Escarpment: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

In geology, an escarpment is a transition zone between different physiogeographic provinces that involves an elevation differential, often involving high cliffs. Most commonly, an escarpment, also called a scarp, is a transition from one series of sedimentary rocks to another series of a different age and composition. In such cases, the escarpment usually represents the line of erosional loss of the newer rock over the older.

There are escarpments on other planets besides Earth. They are believed to be created when the crust contracts; as a result of cooling.

Significant escarpments

• Canada and the United States
  • Niagara Escarpment (Ontario, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York)
  • Onondaga (geological formation) (Ontario and New York)
• United States
  • Pottsville Escarpment (Kentucky-Tennessee; see Cumberland Plateau)
  • Missouri Escarpment (North Dakota)
  • Muldraugh Hill (Kentucky)
  • Balcones Fault (Texas)
  • Mogollon Rim (Arizona)