the initial estimation of available water capacity for some soils.   Water retained at 1/3 bar is the value commonly used to estimate the content of water at field capacity for most soils.

Water content varies between soil types, depending on soil properties that affect retention of water. The most important properties are the content of organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil structure.

For each soil layer, water content is recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Water content, 15 bar, is the amount of soil water retained at a tension of 15 bars, expressed as a volumetric percentage of the whole soil material. Water retained at 15 bars is significant in the determination of soil water-retention difference, which is used as the initial estimation of available water capacity for some soils. Water retained at 15 bars is an estimation of the wilting point. 

Water content varies between soil types, depending on soil properties that affect retention of water. The most important properties are the content of organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil structure.

For each soil layer, water content is recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Accumulates the AWC for a specified depth range. Used to produce data for the muaggatt table.


attributedescription:
Soil reaction is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. It is important in selecting crops and other plants, in evaluating soil amendments for fertility and stabilization, and in determining the risk of corrosion. In general, soils that are either highly alkaline or highly acid are likely to be very corrosive to steel. The most common soil laboratory measurement of pH is the 1:1 water method. A crushed soil sample is mixed with an equal amount of water, and a measurement is made of the suspension.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="6"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels lower_value="1.8" upper_value="3.4" label="Ultra acid (ph < 3.5)" order="1" /><Labels lower_value="3.4" upper_value="4.4" label="Extremely acid (pH 3.5 - 4.4)" order="2" /><Labels lower_value="4.4" upper_value="5" label="Very strongly acid (pH 4.5 - 5.0)" order="3" /><Labels lower_value="5" upper_value="5.5" label="Strongly acid (pH 5.1 - 5.5)" order="4" /><Labels lower_value="5.5" upper_value="6" label="Moderately acid (pH 5.6 - 6.0)" order="5" /><Labels lower_value="6" upper_value="6.5" label="Slightly acid (pH 6.1 - 6.5)" order="6" /><Labels lower_value="6.5" upper_value="7.3" label="Neutral (pH 6.6 - 7.3)" order="7" /><Labels lower_value="7.3" upper_value="7.8" label="Slightly alkaline (pH 7.4 - 7.8)" order="8" /><Labels lower_value="7.8" upper_value="8.4" label="Moderately alkaline (pH 7.9 - 8.4)" order="9" /><Labels lower_value="8.4" upper_value="9" label="Strongly alkaline (pH 8.5 - 9.0)" order="10" /><Labels lower_value="9" upper_value="11" label="Very strongly alkaline (pH > 9.0)" order="11" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Cation-exchange capacity (CEC-7) is the total amount of extractable cations that can be held by the soil, expressed in terms of milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil at neutrality (pH 7.0) or at some other stated pH value. Soils having a low cation-exchange capacity hold fewer cations and may require more frequent applications of fertilizer than soils having a high cation-exchange capacity. The ability to retain cations reduces the hazard of ground-water pollution.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
The content of gypsum is the percent, by weight, of hydrated calcium sulfates in the fraction of the soil less than 20 millimeters in size. Gypsum is partially soluble in water. Soils high in content of gypsum, such as those with more than 10 percent gypsum, may collapse if the gypsum is removed by percolating water. Gypsum is corrosive to concrete.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Effective cation-exchange capacity refers to the sum of extractable cations plus aluminum expressed in terms of milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil. It is determined for soils that have pH of less than 5.5. Soils having a low cation-exchange capacity (CEC) hold fewer cations and may require more frequent applications of fertilizer than soils having a high cation-exchange capacity. The ability to retain cations reduces the hazard of ground-water pollution. Effective CEC is a measure of CEC that is particularly useful in areas where the ion-exchange capacity of the soil is largely a result of variable charge components, such as allophane, kaolinite, hydrous iron and aluminum oxides, and organic matter, which result in a CEC that is not a fixed number but a function of pH.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Calcium carbonate equivalent is the percent of carbonates, by weight, in the fraction of the soil less than 2 millimeters in size. The availability of plant nutrients is influenced by the amount of carbonates in the soil. 

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Sodium adsorption ratio is a measure of the amount of sodium (Na) relative to calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in the water extract from saturated soil paste. It is the ratio of the Na concentration divided by the square root of one-half of the Ca + Mg concentration. Soils that have SAR values of 13 or more may be characterized by an increased dispersion of organic matter and clay particles, reduced saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and aeration, and a general degradation of soil structure.

For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
A soil map unit is a collection of soil areas or nonsoil areas (miscellaneous areas) delineated in a soil survey. Each map unit is given a name that uniquely identifies the unit in a particular soil survey area.


attributedescription:
Slope gradient is the difference in elevation between two points, expressed as a percentage of the distance between those points.

The slope gradient is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="6"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels lower_value="0" upper_value="5" label="0 - 5" order="1" /><Labels lower_value="5" upper_value="15" label="5 - 15" order="2" /><Labels lower_value="15" upper_value="30" label="15 - 30" order="3" /><Labels lower_value="30" upper_value="45" label="30 - 45" order="4" /><Labels lower_value="45" upper_value="60" label="45 - 60" order="5" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Parent material name is a term for the general physical, chemical, and mineralogical composition of the unconsolidated material, mineral or organic, in which the soil forms. Mode of deposition and/or weathering may be implied by the name. 

The soil surveyor uses parent material to develop a model used for soil mapping. Soil scientists and specialists in other disciplines use parent material to help interpret soil boundaries and project performance of the material below the soil. Many soil properties relate to parent material. Among these properties are proportions of sand, silt, and clay; chemical content; bulk density; structure; and the kinds and amounts of rock fragments. These properties affect interpretations and may be criteria used to separate soil series. Soil properties and landscape information may imply the kind of parent material.

For each soil in the database, one or more parent materials may be identified. One is marked as the representative or most commonly occurring.  The representative parent material name is presented here.


attributedescription:
AASHTO group classification is a system that classifies soils specifically for geotechnical engineering purposes that are related to highway and airfield construction. It is based on particle-size distribution and Atterberg limits, such as liquid limit and plasticity index. This classification system is covered in AASHTO Standard No. M 145-82. The classification is based on that portion of the soil that is smaller than 3 inches in diameter.  

The AASHTO classification system has two general classifications: (i) granular materials having 35 percent or less, by weight, particles smaller than 0.074 mm in diameter and (ii) silt-clay materials having more than 35 percent, by weight, particles smaller than 0.074 mm in diameter. These two divisions are further subdivided into seven main group classifications, plus eight subgroups, for a total of fifteen for mineral soils. Another class for organic soils is used.

For each soil horizon in the database one or more AASHTO Group Classifications may be listed.  One is marked as the representative or most commonly occurring.  The representative classification is shown here for the surface layer of the soil.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="8"><ColorRampType type="0" name="Random"><Values min="50" max="99" /><Saturation min="33" max="66" /><Hue start="0" end="360" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="A-1" label="A-1" order="1" /><Labels value="A-1-a" label="A-1-a" order="2" /><Labels value="A-1-b" label="A-1-b" order="3" /><Labels value="A-2" label="A-2" order="4" /><Labels value="A-2-4" label="A-2-4" order="5" /><Labels value="A-2-5" label="A-2-5" order="6" /><Labels value="A-2-6" label="A-2-6" order="7" /><Labels value="A-2-7" label="A-2-7" order="8" /><Labels value="A-3" label="A-3" order="9" /><Labels value="A-4" label="A-4" order="10" /><Labels value="A-5" label="A-5" order="11" /><Labels value="A-6" label="A-6" order="12" /><Labels value="A-7" label="A-7" order="13" /><Labels value="A-7-5" label="A-7-5" order="14" /><Labels value="A-7-6" label="A-7-6" order="15" /><Labels value="A-8" label="A-8" order="16" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Potential for frost action is the likelihood of upward or lateral expansion of the soil caused by the formation of segregated ice lenses (frost heave) and the subsequent collapse of the soil and loss of strength on thawing. Frost action occurs when moisture moves into the freezing zone of the soil. Temperature, texture, density, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), content of organic matter, and depth to the water table are the most important factors considered in evaluating the potential for frost action. It is assumed that the soil is not insulated by vegetation or snow and is not artificially drained. Silty and highly structured, clayey soils that have a high water table in winter are the most susceptible to frost action. Well drained, very gravelly, or very sandy soils are the least susceptible. Frost heave and low soil strength during thawing cause damage to pavements and other rigid structures.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="2"><ColorRampType type="2" name="Defined" /><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="High" label="High" order="1"><Color red="255" green="0" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="Moderate" label="Moderate" order="2"><Color red="255" green="170" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="Low" label="Low" order="3"><Color red="169" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels><Labels value="None" label="None" order="4"><Color red="0" green="255" blue="0" /></Labels></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributename:
Depth to a Selected Soil Restrictive Layer

attributedescription:
A "restrictive layer" is a nearly continuous layer that has one or more physical, chemical, or thermal properties that significantly impede the movement of water and air through the soil or that restrict roots or otherwise provide an unfavorable root environment. Examples are bedrock, cemented layers, dense layers, and frozen layers.

This theme presents the depth to the user selected type of restrictive layer as described in for each map unit.  If no restrictive layer is described in a map unit, it is represented by the "> 200" depth class.

This attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="6"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels lower_value="0" upper_value="25" label="0 - 25" order="1" /><Labels lower_value="25" upper_value="50" label="25 - 50" order="2" /><Labels lower_value="50" upper_value="100" label="50 - 100" order="3" /><Labels lower_value="100" upper_value="150" label="100 - 150" order="4" /><Labels lower_value="150" upper_value="200" label="150 - 200" order="5" /><Labels lower_value="200" upper_value="9999" label="> 200" order="6" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
The Unified soil classification system classifies mineral and organic mineral soils for engineering purposes on the basis of particle-size characteristics, liquid limit, and plasticity index.  It identifies three major soil divisions: (i) coarse-grained soils having less than 50 percent, by weight, particles smaller than 0.074 mm in diameter; (ii) fine-grained soils having 50 percent or more, by weight, particles smaller than 0.074 mm in diameter; and (iii) highly organic soils that demonstrate certain organic characteristics. These divisions are further subdivided into a total of 15 basic soil groups. The major soil divisions and basic soil groups are determined on the basis of estimated or measured values for grain-size distribution and Atterberg limits. ASTM D 2487 shows the criteria chart used for classifying soil in the Unified system and the 15 basic soil groups of the system and the plasticity chart for the Unified system.

The various groupings of this classification correlate in a general way with the engineering behavior of soils. This correlation provides a useful first step in any field or laboratory investigation for engineering purposes. It can serve to make some general interpretations relating to probable performance of the soil for engineering uses.

For each soil horizon in the database one or more Unified soil classifications may be listed.  One is marked as the representative or most commonly occurring.  The representative classification is shown here for the surface layer of the soil.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="8"><ColorRampType type="0" name="Random"><Values min="50" max="99" /><Saturation min="33" max="66" /><Hue start="0" end="360" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="CH" label="CH" order="1" /><Labels value="CL" label="CL" order="2" /><Labels value="CL-A (proposed)" label="CL-A (proposed)" order="3" /><Labels value="CL-K (proposed)" label="CL-K (proposed)" order="4" /><Labels value="CL-ML" label="CL-ML" order="5" /><Labels value="CL-O (proposed)" label="CL-O (proposed)" order="6" /><Labels value="CL-T (proposed)" label="CL-T (proposed)" order="7" /><Labels value="GC" label="GC" order="8" /><Labels value="GC-GM" label="GC-GM" order="9" /><Labels value="GM" label="GM" order="10" /><Labels value="GP" label="GP" order="11" /><Labels value="GP-GC" label="GP-GC" order="12" /><Labels value="GP-GM" label="GP-GM" order="13" /><Labels value="GW" label="GW" order="14" /><Labels value="GW-GC" label="GW-GC" order="15" /><Labels value="GW-GM" label="GW-GM" order="16" /><Labels value="MH" label="MH" order="17" /><Labels value="MH-A (proposed)" label="MH-A (proposed)" order="18" /><Labels value="MH-K (proposed)" label="MH-K (proposed)" order="19" /><Labels value="MH-O (proposed)" label="MH-O (proposed)" order="20" /><Labels value="MH-T (proposed)" label="MH-T (proposed)" order="21" /><Labels value="ML" label="ML" order="22" /><Labels value="ML-A (proposed)" label="ML-A (proposed)" order="23" /><Labels value="ML-K (proposed)" label="ML-K (proposed)" order="24" /><Labels value="ML-O (proposed)" label="ML-O (proposed)" order="25" /><Labels value="ML-T (proposed)" label="ML-T (proposed)" order="26" /><Labels value="OH" label="OH" order="27" /><Labels value="OH-T (proposed)" label="OH-T (proposed)" order="28" /><Labels value="OL" label="OL" order="29" /><Labels value="PT" label="PT" order="30" /><Labels value="SC" label="SC" order="31" /><Labels value="SC-SM" label="SC-SM" order="32" /><Labels value="SM" label="SM" order="33" /><Labels value="SP" label="SP" order="34" /><Labels value="SP-SC" label="SP-SC" order="35" /><Labels value="SP-SM" label="SP-SM" order="36" /><Labels value="SW" label="SW" order="37" /><Labels value="SW-SC" label="SW-SC" order="38" /><Labels value="SW-SM" label="SW-SM" order="39" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
A "restrictive layer" is a nearly continuous layer that has one or more physical, chemical, or thermal properties that significantly impede the movement of water and air through the soil or that restrict roots or otherwise provide an unfavorable root environment. Examples are bedrock, cemented layers, dense layers, and frozen layers.

This theme presents the depth to any type of restrictive layer that is described for each map unit.  If more than one type of restrictive layer is described for an individual soil type, the depth to the shallowest one is presented. If no restrictive layer is described in a map unit, it is represented by the "> 200" depth class.

This attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


attributedescription:
Hydrologic soil groups are based on estimates of runoff potential. Soils are assigned to one of four groups according to the rate of water infiltration when the soils are not protected by vegetation, are thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation from long-duration storms.

The soils in the United States are assigned to four groups (A, B, C, and D) and three dual classes (A/D, B/D, and C/D). The groups are defined as follows:

Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained sands or gravelly sands. These soils have a high rate of water transmission.

Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of moderately deep or deep, moderately well drained or well drained soils that have moderately fine texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission.

Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of soils having a layer that impedes the downward movement of water or soils of moderately fine texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of water transmission.

Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swell potential, soils that have a high water table, soils that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and soils that are shallow over nearly impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate of water transmission.

If a soil is assigned to a dual hydrologic group (A/D, B/D, or C/D), the first letter is for drained areas and the second is for undrained areas. Only the soils that in their natural condition are in group D are assigned to dual classes.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="8"><ColorRampType type="0" name="Random"><Values min="50" max="99" /><Saturation min="33" max="66" /><Hue start="0" end="360" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="A" label="A" order="1" /><Labels value="A/D" label="A/D" order="2" /><Labels value="B" label="B" order="3" /><Labels value="B/D" label="B/D" order="4" /><Labels value="C" label="C" order="5" /><Labels value="C/D" label="C/D" order="6" /><Labels value="D" label="D" order="7" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
The term "frost-free days" refers to the expected number of days between the last freezing temperature (0 degrees Celsius) in spring (January-July) and the first freezing temperature in fall (August-December). The number of days is based on the probability that the values for the standard "normal" period of 1961 to 1990 will be exceeded in 5 years out of 10.

This attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this attribute, only the representative value is used.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="6"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels lower_value="0" upper_value="35" label="0 - 35" order="1" /><Labels lower_value="35" upper_value="75" label="35 - 75" order="2" /><Labels lower_value="75" upper_value="125" label="75 - 125" order="3" /><Labels lower_value="125" upper_value="135" label="125 - 135" order="4" /><Labels lower_value="135" upper_value="145" label="135 - 145" order="5" /><Labels lower_value="145" upper_value="165" label="145 - 165" order="6" /><Labels lower_value="165" upper_value="180" label="165 - 180" order="7" /><Labels lower_value="180" upper_value="365" label="180 - 365" order="8" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
"Drainage class (natural)" refers to the frequency and duration of wet periods under conditions similar to those under which the soil formed. Alterations of the water regime by human activities, either through drainage or irrigation, are not a consideration unless they have significantly changed the morphology of the soil. Seven classes of natural soil drainage are recognized-excessively drained, somewhat excessively drained, well drained, moderately well drained, somewhat poorly drained, poorly drained, and very poorly drained. These classes are defined in the "Soil Survey Manual."

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="7"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="Excessively drained" label="Excessively drained" order="1" /><Labels value="Somewhat excessively drained" label="Somewhat excessively drained" order="2" /><Labels value="Well drained" label="Well drained" order="3" /><Labels value="Moderately well drained" label="Moderately well drained" order="4" /><Labels value="Somewhat poorly drained" label="Somewhat poorly drained" order="5" /><Labels value="Poorly drained" label="Poorly drained" order="6" /><Labels value="Very poorly drained" label="Very poorly drained" order="7" /><Labels value="Subaqueous" label="Subaqueous" order="8" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Flooding is the temporary inundation of an area caused by overflowing streams, by runoff from adjacent slopes, or by tides. Water standing for short periods after rainfall or snowmelt is not considered flooding, and water standing in swamps and marshes is considered ponding rather than flooding.

Frequency is expressed as none, very rare, rare, occasional, frequent, and very frequent. 

"None" means that flooding is not probable. The chance of flooding is nearly 0 percent in any year. Flooding occurs less than once in 500 years.

"Very rare" means that flooding is very unlikely but possible under extremely unusual weather conditions. The chance of flooding is less than 1 percent in any year.

"Rare" means that flooding is unlikely but possible under unusual weather conditions. The chance of flooding is 1 to 5 percent in any year.

 "Occasional" means that flooding occurs infrequently under normal weather conditions. The chance of flooding is 5 to 50 percent in any year.

"Frequent" means that flooding is likely to occur often under normal weather conditions. The chance of flooding is more than 50 percent in any year but is less than 50 percent in all months in any year.

"Very frequent" means that flooding is likely to occur very often under normal weather conditions. The chance of flooding is more than 50 percent in all months of any year.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="7"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="None" label="None" order="1" /><Labels value="Very rare" label="Very Rare" order="2" /><Labels value="Rare" label="Rare" order="3" /><Labels value="Occasional" label="Occasional" order="4" /><Labels value="Common" label="Frequent" order="5" /><Labels value="Frequent" label="Frequent" order="5" /><Labels value="Very Frequent" label="Very Frequent" order="6" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
Ponding is standing water in a closed depression. The water is removed only by deep percolation, transpiration, or evaporation or by a combination of these processes. Ponding frequency classes are based on the number of times that ponding occurs over a given period. Frequency is expressed as none, rare, occasional, and frequent. 

"None" means that ponding is not probable. The chance of ponding is nearly 0 percent in any year.

"Rare" means that ponding is unlikely but possible under unusual weather conditions. The chance of ponding is nearly 0 percent to 5 percent in any year.

"Occasional" means that ponding occurs, on the average, once or less in 2 years. The chance of ponding is 5 to 50 percent in any year.

"Frequent" means that ponding occurs, on the average, more than once in 2 years. The chance of ponding is more than 50 percent in any year.

maplegendxml:
<Map_Legend maplegendkey="7"><ColorRampType type="1" name="Progressive" count="3"><LowerColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="0" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="0" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><LowerColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="255" green="255" blue="0" /><UpperColor part="1" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><LowerColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="255" blue="255" /><UpperColor part="2" algorithm="1" red="0" green="0" blue="255" /></ColorRampType><Legend_Symbols shapeType="polygon"><Styles fillStyle="esriSFSSolid" /><Line type="outline" width="0.4" red="0" green="0" blue="0" /></Legend_Symbols><Legend_Elements transparency="0"><Labels value="None" label="None" order="1" /><Labels value="Rare" label="Rare" order="2" /><Labels value="Occasional" label="Occasional" order="3" /><Labels value="Common" label="Frequent" order="4" /><Labels value="Frequent" label="Frequent" order="4" /></Legend_Elements></Map_Legend>


attributedescription:
"Water table" refers to a saturated zone in the soil. It occurs during specified months. Estimates of the upper limit are based mainly on observations of the water table at selected sites and on evidence of a saturated zone, namely grayish colors (redoximorphic features) in the soil. A saturated zone that lasts for less than a month is not considered a water table.

This attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.


# sdvfolder

folderdescription:
Building site development interpretations are designed to be used as tools for evaluating soil suitability and identifying soil limitations for various construction purposes.  As part of the interpretation process, the rating applies to each soil in its described condition and does not consider present land use.

Example interpretations can include corrosion of concrete and steel, shallow excavations, dwellings with and without basements, small commercial buildings, local roads and streets, and lawns and landscaping.


folderdescription:
Construction materials interpretations are tools designed to provide guidance to users in selecting a site for potential source of various materials.  Individual soils or groups of soils may be selected as a potential source because they are close at hand, are the only source available, or they meets some or all of the physical or chemical properties required for the intended application.

Example interpretations include roadfill, sand and gravel, topsoil and reclamation material.


folderdescription:
Disaster recovery planning interpretations are tools for evaluating the suitability of soil for various aspects of recovery operations in response to catastrophic events such as hurricanes,  earthquakes, large fires, or terrorist attacks. Example interpretations include burial of large numbers of dead cattle, disposal of large amounts of debris, and composting of vegetative materials.


folderdescription:
Land Classifications are specified land use and management groupings that are assigned to soil areas because combinations of soil have similar behavior for specified practices.  Most are based on soil properties and other factors that directly influence the specific use of the soil.

Example classifications include ecological site classification, farmland classification, irrigated and nonirrigated land capability classification, and hydric rating.


folderdescription:
Land management interpretations are tools designed to guide the user in evaluating existing conditions in planning and predicting the soil response to various land management practices, for a variety of land uses, including cropland, forestland, hayland, pastureland, horticulture, and rangeland.

Example interpretations include suitability for a variety of irrigation practices, log landings, haul roads and major skid trails, equipment operability, site preparation, suitability for hand and mechanical planting, potential erosion hazard associated with various practices, and ratings for fencing and waterline installation.


folderdescription:
Military Operations interpretations are tools for evaluating the suitability of the soil for various aspects of military operations.

Example interpretations include helicopter landing zones, trafficability of various vehicles, and a variety of excavations.


folderdescription:
Recreational Development interpretations are tools designed to guide the user in identifying and evaluating the suitability of the soil for specific recreational uses.

Example interpretations include camp areas, picnic areas, playgrounds, paths and trails, and off-road motorcycle trails.


folderdescription:
Sanitary Facilities interpretations are tools designed to guide the user in site selection for the safe disposal of sewage and solid waste.

Example interpretations include septic tank absorption fields, sewage lagoons, and sanitary landfills.


folderdescription:
Soil Chemical Properties are measured or inferred from direct observations in the field or laboratory.

Examples of soil chemical properties include pH, cation exchange capacity, calcium carbonate, gypsum, and electrical conductivity.


folderdescription:
Soil Erosion Factors are soil properties and interpretations used in evaluating the soil for potential erosion.

Example soil erosion factors can include K factor for the whole soil or on a rock free basis, T factor, wind erodibility group and wind erodibility index.


folderdescription:
Soil Physical Properties are measured or inferred from direct observations in the field or laboratory.

Examples of soil physical properties include percent clay, organic matter, saturated hydraulic conductivity, available water capacity, and bulk density.


folderdescription:
Soil qualities are behavior and performance attributes that are not directly measured, but are inferred from observations of dynamic conditions and from soil properties.  Example soil qualities include natural drainage, and frost action.

Soil features are attributes that are not directly part of the soil.  Example soil features include slope and depth to restrictive layer.  These features can greatly impact the use and management of the soil.


folderdescription:
Vegetative productivity includes estimates of potential vegetative production for a variety of land uses, including cropland, forestland, hayland, pastureland, horticulture and rangeland.  In the underlying database, some states maintain crop yield data by individual map unit component.  Other states maintain the data at the map unit level.  Attributes are included for both, although only one or the other is likely to contain data for any given geographic area.  For other land uses, productivity data is shown only at the map unit component level.

Examples include potential crop yields under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions, forest productivity, forest site index, and total rangeland production under of normal, favorable and unfavorable conditions.


folderdescription:
Waste Management interpretations are tools designed to guide the user in evaluating soils for use of organic wastes and wastewater as productive resources.

Example interpretations include land application of manure, food processing waste, and municipal sewage sludge, and disposal of wastewater by irrigation or overland flow process.


folderdescription:
Water Features include ponding frequency, flooding frequency, and depth to water table.


folderdescription:
Water Management interpretations are tools for evaluating the potential of the soil in the application of various water management practices.

Example interpretations include pond reservoir area, embankments, dikes, levees, and excavated ponds.


folderdescription:
Wildlife Management interpretations are tools for evaluating the suitability of the soil for various components of wildlife habitat, and as habitat of different types or species of wildlife.

Example interpretations include crawfish aquaculture, burrowing animals and reptiles, grasses and legumes for food and cover, and freshwater wetland plants.


# SYSTEM - Geomorphic Feature

geomfdesc:
A semi-conical type of alluvial fan with very steep slopes; it is higher, narrower, and steeper (e.g., > 40% slopes) than a fan, and composed of coarser, and thicker layers of material deposited by a combination of alluvial episodes and to a much lesser degree, landslides (e.g., debris flow).  Coarsest materials tend to concentrate at the cone apex.  Compare - alluvial fan, talus cone.


geomfdesc:
A low, outspread mass of loose materials and/or rock material, commonly with gentle slopes, shaped like an open fan or a segment of a cone, deposited by a stream (best expressed in semiarid regions) at the place where it issues from a narrow mountain or upland valley; or where a tributary stream is near or at its junction with the main stream.  It is steepest near its apex which points upstream and slopes gently and convexly outward (downstream) with a gradual decrease in gradient.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) (colloquial: western U.S.A.)  A nearly level, graded, alluvial surface in bolsons and semi-bolsons that lacks distinct channels, terraces or floodplain levels.  Compare - flood-plain step, terrace, valley flat.  FFP, GG, & SW.  (b) (not preferred) A general term for a small flood plain bordering a river, on which alluvium is deposited during floods.  GG


geomfdesc:
A narrow, jagged mountain crest, often above the snowline, sculptured by alpine glaciers and formed by backward erosion of adjoining cirque walls.  HP


geomfdesc:
(not recommended as a landform term - use avalanche chute).  The path formed by an avalanche.  It may take the form of an open path in a forest, with bent and broken trees, or an eroded surface marked by pits, scratches, and grooves.  Compare - avalanche chute  GG


geomfdesc:
The channel of a flat-floored, ephemeral stream, commonly with very steep to vertical banks cut in unconsolidated material, sometimes called a wash.  It is usually dry but can be transformed into a temporary watercourse or short-lived torrent after heavy rain within the watershed.  Where arroyos intersect zones of ground-water discharge, they are more properly classed as intermittent stream channels.  HP


geomfdesc:
(refer to berm.)  A low, impermanent, nearly horizontal or landward-sloping shelf, ledge, or narrow terrace on the backshore of a beach, formed of material thrown up and deposited by storm waves; it is generally bounded on one side or the other by a beach ridge or beach scarp.  Some beaches have no berms, others have one or several.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) A narrow, elongate, coarse-textured, intertidal, sloping landform that is generally parallel with the beach ridge component of the barrier island, or spit and adjacent to the ocean.  Compare  barrier island.  (b) [relict] (colloquial: western U.S.A.) A wide, gently-sloping portion of a bolson floor comprising numerous, parallel, closely-spaced, relict longshore-bars and lagoons built by a receding pluvial lake.  Synonym, offshore barrier, offshore beach, bar beach.  Compare - bar [coast], barrier island.  GG and FFP.


geomfdesc:
A general term for the nearly level, lower-most part of intermontane basins (i.e. bolsons, semi-bolsons).  The floor includes all of the alluvial, eolian, and erosional landforms below the piedmont slope.  Compare - basin, piedmont slope.  FFP


geomfdesc:
(colloquial:  western U.S.A.)  A relatively flat, erosional remnant of any former landform of a basin floor that has been dissected following the incision of an axial stream.  FFP


geomfdesc:
(a) A gently sloping zone of unconsolidated material, typically with a concave profile, extending landward from the low-water line to the place where there is a definite change in material or physiographic form (such as a cliff) or to the line of permanent vegetation (usually the effective limit of the highest storm waves); a shore of a body of water, formed and washed by waves or tides, usually covered by sand or gravel; (b) the relatively thick and temporary accumulation of loose water-borne material (usually well-sorted sand and pebbles) accompanied by mud, cobbles, boulders, and smoothed rock and shell fragments, that is in active transit along, or deposited on, the shore zone between the limits of low water and high water.


geomfdesc:
A relatively flat, low-lying area, commonly including pools of water, separating the exposed or seaward edge of a barrier beach or barrier island from the lagoon behind it.  An assemblage of both deflation flats left behind migrating dunes and /or storm washover sediments; may be either barren or vegetated.  Compare  barrier beach, back-barrier flat.  GG


geomfdesc:
A low, essentially continuous mound of beach or beach-and-dune material heaped up by the action of waves and currents on the backshore of a beach, beyond the present limit of storm waves or the reach of ordinary tides, and occurring singly or as one of a series of approximately parallel deposits.  The ridges are roughly parallel to the shoreline and represent successive positions of an advancing shoreline.  GG


geomfdesc:
A platform-like, nearly level to gently inclined erosional surface developed on resistant strata in areas where valleys are cut in alternating strong and weak layers with an essentially horizontal attitude.  Structural benches are bedrock controlled, and in contrast to stream terraces, have no geomorphic implication of former, partial erosion cycles and base-level controls, nor do they represent a stage of flood-plain development following an episode of valley trenching.  Compare - ledge; see scarp.  HP


geomfdesc:
An abrupt change or inflection in a slope or profile.  Compare - knickpoint, shoulder, escarpment.  (geomorphology)  A marked variation of topography, or a tract of land distinct from adjacent land, or an irregular or rough piece of ground.  Compare - breaks.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: western U.S.A.)  A fan remnant having a distinctively-rounded surface of fan alluvium.  The ballena's broadly-rounded shoulders meet from either side to form a narrow summit and merge smoothly with concave side slopes and then concave, short pediments which form smoothly-rounded drainageways between adjacent ballenas.  A partial ballena is a fan remnant large enough to retain some relict fan surface on a remnant summit.  Compare - fan remnant.


