Cohesion is the primary factor that determines the shear strength of a soil. It is the force that holds soil particles together and resists shear deformation.

Clay is known for its high compressibility and low shear strength due to its small particle size and high water content.

Consolidation is the process by which soil particles are rearranged under the influence of an applied stress, resulting in a reduction in soil volume and an increase in soil density.

The angle of shear resistance is the angle between the failure plane and the major principal stress direction in a soil.

Shear strength is the maximum shear stress that a soil can withstand before failure.

Compaction is the process of increasing the density of a soil by mechanical means, such as rolling or tamping.

Settlement is the term used to describe the gradual settlement of a soil under a sustained load.

Resilience is the soil property responsible for the soil's ability to resist deformation under repeated loading.

Brittle failure is the term used to describe the failure of a soil due to the sudden application of a load.

Percolation is the term used to describe the process by which water moves through soil.

Sand has the highest permeability due to its large pore spaces and interconnected pore network.

Erosion is the term used to describe the process by which soil particles are transported by wind or water.

Sand is most susceptible to erosion due to its loose structure and lack of cohesion.

Soil formation is the term used to describe the process by which soil is formed from the weathering of rocks.

The A horizon is typically the most fertile and contains the highest concentration of organic matter.