outcrop
Visible geological formation
An outcrop is rock that emerges visibly at the earth's surface, breaking through soil or vegetation: granite outcrops dotted the hillside.
Geologists study outcrops to understand underlying rock formations.
The word extends to anything that protrudes or emerges unexpectedly: an outcrop of dissent within the party.
As a verb, to outcrop is to appear at the surface.
Vertical rock wall
- ledgeProjecting horizontal surface
- escarpmentSteep slope dividing elevations
- cragSteep rugged outcrop
- torHigh rocky outcrop
bluff · promontory · pinnacle · ridge · boulder · precipice · overhang · rockface
Horizontal layer of material
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- igneousFormed from cooled magma
- metamorphicUndergoing structural change
- fossilPreserved ancient organism
stratification · geologist · tectonics · paleontology · karst · granite · basalt · schist
Crystalline silicon dioxide
- feldsparSilicate mineral group
- micaLayered silicate mineral
- calciteCrystalline calcium carbonate
- oreMetal-bearing rock
vein · seam · deposit · lode · mineralization · copper · gold · iron
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- exfoliationShedding surface skin cells
- scouringVigorous abrasive cleaning
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
dissolution · spalling · undercutting · resistant · cap · pedestal · hoodoo · honeycomb
Navigation reference location
- referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
- navigationDetermining position and course
- markerSomething that signals location
- guidepostDirectional marker for travelers
recognizable · prominent · distinctive · visible · surveying · orientation · beacon · sighting
cliff
Vertical rock wall
- ledgeProjecting horizontal surface
- escarpmentSteep slope dividing elevations
- cragSteep rugged outcrop
tor · bluff · promontory · pinnacle · ridge · boulder · precipice · overhang · rockface · extrusion
stratum
Horizontal layer of material
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- igneousFormed from cooled magma
- metamorphicUndergoing structural change
fossil · stratification · geologist · tectonics · paleontology · karst · granite · basalt · schist · gneiss
quartz
Crystalline silicon dioxide
ore · vein · seam · deposit · lode · mineralization · copper · gold · iron · sulfur
weathering
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- exfoliationShedding surface skin cells
- scouringVigorous abrasive cleaning
oxidation · dissolution · spalling · undercutting · resistant · cap · pedestal · hoodoo · honeycomb · lichen
waypoint
Navigation reference location
- referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
- navigationDetermining position and course
- markerSomething that signals location
guidepost · recognizable · prominent · distinctive · visible · surveying · orientation · beacon · sighting · mapping
- mountain terrainpeak, ridge, slope, gorge, pass
- landformsmountain, cliff, valley, volcano, mountain ridge
- Gold RushCalifornia Gold Rush, gold miners, gold mining, gold flakes, gold nuggets
- landscape featuresmountain, hill, valley, river, lake
- mountain featurespeaks, peak, ridges, summit, slopes
- mountain scenerypeak, summit, ridge, snow cap, cliff edge
- rocky outcropExposed rock mass protruding
- rock outcropsExposed stone formations
- granite outcropVisible bedrock formation