geomfdesc:
[beach] A low, impermanent, nearly horizontal or landward-sloping shelf, ledge, or narrow terrace on the backshore of a beach, formed of material thrown up and deposited by storm waves; it is generally bounded on one side or the other by a beach ridge or beach scarp.  Some beaches have no berms, others have one or several.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) A high bank or bold headland, with a broad, precipitous, sometimes rounded cliff face overlooking a plain or body of water, especially on the outside of a stream meander; ex. a river bluff.  (b) (not preferred) use cliff.  Any cliff with a steep, broad face.  GG


geomfdesc:
Waterlogged, spongy ground, consisting primarily of mosses, containing acidic, decaying vegetation such as sphagnum, sedges, and heaths, that may develop into peat.  Compare - fen, marsh, swamp.  GG


geomfdesc:
A continuous and level or undulating area formed by closely spaced successive embankments of wave-deposited beach material added more or less uniformly to a prograding shoreline, such as to a growing compound spit or to a cuspate foreland.  Compare - wave-built terrace, cheneir plain.  GG


geomfdesc:
A crescent-shaped dune with tips extending leeward (downwind), making this side concave and the windward (upwind) side convex.  Barchan dunes tend to be arranged in chains extending in the dominant wind direction.  Compare - parabolic dune.  HP


geomfdesc:
A general term for a ridge-like accumulation of sand, gravel, or other alluvial material formed in the channel, along the banks, or at the mouth of a stream where a decrease in velocity induces deposition; e.g. a channel bar or a meander bar.  [coast] - A generic term for any of various elongate offshore ridges, banks, or mounds of sand, gravel, or other unconsolidated material submerged at least at high tide, and built up by the action of waves or currents, especially at the mouth of a river or estuary, or at a slight distance offshore from the beach.  Compare - longshore bar.  GG & GSST


geomfdesc:
A flood-plain landform.  Extensive, marshy, or swampy, depressed areas of flood plains between natural levees and valley sides or terraces.  Compare - valley flat.  HP


geomfdesc:
(a) A landform that consists of a wave-cut scarp and wave-built terrace of well-sorted sand and gravel of marine and lacustrine origin. (b) (colloquial: western U.S.A.) relict shorelines from pluvial lakes, generally restricted to valley sides.  Compare - strandline, shoreline.  FFP


geomfdesc:
An isolated, generally flat-topped hill or mountain with relatively steep slopes and talus or precipitous cliffs and characterized by summit width that is less than the height of bounding escarpments, commonly topped by a caprock of resistant material and representing an erosion remnant carved from flat-lying rocks.  Compare - mesa, plateau, cuesta.  HP & GG


geomfdesc:
Any of various shallow, often oval or elliptical, generally marshy, closed depressions in the Atlantic coastal plain (from southern New Jersey to northeastern Florida, especially developed in the Carolinas) which share an approximately parallel orientation of their long axes.  They range from about 100 meters to many kilometers in length, are rich in humus, and under native conditions contain trees and shrubs different from those of the surrounding areas.  Also called Grady ponds (colloquial: Georgia and Alabama) and Delmarva Bays (colloquial: Maryland).    Compare - pocosin.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: northwest USA, and ND) A dry or intermittent stream valley or wash, especially a long, steep-walled gorge representing a Pleistocene overflow channel that carried meltwater from an ice sheet, e.g. the Grand Coulee in Washington State.  HP


geomfdesc:
A short, straight ridge of stratified sand and gravel believed to have been deposited in a crevasse of a wasting glacier and left standing after the ice melted; a variety of kame.  May also occur as long, sinuous ridges and linear complexes of till or drift.  GG


geomfdesc:
A conical hill formed by the accumulation of cinders and other pyroclastics, normally basaltic or andisitic composition.  Slopes generally exceed 20 percent.  GG


geomfdesc:
A high, narrow, sharp-edged pass or saddle through a divide or between two adjacent peaks in a mountain range; especially a deep pass formed by the headward erosion and intersection of two cirques.  Compare - gap, pass, saddle.  GG


geomfdesc:
(not recommended: obsolete) use shrub-coppice dune.


geomfdesc:
a) A walled and rounded or cirque-like opening at the head of a small steep valley.  b) (colloquial - southern Appalachians, USA) A smooth-floored, somewhat oval-shaped "valley" sheltered by hills or mountains; e.g., Cades Cove in eastern Tennessee.  GG


geomfdesc:
A steep-walled, half bowl-like recess or hollow, crescent-shaped or semicircular in plan, commonly situated at the head of a  glaciated mountain valley or high on the side of a mountain, and produced by the erosive activity of a mountain glacier.  It often contains a small round lake (tarn).  Compare - cirque floor, cirque platform, cirque wall.  SW & GG.


geomfdesc:
A basin-like, rimmed structure, usually at the summit of a volcanic cone.  It may be formed by collapse, by an explosive eruption or by the gradual accumulation of pyroclastic material into a surrounding rim.  Compare - caldera.   GG


geomfdesc:
An asymmetric ridge capped by resistant rock layers of slight to moderate dip,  commonly less than 10 degrees (or approximately < 15 percent slopes); a homocline type produced by differential erosion of interbedded resistant and weak rocks.  A cuesta has a long, gentle slope on one side (dip slope), that roughly parallels the inclined beds, and on the opposite side has a relatively short and steep or cliff-like slope (scarp slope) that cuts through the tilted rocks.  Compare - hogback, homoclinal ridge, mesa, dipslope, scarp slope, cuesta valley.


geomfdesc:
A body of alluvium, nearly flat and fan-shaped, deposited at or near the mouth of a river or stream where it enters a body of relatively quiet water, usually a sea or lake.  HP


geomfdesc:
A landform that is a smoothly rounded rock mass such as a rock-capped mountain summit that roughly resembles a building dome.  (e.g. the rounded granite peaks of Yosemite, CA).  GG


geomfdesc:
Any relatively sunken part of the Earth's surface; especially a low-lying area surrounded by higher ground.  A closed depression has no natural outlet for surface drainage (e.g. a sinkhole).  An open depression has a natural outlet for surface drainage.  Compare - closed depression, open depression.   GG


geomfdesc:
A low, smooth, elongated oval hill, mound, or ridge of compact till that has a core of bedrock or drift.  It usually has a blunt nose facing the direction from which the ice approached and a gentler slope tapering in the other direction.  The longest axis is parallel to the general direction of glacier flow.  Drumlins are products of streamline (laminar) flow of glaciers, which molded the subglacial floor through a combination of erosion and deposition.  Compare - drumlinoid ridge.  SW,  HP, & GG


geomfdesc:
A low mound, ridge, bank or hill of loose, windblown, subaerially deposited, granular material (generally sand), either bare and capable of movement from place to place, or covered and stabilized with vegetation,  but always retaining its characteristic shape.  (See barchan dune, parabolic dune, parna dune, shrub-coppice dune, seif dune, transverse dune).  SW & GG


geomfdesc:
A small, natural watercourse cut in unconsolidated materials, generally more open with a broader floor and more gently sloping sides than an arroyo, ravine or gulch, and whose present stream channel may appear inadequate to have cut the drainageway that it occupies.  SW


geomfdesc:
A long, narrow, sinuous and steep-sided ridge composed of irregularly stratified sand and gravel  deposited as the bed of  a  stream flowing in an ice tunnel within or below the ice (subglacial) or between ice walls on top of the ice of a wasting glacier, and  left behind as high ground when the ice melted.  Eskers range in length from less than a kilometer to more than 160 kilometers, and in height from 3 to 30 meters.   Compare - glaciofluvial deposits, kame, crevasse filling, outwash.  SW


geomfdesc:
A ridge-like accumulation that is being or was produced at the outer margin of an actively flowing glacier at any given time; a moraine that has been deposited at the outer or lower end of a valley glacier.  Compare - terminal moraine, recessional moraine, ground moraine.  GG


geomfdesc:
A relatively continuous and steep slope or cliff produced by erosion or faulting and that topographically interrupts or breaks the general continuity of more gently sloping land surfaces .  The term is most commonly applied to cliffs produced by differential erosion.  Synonym: "scarp." SW & HP


geomfdesc:
A sheet-like mantle of relatively young alluvium and soils covering part of an older fan piedmont (and occasionally alluvial fan) surface, commonly thicker and further down slope (e.g., mid-fan or mid-fan piedmont) than a fan collar.  It somewhere buries an older soil that can be traced to the edge of the fan apron where the older soil emerges as the land surface, or relict soil.  No buried soils should occur within a fan-apron mantle itself.  Compare - fan collar.  FFP


geomfdesc:
A coastal dune or dune ridge oriented parallel to the shoreline, occurring at the landward margin of the beach, along the shoreward face of a beach ridge, or at the landward limit of the highest tide, and more or less stabilized by vegetation.  GG


geomfdesc:
A long, narrow, winding, U-shaped and steep-walled, generally deep inlet or arm of the sea between high rocky cliffs of slopes along a mountainous coast.  Typically it has a shallow sill or threshold of solid rock or earth material submerged near its mouth and becomes deeper far inland.  A fjord usually represents the seaward end of a deep, glacially excavated valley that is partially submerged by drowning after melting of the ice.  GG


geomfdesc:
Waterlogged, spongy ground containing alkaline decaying vegetation, characterized by reeds, that develops into peat.  It sometimes occurs in sinkholes of karst regions.  Compare - bog, marsh, swamp.  GG


geomfdesc:
The nearly level plain that borders a stream and is subject to inundation under flood-stage conditions unless protected artificially.  It is usually a constructional landform built of sediment deposited during overflow and lateral migration of the streams.  HP


geomfdesc:
The inverted V-shaped end of a ridge that has been truncated or steeply beveled by steam erosion (e.g. meander scar or bluff), glacial truncation, or fault scarp displacement.   Compare - spur.  HP


geomfdesc:
A landform consisting of very low gradient, broad, barren, axial-stream channel segments in an intermontane basin.  It floods broadly and shallowly and is veneered with barren fine-textured sediment that crusts.  Commonly, a flood-plain playa is segmented by transverse, narrow bands of vegetation, and it may alternate with ordinary narrow or braided channel segments.  FFP


geomfdesc:
(a) Commonly an extensive, low relief area of till, having an uneven or undulating surface, and commonly bounded on the distal end by a recessional or end moraine; (b) A layer of poorly sorted rock and mineral debris (till) dragged along, in, on, or beneath a glacier and deposited by processes including basal lodgment and release from downwasting stagnant ice by ablation.  Compare - end moraine, recessional, moraine, terminal moraine.


geomfdesc:
(a) A narrow, deep valley with nearly vertical, rocky walls, smaller than a canyon, and more steep-sided than a ravine; especially a restricted, steep-walled part of a canyon.  (b) A narrow defile or passage between hills or mountains.  GG


geomfdesc:
A small channel with steep sides caused by erosion and cut in unconsolidated materials by concentrated but intermittent flow of water usually during and immediately following heavy rains or after ice / snow melt.  A gully generally is an obstacle to wheeled vehicles and too deep (e.g., >  0.5 m) to be obliterated by ordinary tillage; (a rill is of lesser depth and can be smoothed over by ordinary tillage).  Compare - rill, ravine, arroyo, swale, draw.  HP & GSST


geomfdesc:
(a) An irregularity of land, especially of considerable height with a steep cliff face, jutting out from the coast into a large body of water (usually the sea or a lake); a bold promontory or a high cape.  (b) The high ground flanking a body of water, such as a cove.  (c) The steep crag or cliff face of a promontory.  GG


geomfdesc:
A sharp-crested, symmetric ridge formed by highly tilted resistant rock layers; a type of homocline produced by differential erosion of interlayered resistant and weak rocks with dips greater than about 25 degrees (or approximately > 45 % slopes).  Compare - homoclinal ridge, cuesta.


geomfdesc:
A high, rocky, sharp pointed, steep-sided, mountain peak with prominent faces and ridges, bounded by the intersecting walls of three or more cirques that have been cut back into the mountain by headward erosion of glaciers.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) (not preferred - see hillock) An imprecise, general term for a rounded or conical mound or other small elevation.  (b) (not preferred) A slight rise of ground above a level surface.  GG.


geomfdesc:
A tributary valley whose floor at the lower end is notably higher than the floor of the main valley in the area of junction.  GG


geomfdesc:
A stream, or reach of a stream, that does not flow year-round  (commonly dry for 3 or more months out of 12) and whose channel is generally below the local water table; it flows only when a) it receives baseflow solely during wet periods, or b) it receives ground-water discharge or protracted contributions from melting snow or other erratic surface and shallow subsurface sources.  Compare - ephemeral stream.  HP


geomfdesc:
A low mound, knob, hummock, or short irregular ridge, composed of stratified sand and gravel deposited by a subglacial stream as a fan or delta at the margin of a melting glacier; by a supraglacial stream in a low place or hole on the surface of the glacier; or as a ponded deposit on the surface or at the margin of stagnant ice.  Compare - crevasse filling, kame moraine, kame terrace, esker, outwash.  GG


geomfdesc:
A steep-sided, bowl-shaped depression commonly without surface drainage (closed depression) in drift deposits, often containing a lake or swamp, and formed by the melting of a large, detached block of stagnant ice that had been wholly or partly buried in the drift.  Kettles range in depth from 1 to tens of meters, and with diameters up to 13 km.  Compare - pothole.  GG


geomfdesc:
A small, low, rounded hill rising above adjacent landforms.  HP


geomfdesc:
(a) A rounded eminence, a small hill or mountain; especially a prominent or isolated hill with steep sides, commonly found in the Southern United States.  (b) A peak or other projection from the top of a hill or mountain.  Also, a boulder or group of boulders or an area of resistant rocks protruding from the side of a hill or mountain.  GG


geomfdesc:
A terrace-like ridge consisting of stratified sand and gravel (a) deposited by a meltwater stream flowing between a melting glacier and a higher valley wall or lateral moraine, and (b) left standing after the disappearance of the ice.  It is commonly pitted with "kettles" and has an irregular ice-contact slope.  HP


geomfdesc:
(a) A narrow shelf or projection of rock, much longer than wide, formed on a rock wall or cliff face, as along a coast by differential wave action on softer rocks; erosion is by combined biological and chemical weathering.  (b) A rocky outcrop; solid rock.  (c) A shelf-like quarry exposure or natural rock outcrop.  Compare - structural bench.  GG


geomfdesc:
A ridge-like moraine carried on and deposited at the side margin of a valley glacier.  It is composed chiefly of rock fragments derived from valley walls by glacial abrasion and plucking, or colluvial accumulation from adjacent slopes.  GG


geomfdesc:
A narrow shelf, partly cut and partly built, produced along a lake shore in front of a scarp line of low cliffs and later exposed when the water level falls.  GG


geomfdesc:
An artificial or natural embankment built along the margin of a watercourse or an arm of the sea, to protect land from inundation or to confine streamflow to its channel.  Compare - artificial levee, natural levee.  GG


geomfdesc:
The flat, usually bare ground situated seaward of a salt marsh and regularly covered and uncovered by the tide; e.g., a mud flat.  GG


geomfdesc:
Periodically wet or continually flooded areas with the surface not deeply submerged.  Covered dominantly with sedges, cattails, rushes, or other hydrophytic plants.  Compare - salt marsh, swamp, bog, fen.  GSST


geomfdesc:
A broad, nearly flat-topped, and usually isolated landmass bounded by steep slopes or precipitous cliff and capped by layers of resistant, nearly horizontal, rocky summit width greater than the height of bounding escarpments.  (Colloquial: western USA; not preferred)  Also used to designate broad structural benches and alluvial terraces that occupy intermediate levels in stepped sequences of platforms bordering canyons and valleys.  Compare - butte, plateau, cuesta.  HP & GG


geomfdesc:
(not preferred  use tidal flat)  A relatively level area of fine grained material (e.g. silt) along a shore (as in a sheltered estuary) or around an island, alternately covered and uncovered by the tide or covered by shallow water, and barren of vegetation.  Compare  low marsh, tidal flat, tidal marsh.  GG


geomfdesc:
A term used for one of numerous low circular or oval domes composed of loose, unstratified, gravelly, silty, or sandy material.  The basal diameter varies from 3 meters to more than 30 meters, and the height from 30 centimeters to about 2 meters.  Compare - pimple mound, patterned ground, shrub-coppice dune.  GG


geomfdesc:
(not recommended) use disintegration moraine.


