escarpment

[ ih-skahrp-muhnt ]

noun

1. Geology. a long, precipitous, clifflike ridge of land, rock, or the like, commonly formed by faulting or fracturing of the earth's crust. Compare scarp ( def 1 ).
2. ground cut into an escarp around a fortification or defensive position.

escarpment

/ ɪˈskɑːpmənt /

noun

1. 1. the long continuous steep face of a ridge or plateau formed by erosion; scarp
   2. any steep slope, such as one resulting from faulting
2. a steep artificial slope immediately in front of the rampart of a fortified place

escarpment

/ ĭ-skärp′mənt /

1. A steep slope or long cliff formed by erosion or by vertical movement of the Earth's crust along a fault. Escarpments separate two relatively level areas of land. The term is often used interchangeably with scarp but is more accurately associated with cliffs produced by erosional processes rather than those produced by faulting.

Word History and Origins

Origin of escarpment¹

From the French word escarpement, dating back to 1795–1805. See escarp, -ment

Example Sentences

The route: Hike to Batiquitos Lagoon, then to Moonlight State Beach, where you’ll be bathed in the scent of the flowers cascading down the steep escarpment above, including lantana, purple sea foam and prickly pear cactus blossoms.

From Los Angeles Times

That allowed us more modern digs and a lovely deck overlooking a large pond and a stunning view of Winter Rim, a 3,000-foot escarpment to the west.

From Seattle Times

Stajner left May 1 on an eight-day expedition to sample velella at multiple points along the Santa Lucia Bank and Escarpment in the Channel Islands, with the goal of getting “a better idea of their role in the local ecosystem and trying to understand what these big blooms mean,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

He is lab director at Escarpment Labs in Ontario, Canada.

From BBC

He is lab director at Escarpment Labs in Ontario, Canada.

From BBC