Tanana (soil) facts for kids
The Tanana soil is the official state soil of Alaska. It's like Alaska's special dirt!
Contents
What is Tanana Soil?
Tanana soil is a type of soil found in Alaska. It's known for being quite shallow, meaning it doesn't go very deep into the ground. This soil is also "well drained," which means water can easily pass through it, so it doesn't get too soggy. It's also "moderately permeable," which means water can move through it at a medium speed.
How Tanana Soil Forms
This special soil forms from materials that have broken down from limestone. Limestone is a type of rock that often forms in clear, warm, shallow sea waters. Over a very long time, as limestone rocks weather (break down from wind, water, and ice), they create the parent material for Tanana soil.
Where to Find Tanana Soil
You can find Tanana soil on hills in Alaska, especially on the lower parts of hills (called "foot slopes") and on the sides of hills (called "side slopes"). These areas can be gently sloping or very steep. The slopes where this soil is found can range from 2% (almost flat) to 60% (very steep!).
Climate Around Tanana Soil
The areas where Tanana soil is found get a lot of rain, about 70 inches (178 cm) each year. The average temperature is around 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). This combination of rain and temperature helps shape how the soil forms and what it's like.
Why is it Called Tanana Soil?
The Tanana soil gets its name from the Tanana River in Alaska. This river is a big part of the landscape where this unique soil is found.
See Also
- Pedology (soil study)
- Types of Soil
- List of U.S. state soils
