This soil type is split into chernozem, kastanozem, phaeozem, and umbrisol by the World Reference Base. For 10 points each:
[10h] Name this dark and exceptionally fertile soil type that is defined by very high concentrations of organic matter in the A horizon, creating a surface layer known as this soil type’s namesake epipedon.
ANSWER: mollisol [accept mollic epipedon]
[10m] In North America, chernozem is found in the “aspen parkland” between the Canadian prairies and this soil type to its north. The leeching of iron and aluminum creates an E horizon bleached of color in this soil type, which is typically found in coniferous forests and taigas.
ANSWER: podzol [or spodosol; accept podzolic]
[10e] North of the Canadian taiga is the tundra, which is defined by this type of soil that is frozen year-round.
ANSWER: permafrost [accept gelisol]
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