<p>An arctic tundra soil profile shows the active layer on top where plants can get a foothold to grow. The gray mineral soil layer on the bottom isn't penetrated by the roots.
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Exposed column of tundra soil
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/41585865@N06">Western Arctic National Parklands</a>
CC BY 2.0
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nps_wear/9828692066/">Soil in Profile</a>