rockface
Sheer mountain surface
A rockface is the bare, exposed surface of a cliff or steep rock formation, typically vertical or near-vertical.
Climbers scale rockfaces, and geologists study them to read the layers of stone and mineral deposits.
The term emphasizes the sheer, unbroken expanse of rock rather than a jumble of boulders or a gentle slope.
The rockface gleamed in the morning light as the expedition prepared to ascend.
Steep rock face
- cragSteep rugged outcrop
- escarpmentSteep slope dividing elevations
- bluffCalculated false front
- overhangSection projecting beyond support
ledge · outcrop · pinnacle · tor · promontory · buttress · arete · headwall
Anchor a rope
- carabinerSpring-gated metal link
- harnessStraps controlling an animal
- pitchFrequency of sound
- cruxMost important point
anchor · rope · grip · chimney · dyno · boulder · quickdraw · chalk
Sharply uneven, notched
- craggyRough with rocky projections
- weatheredEroded by exposure
- ruggedTough and uneven
- sheerAbsolute; also diaphanous
vertical · uneven · textured · rough · abrasive · gritty · pockmarked · striated
Igneous rock, quartz-rich
- basaltFine-grained volcanic stone
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- sandstoneCemented grain sediment
- shaleCompacted clay sediment
slate · quartz · igneous · metamorphic · sedimentary · strata · erosion · weathering
precipice
Steep rock face
- cragSteep rugged outcrop
- escarpmentSteep slope dividing elevations
- bluffCalculated false front
overhang · ledge · outcrop · pinnacle · tor · promontory · buttress · arete · headwall · exposure
belay
Anchor a rope
crux · anchor · rope · grip · chimney · dyno · boulder · quickdraw · chalk · rappel
jagged
Sharply uneven, notched
sheer · vertical · uneven · textured · rough · abrasive · gritty · pockmarked · striated · fissured
granite
Igneous rock, quartz-rich
- basaltFine-grained volcanic stone
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- sandstoneCemented grain sediment
shale · slate · quartz · igneous · metamorphic · sedimentary · strata · erosion · weathering · fracture
- Cliffscliff, bluff, crag, escarpment, precipice
- mountain climbingpeaks, summits, cliffs, avalanche, climbing
- mountain photographyalpine landscapes, summit views, mountainous terrain, peaks, summits
- mountain terrainpeak, ridge, slope, gorge, pass
- mountaineeringsummit, alpinist, mountaineer, ice axe, ice axes
- quarryingquarry, quarryman, quarry worker, quarrying, stone blocks
rockfacegentle slope
Gradual land elevation
flat ground · plain · plateau · valley floor · meadow