What is sandy soil and what is silty soil?

Question

also where can i find them?

i also know where i can buy filter paper

its for a science experiment

if you are going to be specific as to where i can find it-i live in Sydney

thankyou

Answer 1

Sandy soil simply means it has a high sand content.  Silty soil has a high silt content.  Silt is half way between sand and clay as far as particle size.  It has been known to end up on window sills even when the windows are closed (because it is so fine).

Answer 2

Ok, you have some good advice on the particle sizes, and you can find the measurements that go along with the terms on the internet.

If you are looking for silt or clay along a stream bed, you may find that the silt is higher up on the stream bed than the sand.  Silt is fine, and because it is a small particle it may require a stronger or faster flow of water to lift it off and move it downstream before it is deposited, possibly after a flood has taken place.  *(Think of what you see in a building that has experienced flooding, and what people have to remove from floors when they attempt to deal with flood damage).  

  Sand, on the other hand, is a larger particle and it has a greater surface area, so it can be moved at slower speeds of water flow, and may be found lower down the stream bank.

Answer 3

Sandy and silty are measures of soil texture (particle size). The best place to look for both types is along streams, where the water movement sorts soil by particle size. You'll find the sandy soil (sand bars) in the stream bed where water velocity slows down and the sand is deposited. You'll find silty soil in the floodplain of the stream and in slack-water spots.