natural monument
Designated geological feature
A natural monument is a natural feature—a rock formation, ancient tree, waterfall, or cave—officially protected for its scientific, aesthetic, or cultural significance.
The term also designates the legal category of such protection: The state declared the thousand-year-old cypress a natural monument.
Unlike national parks, natural monuments typically protect specific features rather than large landscapes.
- waterfallDescending river over precipice
- caveUnderground hollow in rock
- gorgeDeep, narrow valley
- cliffVertical rock wall
- canyonDeep river-cut gorge
sacred grove · ancient tree · old growth · plateau · hot spring · glacier · mountain · rock formation · wetland · fjord · chasm · spire · desert oasis · peak · scenic overlook · pilgrimage site · geological wonder · indigenous territory
natural monumentindustrial zone
Area designated for factories
strip mine · quarry · parking lot · landfill · factory