rock formation
Natural geological feature
A rock formation is a distinctive arrangement of rock created by geological processes—erosion, volcanic activity, sedimentation, or tectonic movement.
The term applies to natural structures ranging from small outcrops to massive landmarks: The arches and hoodoos are striking rock formations.
Geologists also use formation as a technical term for a mappable unit of rock with consistent characteristics.
- rimrockCliff-crowning resistant stone
- outcropSurfacing native stone
- cliffVertical rock wall
- canyon wallVertical side of gorge
- peakUtmost height attained
mountain · hoodoo · weathering · inselberg · stratigraphy · sea stack · karst · geology · natural arch · escarpment · volcano · lava flow · crag · summit · stalagmite · elevation · boulder · jagged
- landscape featuresmountain, hill, valley, river, lake
- nature scenerymeadow, canyon, creek, gorge, ravine
- geologyfault lines, faults, basalt, mineral, crust
- landformsmountain, cliff, valley, volcano, mountain ridge
- mountain scenerypeak, summit, ridge, snow cap, cliff edge
- natural landmarksbeach, waterfall, canyon, mountain, lake
rock formationloose stones
Unfixed rock fragments
loose rock · rubble · scree · gravel · talus
rock, rocky, formation, rocks, bedrock, strata, rockier, rockhound, rock formations