geomfdesc:
(a)  A crescent-shaped, concave or linear mark on the face of a bluff or valley wall, produced by the lateral erosion of a meandering stream which impinged upon and undercut the bluff; if it's no longer adjacent to the modern stream channel it indicates an abandoned route of the stream.  SW;  (b) (not recommended - refer to oxbow)  An abandoned meander, commonly filled in by deposition and vegetation, but still discernible.  GG


geomfdesc:
A constructional coastal strip, sloping gently seaward, veneered by marine deposits (typically silt, sand, fine gravel).  Compare - terrace, wave-built terrace.  GG


geomfdesc:
An isolated hill, knob, ridge, or peak of bedrock that projects prominently above the surface of a glacier and is completely surrounded by glacier ice.  Compare - inselberg, monadnock.  GG


geomfdesc:
An extensive lowland area of coarse textured, glaciofluvial material.  An outwash plain is commonly smooth; where pitted, due to melt-out of incorporated ice masses (pitted outwash plain), it is generally low in relief and largely retains its original gradient.  Compare - outwash, pitted outwash plain, kettles.  HP


geomfdesc:
A flat-topped bank of outwash with an abrupt outer face (scarp or riser) extending along a valley downstream from an outwash plain or terminal moraine; a valley train deposit.    Compare - kame terrace, valley train.  GG


geomfdesc:
A closely looping stream meander having an extreme curvature such that only a neck of land is left between the two parts of the stream.  (colloquial: northeastern U.S.A.) the land enclosed, or partly enclosed, within an oxbow.  Compare - meander belt, oxbow lake, bayou.  GG


geomfdesc:
A dune largely composed of silt and sand-sized aggregates of clay; sometimes called a clay dune or lunette.    Compare - parna.  HP


geomfdesc:
A gently sloping erosional surface developed at the foot of a receding hill or mountain slope, commonly with a slightly concave-upward profile, that cross-cuts rock or sediment strata that extend beneath adjacent uplands.  The erosion surface may be essentially bare bedrock (i.e. rock pediment), or it may be thinly mantled (e.g. 1 to 3 m) with debris such as colluvium, pedisediment, or alluvium (i.e. pediment) that is ultimately in transit from an upland front to basin or valley lowland.  In hill-footslope terrain the debris mantle (over an erosional contact) is designated "pedisediment."  The term has been used in several geomorphic contexts:  Pediments may be classed with respect to (a) landscape positions (e.g. intermontane-basin piedmont = apron pediment, or valley-border footslope surfaces (, =  terrace pediment); (Cooke and Warren, 1973); (b) type of material eroded (e.g. bedrock = rock pediment, or regolith = pediment); or (c) combinations of the above.  Compare - rock pediment, Piedmont slope, structural bench.


geomfdesc:
A general term for any ground surface exhibiting a discernibly ordered, more-or-less symmetrical, morphological pattern of ground and, where present, vegetation.  Patterned ground is characteristic of, but not confined to, permafrost regions or areas subjected to intense frost action; it also occurs in tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas.  Patterned ground is classified by type of pattern and presence or absence of sorting and includes nonsorted and sorted circles, net, polygons, steps and stripes, garlands, and solifluction features.  In permafrost regions, the most common macroform is the ice-wedge polygon and a common microform is the nonsorted circle.  Stone polygons generally form on slopes of less than 8 percent, while garlands and stripes occur on slopes of 8 to 15 percent and more than 15 percent, respectively.  NRC and HP


geomfdesc:
A type of  small pit or closed depression (1 to 15 meters deep), generally circular or elliptical, occurring in an outwash plain, a recessional moraine, or a till plain.  GG


geomfdesc:
A large frost mound; especially a relatively large conical mound of soil-covered ice (commonly 30 to 50 meters high and up to 400 meters in diameter) raised in part by hydrostatic pressure within and below the permafrost of Arctic regions, and of more than 1 year's duration.  GG


geomfdesc:
Sharp or rugged upward extension of a ridge chain, usually at the junction of two or more ridges; the prominent highest point of a summit area.  HP


geomfdesc:
The usually dry and nearly level lake plain that occupies the lowest parts of closed depressions, such as those occurring on intermontane basin floors.  Temporary flooding occurs primarily in response to precipitation-runoff events.  Playa deposits are fine grained and may or may not have high water table and saline conditions.  HP


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: southeastern U.S.A.)  A large wet area on broad, commonly a swamp, which occurs on nearly level interfluves in the Atlantic coastal plain with distinctive, native vegetation relative to adjacent areas.  Soils may be either mineral or organic.  A Native American term for "swamp on a hill."   Compare - raised bog.  RD


geomfdesc:
An area of acid, peaty soil, especially that developed from moss, in which the center is higher than the margins.  Compare - pocosin, Carolina Bay, moss peat.  [Note: raised peat bog (not preffered) - refer to highmoor bog].   GG


geomfdesc:
A long, narrow elevation of the land surface, usually sharp crested with steep sides and forming an extended upland between valleys.  The term is used in areas of both hill and mountain relief.  HP


geomfdesc:
An end or lateral moraine, built during a temporary but significant halt in the final retreat of a glacier.  Also, a moraine built during a minor readvance of the ice front during a period of general recession.  Compare - end moraine, ground moraine, terminal moraine.  GG


geomfdesc:
A small stream channel; narrow, steep-sided, commonly V-shaped in cross section and larger than a gully, cut in unconsolidated materials.  General synonym (not preferred) - gulch.  Compare - arroyo, draw, gully.  HP


geomfdesc:
A low point on a ridge or interfluve, generally a divide (pass, col) between the heads of streams flowing in opposite directions.  Compare - summit, crest.  HP


geomfdesc:
A platform-like, nearly level to gently inclined erosional surface developed on resistant strata in areas where valleys are cut in alternating strong and weak layers with an essentially horizontal attitude.  Structural benches are bedrock controlled, and in contrast to stream terraces, have no geomorphic implication of former, partial erosion cycles and base-level controls, nor do they represent a stage of flood-plain development following an episode of valley trenching.  Compare - pediment, ledge; see scarp.  HP


geomfdesc:
(a) A shallow, open depression in unconsolidated materials which lacks a defined channel but can funnel overland or subsurface flow into a drainageway.  Soils in swales tend to be moister and thicker (cumulic) compared to surrounding soils.  SW  (b) A small, shallow, typically closed depression in an undulating ground moraine formed by uneven glacial deposition; Compare - swell-and-swale topography.  (c) (not preferred; refer to interdune)  A long, narrow, generally shallow, trough-like depression between two beach ridges, and aligned roughly parallel to the coastline.  GG


geomfdesc:
A large, sharp-crested, elongated, longitudinal (linear) dune or chain of sand dunes, oriented parallel, rather than transverse (perpendicular), to the prevailing wind.  If unmodified, the crest, in profile, commonly consists of a succession of curved slip faces produced by strong, but infrequent cross winds.  A seif dune may be as much as 200 m high and from 400 m to more than 100 km long.  Compare - longitudinal dune. GG and HP


geomfdesc:
(a) A small marsh, especially a marshy area lying in a local, shallow, closed depression on a piece of dry land, as on  the prairie of the midwestern U.S.A.  (b) A term used, especially in the Mississippi Valley, for a creek or sluggish body of water in a tidal flat, flood plain, or coastal marshland.  Compare - bayou, oxbow.  (c) A sluggish channel of water, such as a side channel of a river, in which water flows slowly through low, swampy ground, as along the Columbia River, or a section of an abandoned river channel which may contain stagnant water and occurs in a flood plain or delta.  (d) (not preferred) An area of soft, miry, muddy or waterlogged ground, a place of deep mud.  GG


geomfdesc:
Flat, poorly drained area that is subject to periodic or occasional overflow by salt water, containing water that is brackish to strongly saline, and usually covered with a thick mat of grassy halophytic plants; e.g., a coastal marsh periodically flooded by the sea, or an inland marsh, (or salina) in an arid region and subject to intermittent overflow by salty water.  Compare - tidal marsh, mud flat.  GG


geomfdesc:
An isolated tongue-shaped feature up to 25 m wide and 150 m or more long, formed by rapid solifluction on certain sections of a slope showing variations in gradient.  This feature commonly has a steep (e.g. 15-60 degrees) front and a relatively smooth upper surface.  NRC


geomfdesc:
(a) A small point or low tongue or narrow embankment of land, commonly consisting of sand or gravel deposited by longshore transport and having one end attached to the mainland and the other terminating in open water, usually the sea; a finger-like extension of the beach. (b) A relatively long, narrow shoal or reef extending from the shore into a body of water.  GG


geomfdesc:
An island-like area of older rock surrounded by a lava flow.  Compare - kipuka.  HP


geomfdesc:
An area of low, saturated ground, intermittently or permanently covered with water, and predominantly vegetated by shrubs and trees, with or without the accumulation of peat.  Compare - marsh, bog, fen.  GG


geomfdesc:
A very asymmetric sand dune elongated perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction, having a gentle windward slope and a steep leeward slope standing at or near the angle of repose of sand; it generally forms in areas of sparse vegetation. Compare - longitudinal dune. GG


geomfdesc:
A step-like surface, bordering a valley floor or shoreline, that represents the former position of a flood plain, or lake or sea shore.  The term is usually applied to both the relatively flat summit surface (tread), cut or built by stream or wave action, and the steeper descending slope (scarp, riser), graded to a lower base level of erosion.  Compare - stream terrace, flood-plain step.  HP.  [ soil survey] Practically, terraces are considered to be generally flat alluvial areas above the 100 yr. flood stage.  SW


geomfdesc:
An extensive, nearly horizontal, barren or sparsely vegetated tract of land that is alternately covered and uncovered by the tide, and consists of unconsolidated sediment (mostly clays, silts and/or sand, and organic materials).  Compare  tidal marsh, wind-tidal flat.  GG


geomfdesc:
An extensive, nearly level marsh bordering a coast (as in a shallow lagoon, sheltered bay or estuary) and regularly inundated by high tides; formed mostly of unconsolidated sediments (e.g. clays, silts, and/or sands, and organic materials), and the resistant root mat of salt tolerant plants; a marshy tidal flat.  Compare - tidal flat.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a)  Any long, narrow depression in the earth's surface, such as one between hills or with no surface outlet for drainage.  (b)  (not preferred - see U-shaped valley,  mountain valley)  A broad, elongate U-shaped valley, such as a glacial trough.  Compare - U-shaped valley.  GG


geomfdesc:
A conical hill of lava and/or pyroclastics that is built up around a volcanic vent.  GG


geomfdesc:
The sloping to very steep surfaces between the valley floor and summits of adjacent uplands.  Well-defined, steep valley sides have been termed valley walls (not recommended).  Note:  Scale, relief, and perspective may require use of closely related terms such as hill slope or mountain slope.  HP


geomfdesc:
A long narrow body of outwash confined within a valley beyond a glacier; it may, or may not, emerge from the valley and join an outwash plain.  GG


geomfdesc:
A gently sloping surface produced by wave erosion, extending into the sea or lake from the base of the wave-cut cliff.  This feature represents both the wave-cut bench and the abrasion platform (Jackson, 1997).  Compare - submerged wave-cut platform.  GG


geomfdesc:
A gently sloping coastal feature at the seaward or lakeward edge of a wave-cut platform, constructed by sediment brought by rivers or drifted along the shore or across the platform and deposited in the deeper water beyond.  Compare - submerged wave-built terrace, beach plain, strand plain.  GG


geomfdesc:
A type of thermokarst depression with steep sides and a flat, grass-covered floor, found in thermokarst terrain, produced by thawing of extensive areas of very thick and exceedingly ice-rich permafrost.  Compare - thermokarst depression.  NRC and GG


geomfdesc:
A unit of folded strata that is convex upward and whose core contains the stratigraphically oldest rocks, and occurs at the earth's surface.  In a single anticline, beds forming the opposing limbs of the fold dip away from its axial plane.  Compare - monocline, syncline, fold.  SW & HP


geomfdesc:
(not preferred - see pyroclastic flow, pyroclastic surge)  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.  (Also called a pyroclastic flow.)  Compare - nue ardente, lahar, pyroclastic.  GG


geomfdesc:
A coral reef appearing in plan view as roughly circular, and surmounted by a chain of closely spaced, low coral islets that encircle or nearly encircle a shallow lagoon in which there is no land or islands of non-coral origin; the reef is surrounded by open sea.  GG


geomfdesc:
The central, channel-like corridor, scar, or depression along which an avalanche has moved.  An eroded surface marked by pits, scratches, and grooves.  GG


geomfdesc:
The upper or inner, usually dry, zone of the shore or beach, lying between the high-water line of mean spring tides and the upper limit of shore-zone processes; it is acted upon by waves or covered by water only during exceptionally severe storms or unusually high tides.  It is essentially horizontal or slopes gently landward, and is divided from the foreshore by the crest of the most seaward berm.  Compare - washover fan.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: southwestern U.S.A.) A broad, gently inclined alluvial piedmont slope extending from the base of a mountain range out into a basin, and formed by the lateral coalescence of a series of alluvial fans.  Typically it has a broadly undulating transverse profile, parallel to the mountain front, resulting from the convexities of component fans.  The term is generally restricted to constructional slopes of intermontane basins.  Synonym - coalescent fan piedmont.  Compare - colluvial apron.  HP & SW


