College

Which of the following is a sign of unstable soil?

A. Dry surface
B. Bulging
C. Smooth walls
D. Firm texture

Answer :

Final answer:

Bulging is a clear sign of unstable soil, indicating potential issues such as water saturation or shifting conditions. In contrast, dry surfaces, smooth walls, and firm textures generally suggest stability. Identifying these signs is crucial for understanding soil behavior in various environmental contexts.


Explanation:

Signs of Unstable Soil

When assessing soil conditions, identifying signs of unstable soil is crucial, especially in construction and environmental contexts. Among the options provided, bulging is a definitive sign of instability in soil. This occurs when the soil expands or shifts, which can indicate water saturation or other issues leading to potential landslides or structural failures.

On the other hand, features like a dry surface, smooth walls, and firm texture can often suggest stable conditions. A dry surface might indicate that the soil is arid but does not necessarily indicate instability; similarly, smooth walls could result from erosion rather than instability. Firm texture generally denotes well-compacted soil, which is typically stable.

Conclusion

Therefore, when examining soil conditions, bulging is the most reliable sign of unstable soil among the choices given.


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