* O Horizon: This is the uppermost layer, composed of organic matter like leaves, twigs, and decomposing plant and animal material. It's often called the "humus layer."
* A Horizon: This is the topsoil, a mixture of mineral particles (sand, silt, clay) and organic matter. It's typically dark in color and supports plant life.
* E Horizon: This is the zone of eluviation, where minerals and organic matter are leached out by water. It's often light in color and has a sandy texture.
* B Horizon: This is the subsoil, where minerals and organic matter accumulate. It's often denser and more compact than the topsoil.
* C Horizon: This is the parent material, the bedrock or unconsolidated sediments from which the soil developed. It's usually less weathered than the layers above.
* R Horizon: This is the bedrock, the solid rock beneath the soil. It's not always present in all soil profiles.
Important Note: Not all soils have all of these horizons. The presence and thickness of each horizon can vary depending on factors like climate, vegetation, and geological history.