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: western U.S.A.) A rounded, dome-shaped hill, formed either by erosion or uplift.  GG


geomfdesc:
A long, narrow, sandy island that is above high tide and parallel to the shore and that commonly has dunes, vegetated zones, and swampy or marshy terrains extending lagoonward from the beach.  Compare  barrier beach.  GG


geomfdesc:
A thin accumulation of stone blocks, typically angular, with only coarse fragments in the upper part, over solid or weathered bedrock, colluvium, or alluvium, without a cliff or ledge above as an apparent source.  Block fields occur on high mountain slopes above tree-line, or in polar or paleo-periglacial regions; they are most extensive along slopes parallel to the contour; and they generally occur on slopes of less than 5%.  Synonym - felsenmeer.  Compare - block stream, talus, scree.  GG


geomfdesc:
An accumulation of boulders or angular blocks, with no fine sizes in the upper part, overlying solid or weathered bedrock, colluvium, or alluvium, and lying below a cliff or ledge from which coarse fragments originate.  Block streams usually occur at the heads of ravines as narrow bodies that are more extensive downslope than along the slope.  They may exist on any slope angle, but ordinarily not steeper than 90 percent slope (approx. 40 degrees).  Compare - block field.  GG


geomfdesc:
A saucer-, cup-, or trough-shaped hollow or depression formed by wind erosion, on a pre-existing dune or other sand deposit, especially in an area of shifting sand, loose soil, or where protective vegetation is disturbed or destroyed; the adjoining accumulation of sand derived from the depression, where recognizable, is commonly included.  Commonly small, but some blowouts may be many kilometers in diameter.  Compare - deflation basin.  GG


geomfdesc:
A channel or stream with multiple channels that interweave as a result of repeated bifurcation and convergence of flow around inter-channel bars, resembling (in plan view) the strands of a complex braid.  Braiding is generally confined to broad, shallow streams of low sinuosity, high bed load, non-cohesive bank material, and a steep gradient.  At a given bank-full discharge, braided streams have steeper slopes and shallower, broader, and less stable channel cross sections than meandering streams.  Compare - meandering channel, flood-plain landforms.  HP


geomfdesc:
A large, more or less circular depression, formed by explosion and/or collapse, which surrounds a volcanic vent or vents, and whose diameter is many times greater than that of the included vent, or vents.  Compare - crater.  GG


geomfdesc:
A long, deep, narrow, very steep-sided valley cut primarily in bedrock with high and precipitous walls in an area of high local relief (e.g., mountain or high plateau terrain), often with a perennial stream at the bottom; similar to but larger than a gorge.  Compare - gorge, box canyon, slot canyon.  SW, HP & GG


geomfdesc:
(a) [stream] The hollow bed where a natural body of surface water flows or may flow.  The deepest or central part of the bed of a stream, containing the main current and occupied more or less continuously by water.  (b) (colloquial: western U.S.A.) The bed of a single or braided watercourse that commonly is barren of vegetation and is formed of modern alluvium.  Channels may be enclosed by banks or splayed across and slightly mounded above a fan surface and include bars and mounds of cobbles and stones.  (c) [microfeature] Small, trough-like, arcuate or sinuous channels separated by small bars or ridges, caused by fluvial processes and common to floodplains and young alluvial terraces; a constituent part of bar & channel topography. GG, FFP, & SW


geomfdesc:
A long, narrow, vegetated marine beach ridge or sandy hummock, 1 to 6 m high, forming roughly parallel to a prograding shoreline, seaward of marsh and mud-flat deposits, enclosed on the seaward side by fine-grained sediments, and resting on foreshore or mud-flat deposits.  It is well drained, often supporting trees on higher areas.  Widths range from 45 - 450 m and lengths may exceed several tens of kilometers.  GG


geomfdesc:
A mud-rich strand plain, occupied by cheniers and intervening mud-flats with marsh and swamp vegetation.  Compare - chenier, strand plain.  GG


geomfdesc:
Any high, very steep to perpendicular or overhanging face of rock or earth; a precipice.  Compare - bluff, beveled base. GG


geomfdesc:
A low, generally broad plain that has as its margin an oceanic shore and its strata horizontal or gently sloping toward the water, and generally represents a strip of recently prograded or emerged sea floor; e.g. the coastal plain of the southeastern U.S. which extends for 3000 km from New Jersey to Texas.  GG


geomfdesc:
A lakebed formed in a lake on glacial ice and subsequently "let down" or collapsed by the melting of underlying ice, resulting in contortion or folding or the lacustrine sediment and sedimentary structures.  These modified or distorted lacustrine sediments cap present-day topographic highs and generally lie at elevations higher than the surrounding disintegration moraine.  Compare - collapsed lake plain, collapsed ice-walled lakebed.  SW & CF


geomfdesc:
A lakebed that formed in a lake bounded by stagnant ice, but floored by solid ground, usually till.  Collapse features are limited to the lakebed margins.  Presently, these materials and sedimentary structures generally occur as roughly circular-shaped hills of till capped by lacustrine sediments, generally at elevations higher than surrounding disintegration moraine.  Compare - collapsed ice-floored lakebed, collapsed lake plain.  SW & CF


geomfdesc:
A lake plain formed on, and bounded by, glacial ice and subsequently "let down" or collapsed by the melting of underlying ice resulting in contortion or folding of the sediments and sedimentary structures.  Lacustrine sediments cap present topography.    Compare - lake plain.  SW & CF


geomfdesc:
An outwash plain which forms on glacial ice (inside the glacial margin), and is subsequently let down or collapsed when the underlying ice melts, resulting in contortion or folding of the sediments and sedimentary structures to the extent that little of the original plain or it's gradient remain.  Outwash sediments commonly cap present-day  topography.  Compare - collapsed lake plain, pitted outwash plain.  SW &  CF


geomfdesc:
The new and relatively short channel formed when a stream cuts through a narrow strip of land and thereby shortens the length of its channel.  GG


geomfdesc:
The process, associated sediments (debris flow deposit) or resultant landform characterized by a very rapid type of flow dominated by a sudden, downslope movement of a mass of rock, soil, and mud (more than 50% of the particles are >2 mm), and whether saturated or comparatively dry, behaves much as a viscous fluid.  Compare - lahar, mudflow, landslide.  SW


geomfdesc:
A topographic basin excavated and maintained by wind erosion which removes unconsolidated material and commonly leaves a rim of resistant material surrounding the depression.  Unlike a blowout, a deflation basin does not include adjacent deposits derived from the basin.  Compare - blowout.  GG


geomfdesc:
The level or nearly level surface composing the land-ward part of a large delta; strictly, a flood plain characterized by repeated channel bifurcation and divergence, multiple distributary channels, and interdistributary flood basins.  GG


geomfdesc:
A dome or anticlinal fold in which the overlying rocks or sediments have been ruptured by the squeezing-out of plastic core material.  Diapirs in sedimentary strata usually contain cores of salt or shale; igneous intrusions may also show diapiric structure.  GG


geomfdesc:
A tabular igneous intrusion that cuts across the bedding or foliation of the country rock.  Compare - sill.  GG


geomfdesc:
A slope of the land surface, roughly determined by and approximately conforming to the dip of underlying bedded rocks; (i.e. the long, gently inclined surface of a cuesta).  Compare - scarp slope.  HP


geomfdesc:
A drift topography characterized by chaotic mounds and pits, generally randomly oriented, developed in supraglacial drift by collapse and flow as the underlying stagnant ice melted.  Slopes may be steep and unstable and there will be used and unused stream courses and lake depressions interspersed with the morainic ridges.  Characteristically, there are numerous abrupt, lateral and vertical changes between unconsolidated materials of differing lithology.  SJ & SW


geomfdesc:
A summit area, or tract of high ground, which can vary from broad to narrow, or a line of separation that constitutes a watershed boundary between two adjacent drainage basins; a divide separates surface waters that flow naturally in one direction from those that flow in a different or opposite direction.  Compare - interfluve  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) A general term for a course or channel along which water moves in draining an area.  GG;   (b) [soil survey] a term restricted to relatively small, roughly linear or arcuate depressions that move concentrated water at some time, and either lack a defined channel (e.g. head slope, swale) or have a small, defined channel (e.g. low order streams).  SW


geomfdesc:
The process, associated sediments (earthflow deposit), or resultant landform characterized by slow to rapid flow dominated by downslope movement of a mass of rock, soil, and mud (more than 50% of the particles are < 2 mm), and whether saturated or comparatively dry, behaves much as a viscous fluid.  Compare - debris flow (coarse, less fluid), mudflow (more fluid), landslide.  SW


geomfdesc:
A topographic feature that remains or is left standing above the general land surface after erosion has reduced the surrounding area; e.g., a monadnock, a butte, or a stack.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) A category of mass movement processes, associated sediments (fall deposit), or resultant landforms (e.g., rock fall, 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


geomfdesc:
(a) A gently sloping, fan-shaped mass of detritus forming a section of a low-angle cone commonly at a place where there is a notable decrease in gradient; specifically an alluvial fan (not preferred - use alluvial fan). Compare - alluvial fan, alluvial cone.  (b) A fan-shaped mass of congealed lava that formed on a steep slope by the continually changing direction of flow.  GG


geomfdesc:
A linear depression formed by a drainageway that is incised considerably below the surface of an alluvial fan.  GG


geomfdesc:
The most extensive landform on piedmont slopes, formed by (a) the lateral, downslope, coalescence of mountain-front alluvial fans into one generally smooth slope with or without the transverse undulations of the semi-conical alluvial fans, and (b) accretions of fan aprons.  FFP


geomfdesc:
A general term for landforms that are the remaining parts of older fan-landforms, such as alluvial fans, fan aprons, inset fans, and fan skirts, that either have been dissected (erosional fan-remnants) or partially buried (nonburied fan-remnants).  An erosional fan remnant must have a relatively flat summit that is a relict fan-surface.  A nonburied fan-remnant is a relict surface in its entirety.  Compare - eroded fan remnant, ballena.  FFP.


geomfdesc:
The zone of smooth, laterally-coalescing, small alluvial fans that issue from gullies cut into the fan piedmont of a basin or that are coalescing extensions of the inset fans of the fan piedmont, and that merge with the basin floor at their toeslopes.  These are generally younger fans which onlap older fan surfaces.  FFP


geomfdesc:
(a) A steep slope or cliff formed by differential erosion along a fault line, as by the more rapid erosion of soft rock on the side of a fault as compared to that of more resistant rock on the other side; e.g. the east face of the Sierra Nevada in California.  (b)  (not recommended) A fault scarp that has been modified by erosion.  This usage is not recommended because the scarp is usually not located on the fault line.  GG


geomfdesc:
[geomorphology] - (a) (adjective)  Said of an area characterized by a continuous surface or stretch of land that is smooth, even, or horizontal, or nearly so, and that lacks any significant curvature, slope, elevations, or depressions.  (b) (noun)  An informal, generic term for a level or nearly level surface or small area of land marked by little or no local relief.  Compare - mud flat.  (c) (not recommended) A nearly level region that visibly displays less relief than its surroundings.  GG.

[lake] (not recommended)  (a) The low-lying, exposed, flat land of a lake delta or of a lake bottom. Compare - lake plain.  (b) The flat bottom of a desiccated lake in the arid parts of western USA.  Compare - playa, pluvial lake.


geomfdesc:
A fan-shaped deposit or other outspread deposit formed where an overloaded stream breaks through a levee (natural or artificial) and deposits its material (often coarse-grained) on the flood plain.  Compare - crevasse.  GG


geomfdesc:
An essentially flat, terrace-like alluvial surface within a valley that is frequently covered by flood water from the present stream (e.g., below the 100 year flood level); any approximately horizontal surface still actively modified by fluvial scour and/or deposition (i.e., cut and fill and/or scour and fill processes).  May occur individually or as a series of steps.  Compare - stream terrace.  SW & RR


geomfdesc:
A lineation or streamlined groove and ridge parallel to the direction of ice movement, formed in newly deposited till or older drift.  They range in height from a few centimeters to 25 m, and in length from a few meters to 20 km.  GG


geomfdesc:
A long, narrow depression or troughlike hollow between the edge of a retreating glacier and the wall of its valley, or between the front of a moraine and its outwash plain.  GG


geomfdesc:
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


geomfdesc:
A sharp break or opening in a mountain ridge, or a short pass through a mountain range; e.g., a wind gap.  GG


geomfdesc:
A ripple that is more than 30 m in length; e.g., the jokulhlaup derived giant ripples in Camas Prairie, MT.; it usually exhibits superimposed megaripples.  Compare - ripple mark.  GG


geomfdesc:
A channel formed by an ice-marginal, englacial, or subglacial stream during glaciation.  GG


geomfdesc:
An area formerly occupied by a glacial lake.  GG


geomfdesc:
An elongated trough or basin bounded on both sides by high-angle, normal faults that dip towards the interior of the trough.  It is a structural form that may or may not be geomorphically expressed as a rift valley.  Compare - horst.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial:  western U.S.A.; not preferred - refer to ravine)  A small stream channel, narrow and steep-sided in cross section, and larger than a gully, cut in unconsolidated materials.  General synonym - ravine.  Compare - arroyo, draw, gully, wash. HP


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean Basin)  A gully, ravine, small valley, or narrow passage on land. GG


geomfdesc:
A steep slope at the head of a valley; e.g. the rock cliff at the back of a cirque.  Compare - cirque headwall. GG


geomfdesc:
A bog, often on the uplands, whose surface is covered by sphagnum mosses which, because of their high degree of water retention, make the bog more dependent upon precipitation than on the water table.  The bog often occurs as a raised peat bog or blanket bog.  Compare - lowmoor bog, raised bog.  GG


geomfdesc:
A generic term for an elevated area of the land surface, rising at least 30 m (100 ft.) to as much as 300 meters (approx. 1000 ft.) above surrounding lowlands, usually with a nominal summit area relative to bounding slopes, a well-defined, rounded outline and slopes that generally exceed 15 percent.  A hill can occur as a single, isolated mass or in a group.  A hill can be further specified based on the magnitude of local relief: low hill (30 - 90 m) or high hill (90 - 300 m).  Informal distinctions between a hill and a mountain are often arbitrary and dependent on local convention. Compare - hillock, plateau, mountain, foothills, hills.  SW &  HP


geomfdesc:
An elongated block that is bounded on both sides by normal faults that dip away from the interior of the horst.  It is a structural form and may or may not be expressed geomorphically.  GG


geomfdesc:
A prominent, isolated, residual knob, hill, or small mountain, usually smoothed and rounded, rising abruptly from an extensive lowland erosion surface in a hot dry region; generally bare and rocky although the lower slopes are commonly buried by colluvium.  Compare - monadnock, nunatak.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial; southwestern USA)  The flood plain of an ephemeral stream that is confined between the fan remnants, ballenas, basin-floor remnants, or closely-opposed fan toeslopes of a basin.  FF & SW.


