Where would you expect to find the thickest layer of humus?

The thickest layer of humus is typically found in bottomland areas due to several key factors. Bottomland areas, often characterized by lower elevation and proximity to water sources, benefit from the accumulation of organic material and sedimentation processes. These regions typically receive more water and nutrients than other landscape positions, which promotes the growth of vegetation. Consequently, as plants die and decompose, they contribute significantly to the organic matter, resulting in a thicker humus layer.

In addition, bottomland soils tend to be more protected from erosion compared to upland areas, allowing more organic matter to accumulate over time without being washed away. Flooding events can also deposit silt and organic matter, further enhancing the humus content. Overall, the combination of abundant moisture, nutrient availability, and reduced erosion makes bottomland areas conducive to developing a thick layer of humus, which differentiates them from other landscape positions, such as uplands or foot slopes where ablation or faster drainage might limit humus development.