Natural Features

Scarp refers to a steep or abrupt slope or cliff, often formed by erosion or a cutting action. In geography and geology, it denotes a sharp escarpment or edge where rock or soil gives way quickly. The term can also describe a protective bank along a river or railway, highlighting a steep, abrupt incline. Its usage spans physical geography and historical landform descriptions.

Scree refers to a loose, broken rock debris avalanche at the base of a cliff or mountain, or a slope covered with such debris. In geology, it describes a collection of angular rock fragments produced by freeze-thaw or rockfall processes. The term can also denote a harsh, rattling sound suggesting loose gravel sliding, used metaphorically in literature.

Seacliff is a coastal rock formation where a steep cliff drops directly into the sea. In everyday use, it labels a geographic feature and can describe landscapes or properties near the shore. The term combines sea + cliff, conveying a sense of rugged maritime scenery and geologic form.

Seamount refers to an underwater mountain rising from the ocean floor that does not reach the surface, or only barely, due to its height relative to sea level. It is typically volcanic in origin and can create strong currents and localized ecosystems. The term is used in marine geology, biology, and oceanography to describe submerged features that influence navigation and habitat distribution.

Sinkhole refers to a cavity or depression in the ground caused by collapse, often forming suddenly, sometimes swallowing surface features. It is used to describe geological phenomena as well as metaphorical collapses in organizations or systems. The term combines 'sink' (to subside or fall) and 'hole' (an opening), and is commonly discussed in geology, civil engineering, and disaster reporting.

Slope refers to a surface that rises or falls at a particular angle, or to the incline of land or a road. It can describe a slope of a hill, a roof, or a line on a graph. In geometry and everyday use, it denotes tilt or gradient and can imply ease or difficulty of movement along the incline.

A stratovolcano is a tall, conical volcanic mountain built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. These mountains form from intermittent explosive eruptions and effusive lava flows, resulting in steep slopes and a broad summit. They are common along tectonic plate margins and pose significant eruption risks due to magma composition and pressure buildup.

Tarn is a small mountain lake, typically formed by glacial activity and surrounded by rugged terrain. The term can also describe a highland loch in some dialects. It conveys a crisp, secluded body of water set in rocky terrain, often reflecting the surrounding landscape.

Tephra is a collective term for fragments of rock ejected by a volcanic eruption, including ash, lapilli, and bombs. It is not mineral-specific and is used in geology and volcanology to describe any airborne volcanic ejecta regardless of size. The word traditionally refers to loose fragments rather than solid chunks that erupt from a volcano. Its study helps interpret eruption dynamics and tephrostratigraphy.

Tor is a short, monosyllabic word that can function as a noun, verb, or place-name element in different languages. In English, it often appears as a rare, historical, or technical term, and can refer to a rocky hill or a rough, rugged feature in some dialects. The word’s pronunciation centers on a single syllable with a clear, tense vowel and a final consonant that may influence nearby vowel quality in connected speech.

Trench refers to a long, narrow excavation in the ground or, broadly, a ditch or deep channel. It can also describe a military fortification or a long, sleeveless coat worn for weather protection. The term emphasizes length and depth relative to surrounding terrain, and it appears in both everyday and historical contexts.

Watercourse refers to a natural or artificial channel through which water flows, such as a riverbed, stream, or man-made conduit. It can describe a defined path of water movement within a landscape or a regulatory term for any channel carrying water, including irrigation canals. The word conveys both geographic and hydrological sense, often used in technical or legal contexts.

Waterfall refers to a natural feature where water flows over a vertical drop in a river or stream, creating a cascading torrent. It is commonly found in mountainous or rugged terrain and can form from sudden changes in gradient or rock erosion. This term also functions metaphorically to describe a sudden, continuous sequence of events or a rapid, abundant flow of something.

Watershed is a geographical area that drains into a single body of water, such as a river or lake. It can also mean a critical turning point or dividing line that marks a major change. The term combines the sense of water flow with a boundary, and it is used in geology, hydrology, and metaphorically in politics or history.

Weald refers to an area of woodland or forest, especially in historic England. It is a concise, somewhat archaic term used in geography and landscape descriptions. The word embodies a specific environment and evokes a sense of dense, wooded terrain in contrast to open land.