geomfdesc:
The relatively flat surface, whether sand-free or sand-covered, between dunes;  GG


geomfdesc:
A landform composed of the relatively undissected upland or ridge between two adjacent valleys containing streams flowing in the same general direction.  An elevated area between two drainageways that sheds water to those drainageways.  Compare - divide.  GG & FFP


geomfdesc:
A generic term for wide structural depressions between mountain ranges that are partly filled with alluvium and called "valleys" in the vernacular.  Intermontane basins may be drained internally (bolsons) or externally (semi-bolson).  FFP


geomfdesc:
(a)  An end moraine that contains numerous kames.  (b)  A group of kames along the front of a stagnant glacier, commonly comprising the slumped or erosional remnants of a formerly continuous outwash plain built up over the foot of rapidly wasting or stagnant ice.  GG


geomfdesc:
The process, associated sediments or resultant landform characterized by a mudflow composed chiefly of volcaniclastic materials on or near the flank of a volcano.  The debris carried in the flow includes pyroclastic material, blocks from primary lava flows, and epiclastic material.  Thick flows can exhibit a crude (poorly sorted) upward-fining sediment sequence.  Compare - mudflow.  SW & GG


geomfdesc:
The flat to gently undulating ground underlain or composed of fine-grained sediments deposited in a former lake.


geomfdesc:
A nearly level surface marking the floor of an extinct lake filled by well-sorted, generally fine-textured, stratified deposits, commonly containing varves.  GG


geomfdesc:
The narrow strip of land in contact with or bordering a lake; especially the beach of a lake.  GG


geomfdesc:
A general, encompassing term for most types of mass movement landforms and processes involving the downslope transport and outward deposition of soil and rock materials, caused by gravitational forces and which may or may not involve saturated materials.  Names of landslide types generally reflect the dominant process and/or the resultant landform.  The main operational categories of mass movement are fall (rockfall, soil fall, topple), slide (rotational landslide, block glide, debris slide, lateral spread), flow [rock fragment flow, (especially rockfall avalanche), debris avalanche, debris flow (e.g., lahar), earthflow (creep, mudflow)], and complex landslides.  Compare - solifluction.  SW & DV


geomfdesc:
A broad area of nearly level land, that can be localized but is commonly hundreds of square kilometers in extent, covered by a relatively thin succession of primarily basaltic lava flows resulting from fissure eruptions.  Compare - lava plateau, lava field, volcanic field.  SW & GG


geomfdesc:
A broad elevated tableland or flat-topped highland, that may be localized but commonly is many hundreds or thousands of square kilometers in extent, underlain by a thick succession of basaltic lava flows resulting from fissure eruptions (e.g. Columbia River Plateau).  Compare - lava plain, lava field.  GG


geomfdesc:
A narrow, elongate, coarse-textured ridge that once rose near to, or barely above, a pluvial or glacial lake and extended generally parallel to the shore but was separated from it by an intervening trough or lagoon; both the bar and lagoon are now relict features.  GG


geomfdesc:
A hill or ridge composed  of a lava flow remnant that caps or is exposed in a tilted fault block and bounded by a dip slope.  Used as evidence of block faulting in Basin-and-Range terrain (western USA).  Compare - hogback.  GG


geomfdesc:
A bog that is at or only slightly above the water table, on which it depends for accumulation and preservation of peat (chiefly the remains of sedges, reeds, shrubs, and various mosses).  Compare - highmoor bog, raised bog.  GG


geomfdesc:
One of a series of regular freely developing sinuous curves, bends, loops, turns, or windings in the course of a stream.  GG.


geomfdesc:
The term "meandering" should be restricted to loops with channel length more than 1.5 to 2 times the meander wave length.  Meandering stream channels commonly have cross sections with low width-to-depth ratios, cohesive (fine-grained) bank materials, and low gradient.  At a given bank-full discharge, meandering streams have gentler slopes, and deeper narrower, and more stable channel cross sections than braided streams.  Compare - meander, braided stream, flood-plain landforms.  HP & RR


geomfdesc:
(a) One of a series of long, parallel, close fitting, crescent-shaped ridges and troughs formed along the inner bank of a stream meander as the channel migrated laterally down-valley and toward the outer bank.  Compare - meander belt, point bar.  (b) (not recommended; refer to oxbow lake) - A small, elongate lake on a flood plain in a well-defined part of an abandoned stream channel.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) An elongate moraine carried in or upon the middle of a glacier and parallel to its sides, usually formed by the merging of adjacent and inner lateral moraines below the junction of two coalescing valley glaciers.  (b) A moraine formed by glacial abrasion of a rocky protuberance near the middle of a glacier and whose debris appears at the glacier surface in the ablation area.  (c) The irregular ridge left behind in the middle of a glacial valley, when the glacier on which it was formed has disappeared.  GG


geomfdesc:
An isolated hill or mountain of resistant rock rising conspicuously above the general level of a lower erosion surface in a temperate climate representing an isolated remnant of a former erosion cycle in an area that has largely been beveled to its base level.  Compare - inselberg, nunatak.  GG


geomfdesc:
A unit of folded strata that dips from the horizontal in one direction only, is not part of an anticline or syncline, and occurs at the earth's surface..  This structure is typically present in plateau areas where nearly flat strata locally assume steep dips caused by differential vertical movements without faulting.  Compare - anticline, syncline, fold.  SW & HP


geomfdesc:
A general term for a landform composed mainly of till that has been deposited by a glacier; a kame moraine is a type of  moraine similar in exterior form to other types of moraines but composed mainly of stratified outwash materials.  Types of moraine include: disintegration, end, ground, kame, lateral, recessional, and terminal.  SW


geomfdesc:
A generic term for an elevated area of the land surface, rising more than 300 meters above surrounding lowlands, usually with a nominal summit area relative to bounding slopes and generally with steep sides (greater than 25 percent slope) with or without considerable bare-rock exposed.  A mountain can occur as a single, isolated mass or in a group forming a chain or range.  Mountains are primarily formed by tectonic activity and/or volcanic action and secondarily by differential erosion.  Compare - hill, hillock, plateau, foothills, mountains. SW & HP


geomfdesc:
A part of a mountain between the summit and the foot.  Compare - mountainflank, hillslope.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) Any small, externally drained V-shaped depression (in cross-section) cut or deepened by a stream and floored with alluvium, or a broader, U-shaped depression modified by an alpine glacier and floored with either till or alluvium, that occurs on a mountain or within mountains.  Several types of mountain valleys can be recognized based on their form and valley floor sediments (i.e., V-shaped valley, U-shaped valley).  Compare - valley.  SW (b) (colloquial: Basin and Range, USA)  A relatively small, structural depression within a mountain range that is partly filled with alluvium and commonly drains externally to an intermontane basin, bolson, or semi-bolson.  Compare - valley flat.  SW &  FFP


geomfdesc:
The process, associated sediments (mudflow deposit) or resultant landform characterized by a very rapid type of earthflow dominated by a sudden, downslope movement of a mass of rock, soil, and mud (more than 50% of the particles are < 2 mm), that behaves much as a viscous fluid when moving.  Compare - debris flow, flow, landslide.  SW


geomfdesc:
A bog, usually a sphagnum bog, frequently with grassy tussocks (hummocks), growing in wet, poorly drained boreal regions, with deep accumulations of organic material, often in areas of permafrost; a moss-covered muck or peat bog of boreal regions.  GG  and HP


geomfdesc:
A long, broad low ridge or embankment of sand and coarse silt, built by a stream on its flood plain and along both sides of its channel, especially in time of flood when water overflowing the normal banks is forced to deposit the coarsest part of its load. It has a gentle slope away from the river and toward the surrounding floodplain, and its highest elevation is closest to the river bank.  Compare - levee, artificial levee, meander belt.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) (colloquial - northeast USA) A narrow passageway, or short defile between mountains; a deep, close pass.  Compare - gap.  (b) A breached opening in the rim of a volcanic crater.  GG


geomfdesc:
A fan-shaped accumulation of outwash deposited by meltwater streams in front of the end moraine of a glacier.  Coalescing outwash fans form an outwash plain.  GG


geomfdesc:
The crescent-shaped, often ephemeral body of standing water situated by the side of a stream in the abandoned channel (oxbow) of a meander after the stream formed a neck cutoff and the ends of the original bend were silted up.  Compare - meander belt, oxbow.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: midwestern USA) Commonly an erosional remnant modified by depositional processes consisting of a low, elongated, rounded ridge or hill consisting mainly of drift, rock, or windblown sand, silt, or clay capped with a thick cover of loess; found especially in northeast Iowa.  Height varies between 10 and 30 m.  GG


geomfdesc:
A sand dune with a long, scoop-shaped form, convex in the downwind direction so that its horns point upwind, whose ground plan, when perfectly developed, approximates the form of a parabola.  GG


geomfdesc:
(not preferred) refer to ballena  - (colloquial: western U.S.A.)  A fan remnant having a distinctively-rounded surface of fan alluvium.  The ballena's broadly-rounded shoulders meet from either side to form a narrow summit and merge smoothly with concave sideslopes and then concave, short pediments which form smoothly-rounded drainageways between adjacent ballenas.  A partial ballena is a fan remnant large enough to retain some relict fan surface on a remnant summit.  Compare - fan remnant.  Modified from FFP


geomfdesc:
A generally flat-topped expanse of peat, elevated above the general surface of a peatland, and containing segregated ice that may or may not extend downward into the underlying mineral soil.  Controversy exists as to whether peat plateaus and palsen are morphological variations of the same feature.  NRC


geomfdesc:
An outwash plain marked by many irregular depressions such as kettles, shallow pits, and potholes which formed by melting of incorporated ice masses; much of the gradient and internal structures of the original plain remain intact; many are found in WI, MN, MI, and IN.  Compare - collapsed outwash plain, outwash, pitted outwash.  GG


geomfdesc:
A general term referring to any flat, lowland area, large or small, at a low elevation.  Specifically, any extensive region of comparatively smooth and level gently undulating land.  A plain has few or no prominent hills or valleys but sometimes has considerable slope, and usually occurs at low elevation relative to surrounding areas.  Where dissected, remnants of a plain can form the local uplands.  A plain may be forested or bare of trees and may be formed by deposition or erosion.  Compare - lowland, plateau.  GG


geomfdesc:
A comparatively flat area of great extent and elevation; specifically an extensive land region considerably elevated (more than 100 meters) above adjacent lower-lying terrain, and is commonly limited on at least one side by an abrupt descent, has a flat or nearly level surface.  A comparatively large part of a plateau surface is near summit level.  Compare - hill, foothill, mountain, mesa, plain.  GG


geomfdesc:
A volcanic dome characterized by an upheaved, consolidated conduit filling.  GG


geomfdesc:
A lake formed in a period of exceptionally heavy rainfall; a lake formed in the Pleistocene Epoch during a time of glacial advance, and now either extinct (relict) or existing as a remnant (lake); e.g., Lake Bonneville.  Compare - glacial lake, proglacial lake.  GG


geomfdesc:
One of a series of low, arcuate ridges of sand and gravel developed on the inside of a growing meander by the slow addition of individual accretions accompanying migration of the channel toward the outer bank.  Compare - meander scroll.  GG


geomfdesc:
An elongated uplift of the congealing crust of a lava flow, probably due to the pressure of the underlying, still-flowing lava; commonly < 5 m in height (but range up to 15 m) and < 100 m length (but can exceed 500 m).  Compare - tumulus.  SW, GG, & GS


geomfdesc:
An ancient (relict) beach occurring above the present shoreline and separated from the present beach, having been elevated above the high-water mark either by local crustal movements (uplift) or by lowering of sea level, and often bounded by inland cliffs.  GG


geomfdesc:
A ridge-like or mound-like structure, layered or massive, built by sedentary calcareous organisms, especially corals, and consisting mostly of their remains; it is wave-resistant and stands above the surrounding contemporaneously deposited sediment.  Reefs may also include a mass or ridge of rocks, especially coral and sometimes sand, gravel, or shells, rising above the surrounding estuary, sea or lake bottom to, or nearly to, the surface.  SW & GG


geomfdesc:
A nutrient-rich wetland with a surface pattern of ridges and depressions.


geomfdesc:
The border, margin, edge, or face of a landform, such as the curved brim surrounding the top part of a crater or caldera; specifically the rimrock of a plateau or canyon.  GG


geomfdesc:
A small elongate protruding knob or hillock of bedrock, so sculptured by a large glacier as to have its long axis oriented in the direction of ice movement, an upstream (stoss or scour) side that is gently inclined, smoothly rounded, and striated, and a downstream (lee or pluck) side that is steep and rough.  It is usually a few meters in height, length, and breadth.  GG


geomfdesc:
A mass of poorly sorted angular boulders and fine material, with interstitial ice a meter or so below the surface (ice-cemented) or containing a buried ice glacier (ice-cored).  It occurs in a permafrost area, and is derived from a cirque wall or other steep cliff.  Rock glaciers have the general appearance and slow movement of small valley glaciers, ranging from a few hundred meters to several kilometers in length, and having a distal area marked by a series of transverse, arcuate ridges.  GG


geomfdesc:
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


geomfdesc:
A large, irregularly shaped, commonly thin, surficial mantle of eolian sand, lacking the discernible slip faces that are common on dunes.  GG


geomfdesc:
An escarpment, cliff, or steep slope of some extent along the margin of a plateau, mesa, terrace, or structural bench.  A scarp may be of any height.  Compare - escarpment.  GG


geomfdesc:
A cliff or slope produced by wave erosion, situated at the seaward edge of the coast or the landward side of the wave-cut platform.  It may vary from an inconspicuous slope to a high, steep escarpment.  GG


geomfdesc:
A surficial ridge, bank, or bar consisting of sand or other subaqueous deposit that has become permanently exposed by the retreat or lowering of a proglacial lake other body of water.  Compare - longshore bar [relict].  GG


geomfdesc:
The intersection of a specified plane of water with the beach; it migrates with changes of the tide or of the water level.  Compare  shore complex, barrier beach.


geomfdesc:
A small, streamlined dune that forms around brush and clump vegetation.  GG


geomfdesc:
A closed, circular or elliptical depression, commonly funnel-shaped, characterized by subsurface drainage and formed either by dissolution of the surface of underlying bedrock (e.g., limestone, gypsum, salt) (solution sinkhole) or by collapse of underlying caves within bedrock (collapse sinkhole); diameters range from a few meters to as much as 1000 m.  Complexes of sinkholes in carbonate-rock terrain are the main components of karst topography.  Synonym (not preferred) - doline.  Compare - karst valley, interior valley, cockpit.  SW & WW


geomfdesc:
a) - 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


geomfdesc:
(a) (not preferred- refer to rotational slide) A generic, obsolete term for various types of landslides, especially rotational landslide; the process, associated sediments, or resultant landform characterized by a slide involving a shearing and rotary movement of a generally independent mass of rock or earth along a curved slip surface (concave upward) and about an axis parallel to the slope from which it descends, and by backward tilting of the mass with respect to that slope so that the slump surface often exhibits a reversed slope facing uphill.  Compare - rotational slide, slide, landslide.  SW, GG, & DV.  (b) (not recommended) refer to rotational slide.  An informal term for the landform or mass of material slipped down during, or produced by a landslide.  GG & DV


geomfdesc:
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


geomfdesc:
A subordinate ridge or lesser elevation that projects sharply from the crest or side of a hill, mountain, or other prominent range of hills or mountains.  GG


geomfdesc:
A steep-sided mass of rock rising above its surroundings on all sides from a slope or hill.  GG


geomfdesc:
A prograded shore built seaward by waves and currents, and continuous for some distance along the coast.  It is characterized by subparallel beach ridges and swales, in places with associated dunes.  GG


geomfdesc:
A type of stream terrace, formed as an erosional surface cut on bedrock and thinly mantled ( e.g. < 3 m) with stream deposits (alluvium).


