escarpment (redirected from Escarpments)

escarpment or scarp, long cliff, bluff, or steep slope, caused usually by geologic faulting (see fault) or by erosion of tilted rock layers. An example of a fault scarp is the north face of the San Jacinto Mts. in California. Examples of erosional escarpments include the Palisades along the Hudson River and the long break separating the coastal region from the inland area in Texas, roughly paralleling the coast.

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escarpment

a. the long continuous steep face of a ridge or plateau formed by erosion; scarp

b. any steep slope, such as one resulting from faulting

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escarpment [ə′skärp·mənt]

(geology)

A cliff or steep slope of some extent, generally separating two level or gently sloping areas, and produced by erosion or by faulting. Also known as scarp.

(ordnance)

The ground surrounding a fortified place which has been cut away nearly vertically to prevent an enemy's approach.