outcroppings
Visible bedrock formations
Outcroppings are portions of rock or mineral deposits that protrude visibly above the surrounding soil or surface.
Geologists study outcroppings to understand underlying rock formations without drilling.
The term extends figuratively to anything that emerges or becomes visible from a larger hidden mass: outcroppings of resentment, outcroppings of talent in unexpected places.
Large rounded stones
- graniteIgneous rock, quartz-rich
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- basaltFine-grained volcanic stone
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
igneous · metamorphic · strata · karst · erosion · sandstone · quartz · shale
Steep slope dividing elevations
- ridgeNarrow raised strip
- promontoryElevated land jutting waterward
- torHigh rocky outcrop
- pinnacleUtmost summit or spire
butte · mesa · crag · plateau · knoll · bluff · cliff · overhang
Searching for mineral wealth
- geologyStudy of Earth's composition
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- fossilsPreserved ancient organism traces
- excavationAct of unearthing
surveying · mapping · discovery · ore · veins · specimens · samples · fieldwork
Pleasing distant scene
- panoramicOffering unobstructed wide view
- picturesqueVisually pleasing, paintable
- overlookMiss or commanding view
- viewpointWay of seeing things
majestic · breathtaking · dramatic · rugged · windswept · silhouette · backdrop · horizon
boulders
Large rounded stones
- graniteIgneous rock, quartz-rich
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- basaltFine-grained volcanic stone
sedimentary · igneous · metamorphic · strata · karst · erosion · sandstone · quartz · shale · weathering
escarpment
Steep slope dividing elevations
- ridgeNarrow raised strip
- promontoryElevated land jutting waterward
- torHigh rocky outcrop
pinnacle · butte · mesa · crag · plateau · knoll · bluff · cliff · overhang · ledge
prospecting
Searching for mineral wealth
- geologyStudy of Earth's composition
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- fossilsPreserved ancient organism traces
excavation · surveying · mapping · discovery · ore · veins · specimens · samples · fieldwork · exposed
vista
Pleasing distant scene
- panoramicOffering unobstructed wide view
- picturesqueVisually pleasing, paintable
- overlookMiss or commanding view
viewpoint · majestic · breathtaking · dramatic · rugged · windswept · silhouette · backdrop · horizon · grandeur
belay
Anchor a rope
ascend · handhold · foothold · crag · bouldering · toprope · quickdraw · pitch · crux · chimney