geomfdesc:
A volcano that is constructed of alternating layers of lava and pyroclastic deposits, along with abundant dikes and sills.  Viscous, acidic lava may flow from fissures radiating from a central vent, from which pyroclastics are ejected.  Compare - shield volcano.  GG


geomfdesc:
One, or a series of flat-topped landforms in a stream valley that flank and are parallel to the stream channel, originally formed by a  previous stream level, and representing remnants of an abandoned flood plain, stream bed, or valley floor produced during a past state of fluvial erosion or deposition (i.e., currently very rarely or never flooded; inactive cut and fill and/or scour and fill processes).  Erosional surfaces cut into bedrock and thinly mantled with stream deposits (alluvium) are called "strath terraces."  Remnants of constructional valley floors thickly mantled with alluvium are called alluvial terraces.  Compare - alluvial terrace, flood-plain step, strath terrace, terrace.  HP & SW


geomfdesc:
A peatland with roughly parallel, narrow ridges of peat dominated by peat vegetation interspersed with slight depressions, many of which contain shallow pools.  The ridges are at right angles to low (< 2o) slopes.  They are typically 1 to 3 m wide, up to 1 m high and may be over 1 km long.  The ridges are slightly elevated and are better drained allowing shrubs and trees to grow.  They are best developed in areas of discontinuous permafrost.


geomfdesc:
A unit of folded strata that is concave upward.  In a simple syncline, beds forming the opposing limbs of the fold dip toward its axial plane.  Compare - anticline, monocline.  HP


geomfdesc:
An end moraine that marks the farthest advance of a glacier and usually has the form of a massive arcuate or concentric ridge, or complex of ridges, underlain by till and other drift types.  Compare - end moraine, recessional moraine, ground moraine.  HP and GG


geomfdesc:
A hollow in the ground resulting from subsidence following the local melting of ground ice in a permafrost region.  GG


geomfdesc:
An extensive, flat to gently undulating area underlain predominantly by till and bounded on the distal end by subordinate recessional or end moraines.  Compare - till, ground moraine.  SW


geomfdesc:
A sand or gravel bar or barrier that connects an island with the mainland or with another island.  GG


geomfdesc:
A high, isolated pinnacle, or rocky peak; or a pile of rocks, much-jointed and usually granitic, exposed to intense weathering, and often assuming peculiar or fantastic shapes.  GG


geomfdesc:
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


geomfdesc:
A relatively shallow trench or depression cut into drift and other loose material, or in bedrock, by a subglacial stream not loaded with coarse sediment that may or may not be part of the present day drainage pattern.  GG


geomfdesc:
A valley having a pronounced parabolic cross profile suggesting the form of a broad letter "U", with steep walls and a broad, nearly flat floor; specifically a valley carved by glacial erosion.  Compare - V-shaped valley.  GG


geomfdesc:
An elongate, relatively large, externally drained depression of the Earth's surface that is primarily developed by stream erosion or glacial activity.  Compare - basin.  HP


geomfdesc:
A generic term for the low or relatively level ground lying between valley walls and bordering a stream channel; especially the small plain at the bottom of a narrow, steep-sided valley.  The term can be generally applied noncommittally to a flat surface that cannot be identified with certainty as a floodplain or terrace.  Compare - backswamp, meander belt.  GG


geomfdesc:
A general term for the nearly level to gently sloping, lowest surface of a valley.  Landforms include axial stream channels, the flood plain, flood-plain steps, and, in some areas, low terrace surfaces.  Compare - flood-plain landforms, meander, braided channel, valley side.  HP


geomfdesc:
A steep-sided, rounded extrusion of highly viscous lava squeezed out from a volcano, and forming a dome-shaped or bulbous mass of congealed lava above and around the volcanic vent.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) A vent in the surface of the Earth through which magma and associated gases and ash erupt; also, the form or structure, usually conical, that is produced by the ejected material.  (b) Any eruption of material, e.g. mud, that resembles a magmatic volcano.  GG '87


geomfdesc:
A valley having a pronounced cross profile suggesting the form of the letter "V", characterized by steep sides and short tributaries; specifically a narrow valley resulting from downcutting by a stream.  The "V" becomes broader as the downcutting progresses.  Compare - U-shaped valley.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: western U.S.A.)  The broad, flat-flooded channel of an ephemeral stream, commonly with very steep to vertical banks cut in alluvium.  Note:  When channels reach intersect zones of ground-water discharge they are more properly classed as "intermittent stream" channels.  Synonym - arroyo.  Compare - gully.  HP


geomfdesc:
A fan-like of sand washed over a barrier island or spit during a storm and deposited on the landward side.  Washover fans can be small to medium sized and completely subaerial, or they can be quite large and include subaqueous margins extending into adjacent lagoons or estuaries.  Large fans can be subdivided into sequential parts: ephemeral washover channel (microfeature) cut through dunes or beach ridges, back-barrier flats, (subaqueous) washover-fan flat, (subaqueous) washover-fan slope.  Subaerial portions can range from barren to completely vegetated.


geomfdesc:
A valley, commonly in karst, that ends abruptly downstream at the point at which its stream disappears underground.  GG


geomfdesc:
A solidified body of rock formed from the lateral, surficial outpouring of molten lava from a vent or fissure, often lobate in form.  Compare - `a`a lavaflow, lava flow unit, pahoehoe lava flow. GG


geomfdesc:
A bluff composed of a thick deposit of coarse loess, formed immediately adjacent to the edges of flood plains, as along the Mississippi River valley or China.  Sometimes referred to as a bluff formation (not preferred).  Modified substantially from GG.


geomfdesc:
A hill composed of thick deposits of loess, as in IA, MO, NE and the Palouse Hills of WA & ID.


geomfdesc:
The relatively steeper face of a cuesta, facing in a direction opposite to the dip of the strata.  Compare - dip slope.  GG


geomfdesc:
A closed depression or doline into which all or part of a stream disappears underground.  GG


geomfdesc:
[structural geology] A curve or bend of a planar structure such as rock strata, bedding planes, foliation, or cleavage.  GG


geomfdesc:
A tabular, igneous intrusion that parallels the bedding or foliation of the surrounding sedimentary or metamorphic rock.  Compare - dike.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) Any terrestrial formation resembling a bay of the sea, as a recess or extension of lowland along a river valley or within a curve in a range of hills, or an arm of a prairie extending into, or partly surrounded by, a forest.  (b) A Carolina Bay.  GG & GSST.


geomfdesc:
A term applied to many local water features in the lower Mississippi River basin and in the Gulf Coast region of the U.S..  Its general meaning is a creek or secondary watercourse that is tributary to another body of water; especially a sluggish and stagnant stream that follows a winding course through alluvial lowlands, coastal swamps or river deltas. Compare - oxbow, slough.  GG


geomfdesc:
a) A seaward end or the widened funnel-shaped tidal mouth of a river valley where fresh water comes into contact with seawater and where tidal effects are evident (e.g., a tidal river, or a partially enclosed coastal body of water where the tide meets the current of a stream).  b) A portion of an ocean or an arm of the sea affected by fresh water.  A drowned river mouth formed by the subsidence of land near the coast or by the drowning of the lower portion of a non-glacial valley due to the rise of sea level.  Compare  lagoon.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) A lake that derives much or all of its water from the melting of glacier ice, fed by meltwater, and lying outside the glacier margins (e.g. proglacial lake) or lying on a glacier (e.g. ice-walled lake, ice-floored lake) and due to differential melting.  (b) A lake occupying a basin produced by glacial deposition, such as one held in by a morainal dam.  (c) A lake occupying a basin produced in bedrock by glacial erosion (scouring, quarrying); e.g., cirque lake, fjord.  (d) A lake occupying a basin produced by collapse of outwash material surrounding masses of stagnant ice.   GG


geomfdesc:
A tidal stream connecting two larger waterways.  GG


geomfdesc:
[coast] A shallow stretch of salt or brackish water, partly or completely separated from a sea or lake by an offshore reef, barrier island, sandbank or spit.  GG.  [relict landform] A nearly level, filled trough or depression behind the longshore bar on a barrier beach and built by a receding pluvial or glacial lake. Compare - sewage lagoon.


geomfdesc:
An inland body of permanently standing water fresh or saline, occupying a depression on the Earth's surface, generally of appreciable size (larger than a pond) and too deep to permit vegetation (excluding subaqueous vegetation) to take root completely across the expanse of water.


geomfdesc:
A shallow, intermittent lake in a arid or semi-arid region, covering or occupying a playa in the wet season but drying up in summer; an ephemeral lake that upon evaporation leaves or forms a playa.  GG


geomfdesc:
A shallow depression, generally less than 10 hectares in area, occurring on disintegration moraines and commonly containing an intermittent or seasonal pond or marsh.  GG


geomfdesc:
A type of glacial lake which formed just beyond the margin of an advancing or retreating glacier; generally in direct contact with the ice.  Compare - glacial lake, pluvial lake.  GG


geomfdesc:
A large or small body of salt water in a marsh or swamp along the seacoast.  GG


geomfdesc:
A natural, subaqueous ridge, bank, or bar consisting of, or covered by, sand or other unconsolidated material, rising from the bed of a body of water (e.g. estuarine floor) to near the surface Compare  dredge-deposit shoal, reef.  GG


geomfdesc:
A quiet part of, or a still body of water in a stream.  Compare - backswamp.  GG


geomfdesc:
Lake or pond produced in a permafrost region by melting of ground ice.  HP


geomfdesc:
The process, associated sediments (debris avalanche deposit) or resultant landform characterized by a very rapid to extremely rapid type of flow dominated by the sudden downslope movement of incoherent, unsorted mixtures of soil and weathered bedrock which, although comparatively dry, behave much as a viscous fluid.  Compare - debris flow, rock fragment flow, debris avalanche, earthflow, landslide.  SW


geomfdesc:
The flat to gently undulating ground underlain or composed of fine-grained sediments deposited in a former lake.  (b) The bottom of a lake; a lake basin.  GG


geomfdesc:
(refer to lake plain) (a) A imprecise term for a slight increase in slope and elevation of the land surface, usually with a broad summit and gently sloping sides.  GG (b) [soil survey] same as (a) but the term is restricted to microfeatures in areas of very low relief such as lake plains or coastal plains.  SW


geomfdesc:
Collapsed basins that are generally closed depressions which are the direct result of surficial subsidence associated with subsurface mining (e.g. long-wall mining).  SW


geomfdesc:
An artificial embankment constructed along the bank of a watercourse or an arm of the sea, to protect land from inundation or to confine streamflow to it's channel.  GG


geomfdesc:
A small human-made hill, composed either of debris accumulated during successive occupations of the site or of earth heaped up to mark a burial site. GG


geomfdesc:
An earthen embankment constructed across a slope for conducting water from above at a regulated flow to prevent accelerated erosion and to conserve water.  Compare - hillslope terrace.  SW & GSST


geomfdesc:
An open and usually unpaved (unlined), channel or trench excavated to convey water for drainage (removal) from a landscape; smaller than a canal; some ditches are modified natural waterways.  GG


geomfdesc:
A mound or stratum of refuse (broken pots, ashes, food remains, etc.) normally found on the site of an ancient settlement.  GG


geomfdesc:
a) A natural body of standing fresh water occupying a small surface depression, usually smaller than a lake and larger than a pool.  b) A small artificial body of water, used as a source of water.  Compare  - salt pond.  GG


geomfdesc:
The trace or track of a railroad route, commonly constructed slightly above the adjacent land, and composed mostly of earthy material (gravel, rock fragments, etc.).  Abandoned or reclaimed beds may no longer be topographically or visually distinct, but the materials used to construct them may still be a significant portion of the soil zone.  SW


geomfdesc:
An anthropogenic, nearly level impoundment that is inundated for long periods typically for wetland rice production.  It is applied to areas that have been used in this fashion for a long enough period of time to significantly change the original soil morphology (especially redoximorphic features).  SW


geomfdesc:
The trace or track of a wheeled vehicle route that may or may not be raised slightly above the adjacent land, and may be composed mostly of earthy fill material (gravel, rock fragments, etc.) or local soil material.  Traffic can alter various soil properties primarily by compaction. Abandoned or reclaimed beds may no longer be topographically or visually distinct. However, materials used to construct beds or associated changes in soil properties may continue to have a significant impact upon soil management or plant growth.  SW


geomfdesc:
A linear or arcuate opening left in the soil after a plow or disk has opened a shallow channel at the soil surface.  A shallow channel cut in the soil surface, usually between planted rows for controlling surface water and soil loss, or for conveying irrigation water. GSST


geomfdesc:
A raised, generally horizontal strip of earth and/or rock bounded by a down-slope berm or retaining wall, constructed along a contour on a hillslope to make land suitable for tillage and to prevent accelerated erosion; common in steep terrain, both archaic (e.g. Peru) and modern (e.g. Nepal).  Compare - conservation terrace.  SW & GSST


geomfdesc:
A landscape which is intricately dissected and characterized by a very fine drainage network with high drainage densities and short, steep slopes with narrow interfluves.  Badlands develop on surfaces with little or no vegetative cover, overlying unconsolidated or poorly cemented materials (clays, silts, or in some cases sandstones) sometimes with soluble minerals such as gypsum or halite.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: southwestern U.S.A.) A broad, gently inclined alluvial piedmont slope extending from the base of a mountain range out into a basin and formed by the lateral coalescence of a series of alluvial fans.  Typically it has a broadly undulating transverse profile, parallel to the mountain front, resulting from the convexities of component fans.  The term is generally restricted to constructional slopes of intermontane basins.  Synonym - coalescent fan piedmont.  Compare - colluvial apron.  HP & SW


geomfdesc:
(a)  Drainage basin;  (b) A low area in the Earth's crust, of tectonic origin, in which sediments have accumulated.  GG  (c) (colloquial:  western USA)  A general term for the nearly level to gently sloping, bottom surface of an intermontane basin (bolson).  Landforms include playas, broad alluvial flats containing ephemeral drainageways, and relict alluvial and lacustrine surfaces that rarely, if ever, are subject to flooding.  Where through-drainage systems are well developed, flood plains are dominant and lake plains are absent or of limited extent.  Basin floors grade mountainward to distal parts of piedmont slopes.  FFP


