escarpment

Block diagram of an escarpment (cuesta) showing how the surface topography is related to the underlying stratigraphy

Also called a cuesta, a ridge or hill with one side gently sloping, the other a steep cliff (scarp), formed by selective erosion in areas where the rock strata are tilted.

Related category

• GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE

Source: USGS

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Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
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