Local area topography

Topography refers to the surface features of an area. For example, if an area is a steep soil that is weathered from parent material may quickly wash away or erode through the actions of wind, ice, and water. On the other hand, if an area is flat and poorly drained, water may pool in slight depressions after it rains. This lack of drainage could result in interrupting the activities of microorganisms in the soil. Thus soil development is stopped. An ideal set of surface features would be ones that allow for soil drainage without erosion.