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: western USA.) A term applied to an internally drained (closed) intermontane basin in arid regions where drainages from adjacent mountains converge toward a central depression.  Bolsons are often tectonically formed depressions. According to Peterson, a bolson can include alluvial flat, alluvial plain, beach plain, barrier beach, lake plain, sand sheet, dune, and playa landforms.  The piedmont slope above a bolson includes erosional (pediments) and older depositional surfaces (fans) that adjoin the mountain front.  A semi-bolson is an externally drained (open) bolson.  Synonym - intermontane basin.  GG and FFP


geomfdesc:
(colloquial:  western USA) A landscape or large tract of steep, rough or broken land dissected by ravines and gullies and marks a sudden change in topography as from an elevated plain to lower hilly terrain, or a line of irregular cliffs at the edge of  a mesa or a river (e.g., the Missouri River breaks).  SW & GG


geomfdesc:
A steeply sloping upland composed of hills with relief of  30 up to 300 meters and fringes a mountain range or high-plateau escarpment.    Compare - hill, mountain, plateau.  HP


geomfdesc:
(not preferred - use karst).  A landscape dominated by dissolution features (e.g., sinkhole, blind valley, closed depressions, underground drainage) formed in soluable rocks.  SW & GG


geomfdesc:
The zone within which migration of a meandering channel occurs; the flood-plain area included between two imaginary lines drawn tangential to the outer bends of active channel loops.  Landform components of the meander-belt surface are produced by a combination of gradual (lateral and down-valley) migration of meander loops and avulsive channel shifts causing abrupt cut-offs of loop segments.  Landforms flanking the sinuous stream channel include:  point bars, abandoned meanders, meander scrolls, oxbow lakes, natural levees, and flood-plain splays.  Meander belts may not exhibit prominent natural levee or splay forms.  Flood plains of broad valleys may contain one or more abandoned meander belts in addition to the zone flanking the active stream channel.  HP


geomfdesc:
A region or landscape characterized by mountains and their intervening valleys; a generic name for any group, cluster, or sequence of mountains or narrowly spaced mountain ridges, with or without peaks, closely related in position, orientation, direction, formation, or age, and whose summits commonly exceed 300 m  (approx. 1000 ft).  Compare - foothills, hills, mountain range, mountain system.    SW.


geomfdesc:
An area, plain, slope, glacier, or other feature at the base of a mountain; e.g., a foothill or a bajada.  In the United States, the Piedmont (noun) is a low plateau extending from New Jersey to Alabama and lying east of the Appalachian Mountains.  GG


geomfdesc:
An elongated depression of the Earth's surface; carved by a river during the course of it's development. GG


geomfdesc:
A region of semi-stabilized sand dunes or sandy hills, either covered with vegetation or bare, as in north-central Nebraska and the midlands of the Carolinas.  GG


geomfdesc:
An elevated, flat-lying, basalt-floored area, with little if any soil cover, sparse vegetation, and usually deep, dry channels scoured into the surface, especially by glacial meltwaters such as the channeled scablands of eastern Washington.  Compare - coulee.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: western USA) A wide desert basin or valley that is drained by an intermittent stream, an externally drained (open) intermontane basin.  Compare - bolson  GG


geomfdesc:
A general term for a broad upland mass with nearly level or undulating summit area of large extent and steep side slopes descending to surrounding lowlands.  Compare - plateau, mesa, cuesta.  HP


geomfdesc:
Karst-like topographic features produced in a permafrost region by local melting of ground ice and subsequent settling of the ground.  GG


geomfdesc:
An informal, general term for (a) the higher ground of a region, in contrast with a low-lying, adjacent land such as a valley or plain.  (b) Land at a higher elevation than the flood plain or low stream terrace; land above the footslope zone of the hillslope continuum.  Compare - lowland.  HP & GG


geomfdesc:
An elongated, relatively large, externally drained depression of the Earth's surface that is primarily developed by stream erosion or glacial activity.  Compare - basin.  HP


geomfdesc:
A local-scale topographic pattern of recurring, small, sinuous or arcuate ridges separated by shallow troughs irregularly spaced across low-relief flood plains(slopes generally 2 - 6 %); the effect is one of a subdued, sinuously undulating surface that is common on active, meandering flood plains.  Micro-elevational differences between bars and channels generally range from <0.5 to 2 m and are largely controlled by the competency of the stream.  The ridge-like bars often consist of somewhat coarser sediments compared to the finer textured sediments of the micro-low troughs.  Compare - meander scroll, meander belt.  SW


geomfdesc:
A form of patterned ground whose horizontal mesh is dominantly circular.  Compare - Nonsorted circle, patterned ground.  GG


geomfdesc:
A type of hummock consisting predominantly of a core of silty and clayey mineral soil and showing evidence of cryoturbation.  Earth hummocks are a type of nonsorted circle.  Compare - turf hummock, hummock [patterned ground], non-sorted circle, patterned ground.  NRC


geomfdesc:
A tall, conical column of unconsolidated to semi-consolidated earth materials (e.g. clay till, or landslide debris) produced by differential erosion and usually capped by a flat, hard rock fragment that shields the underlying, softer material from erosion.  It can measure up to 6-20 m in height, and its diameter is a function of the width of the protective boulder.  Compare - hoodoo.


geomfdesc:
A small mound of fresh soil material formed by frost action.  A type of nonsorted circle commonly found in fine-grained sediment underlain by permafrost, or formed in areas affected by seasonal frost.  Compare - patterned ground.  NRC


geomfdesc:
A microfeature pattern of soils composed of a succession of microbasins and microknolls on level areas, or of microtroughs and microridges parallel to the slope on sloping areas, and produced by expansion / contraction and shear / thrust processes with changes in moisture.  Found in soils containing large amounts of smectitic clay that swell and shrink considerably with wetting and drying. Various types of gilgai can be recognized based on the dominant shape of micro-highs and micro-lows: circular gilgai, elliptical gilgai, and linear gilgai.  Also referred to, in part or in total, as crabhole, Bay of Biscay, or hushabye in older literature.  SW & GSST


geomfdesc:
A small channel with steep sides caused by erosion and cut in unconsolidated materials by concentrated but intermittent flow of water usually during and immediately following heavy rains or after ice / snow melt.  A gully generally is an obstacle to wheeled vehicles and too deep (e.g., >  0.5 m) to be obliterated by ordinary tillage; (a rill is of lesser depth and can be smoothed over by ordinary tillage).  Compare - rill, ravine, arroyo, swale, and draw.  HP & GSST


geomfdesc:
A polygon whose center is raised relative to its boundary.  Compare - low center polygon.  NRC


geomfdesc:
A small, irregular knob of earth (earth hummock) or turf (turf hummock).  Neither type of hummock is diagnostic of permafrost, but both are most common in subpolar or alpine regions.  Both require vegetative cover.  GG


geomfdesc:
Patterned ground in areas of ice wedges.  These polygons are commonly in poorly-drained areas and may be high-centered or low-centered.  NRC


geomfdesc:
A polygon whose center is depressed relative to its boundary.  Compare - high-center polygon.  NRC


geomfdesc:
(a) A low, rounded natural hill, of unspecified origin, generally less than 3 m high, composed of earthy material; Compare - hillock.  (b) A small, human-made hill, composed either of debris accumulated during successive occupations of the site (e.g. tell) or of earth heaped up to mark a burial site (e.g. burial mound).  (c) A structure built by colonial organisms (e.g. termite mound).  GG


geomfdesc:
A type of patterned ground whose mesh (shape) is dominantly circular and has a nonsorted appearance due to the absence of a boarder of coarse fragments.  Vegetation characteristically outlines the pattern by forming a boardering ridge.  Diameters commonly range from 0.5 to 3 m.  Nonsorted circles include mud boils, earth hummocks, turf hummocks, and frost boils.  Nonsorted circles have various origins.  Some, such as mud and earth hummocks and frost boils, involve cryoturbation activity and differential heave of frost-susceptible materials.  Others, such as mud boils, involve hydraulic pressures and diapir-like displacement of water-saturated sediments.  Compare - sorted circle, frost boil, patterned ground.  NRC and GG


geomfdesc:
An elliptical dome-like permafrost mound containing alternating layers of ice lenses and peat or mineral soil, commonly 3-10 m high and 2-25 m long, occurring in subarctic bogs of the tundra and often surrounded by water; pl. palsen.  NRC


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: Gulf Coast U.S.A.)  Low, flattened, approximately circular or elliptical features composed of sandy loam that is coarser than, and distinct from, the surrounding soil; the basal diameter ranges from 3 m to more than 30 m, and the height from 30 cm to more than 2 m.  Compare -  mima mound, patterned ground, shrub-coppice dune.  GG


geomfdesc:
A tall, slender, tapering tower or spire-shaped pillar of rock, either isolated, as on steep slopes or cliffs formed in karst or other massive rocks,  or at the summit of a hill or mountain.    Compare - erosional remnant, hoodoo.  GG


geomfdesc:
A type of patterned ground consisting of a closed, roughly equidimensional figure bounded by more or less straight sides; some sides may be irregular.  Refer to patterned ground.  Compare - High center polygon, low center polygon, ice wedge polygon, nonsorted polygon.  NRC


geomfdesc:
A small, natural body of standing water, usually fresh; e.g. a stagnant body of water in a marsh, or a transient puddle in a depression following a rain.  GG


geomfdesc:
[geomorghology] (not preferred) A generic, imprecise term for any pot-shaped pit or hole.

[glacial geology] A term applied to a small pit depression (1 to 15 meters deep), generally circular or elliptical, occurring in an outwash plain, a recessional moraine, or a till plain.

[lake] - A shallow depression, generally less than 10 hectares in area, occurring on disintegration moraines and commonly containing an intermittent or seasonal pond or marsh.  GG


geomfdesc:
An undulating surface of alternating, subparallel, small-scale ridges and depressions, commonly composed of loose sand.  It is produced on land by wind and under water by the agitation of water by currents or wave action, and generally tends at right angles or obliquely to the direction of flow of the moving fluid.  Compare - giant ripple mark.  GG


geomfdesc:
An accumulation of sand commonly in the form of a low mound, produced by the expulsion of liquified sand to the ground surface; sometimes called sand volcanoes (not preferred).  Examples are found on top of some landslide deposits (i.e. spreads) or on the upper surface of highly contorted layers of laminated sediments.  SW & GG


geomfdesc:
A place in a stream bed swept (scoured) by running water, generally leaving a gravel bottom.  GG


geomfdesc:
A broad deposit of nonsorted, water-saturated, locally derived material that is moving or has moved downslope, en masse.  Stripes are commonly associated with solifluction sheets.  Compare - stripe. NRC


geomfdesc:
A low step with a straight or lobate front, the latter reflecting local differences in rate of flow.  A solifluction terrace may have bare mineral soil on the upslope part and 'folded under' organic matter in both the seasonally thawed and the frozen soil.  NRC


geomfdesc:
A type of patterned ground whose mesh (shape) is largely circular and has a sorted appearance commonly due to a border of coarse fragments surrounding finer material, occurring either singly or in groups.  Diameters range from a few centimeters to more than 10 meters.  The coarse fragment border may be 35 cm high and 8 to 12 cm wide.  Compare - patterned ground.  GG and NRC


geomfdesc:
A type of patterned ground; one of the alternating bands of fine and coarse surface material, or of rock or soil and vegetation-covered ground, commonly found on steeper slopes.  It is usually straight, but may be sinuous or branching.  Compare - patterned ground.  GG


geomfdesc:
(a) A shallow, open depression in unconsolidated materials which lacks a defined channel but can funnel overland or subsurface flow into a drainageway.  Soils in swales tend to be more moist and thicker (cummulic) compared to surrounding soils.  SW  (b) A small, shallow, typically closed depression in an undulating ground moraine formed by uneven glacial deposition; Compare - swell-and-swale topography.  (c) (not preferred; refer to interdune)  A long, narrow, generally shallow, trough-like depression between two beach ridges, and aligned roughly parallel to the coastline.  GG


geomfdesc:
(colloquial: southwestern USA) A natural depression or cavity in impervious rocks in which water collects and remains for the greater part of the year.  GG


geomfdesc:
Small, irregular step-like forms on steep hillslopes, especially in pasture, formed by creep or erosion of surficial materials that may or may not be induced by trampling of livestock such as sheep or cattle.  Synonyms (not preferred) - catstep, sheep or cattle track.  HP


geomfdesc:
The small mound of debris sloughed from the root plate (ball) of a tipped-over tree.  Sometimes called a cradle knoll (not recommended).  Local soil horizons are commonly obliterated and result in heterogeneous strata.  Compare - tree-tip pit.  SW.  (Modified substantially from BHM).


geomfdesc:
The small pit or depression resulting from an area vacated by the root plate (ball) resulting from tree-tip ("tree-throw").  Such pits are commomly adjacent to small mounds composed of the displaced material.  Subsequent infilling commonly results in a heterogeneous soil matrix, that may or may not include a stone line that lines the depression.  Compare - tree-tip mound.  SW.  (Modified substantially from BHM).


geomfdesc:
A hummock consisting of vegetation and organic matter with or without a core of mineral soil or stones.  Compare - earth hummock, non-sorted circle, patterned ground.  NRC


geomfdesc:
An excavated area where borrow material has been removed typically for construction purposes offsite; also called barrow pit.  GG


geomfdesc:
A passage, incision, or space from which material has been excavated, such as a road cut or railroad cut.  GG


geomfdesc:
Excavation areas, open to the sky, usually for the extraction of stone.  GG


geomfdesc:
A depression, ditch or pit excavated to furnish sand for roads or other construction projects off-site; a type of borrow pit.  SW


geomfdesc:
Any artificial pond or other water-filled excavation for the natural oxidation of sewage or disposal of farm manure.  GG


geomfdesc:
Rock debris, banks, and earthy dump deposits resulting from the excavation of ditches and strip mines.  GSST


geomfdesc:
A depression, open to the sky, resulting from the surface extraction of earthy material (e.g. soil / fill) or bedrock material (e.g. coal).  Compare - borrow pit, openpit mine, quarry.  SW


geomfdesc:
A depression, ditch or pit excavated to furnish gravel for roads or other construction projects; a type of borrow pit.  SW


geomfdesc:
A land area where municipal solid waste is buried in a manner engineered to minimize environmental degradation.  Commonly the waste is compacted and ultimately covered with soil or other earthy material.  Compare - dump.  GG


geomfdesc:
A land area, usually a field, that has been mechanically flattened or smoothed to facilitate management practices such as flood irrigation; as a result the natural soil has been partially or completely modified (e.g., truncated or buried).  SW


geomfdesc:
A type of basaltic lava flow dominated by `a`a lava and a characteristically rough, jagged, clinkery surface.  Compare - block lava flow, pahoehoe lava flow, pillow lava flow.  GG & MA


geomfdesc:
A volcano having the shape of a very broad, gently sloping dome, built by flows of very fluid basaltic lava or rhyolitic ash flows.  Compare - stratovolcano.   GG & MA


