Coplanation

/ˌkoʊpləˈneɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The geological process of erosion that levels or flattens terrain, reducing elevation differences over time to create a relatively flat landscape.

Etymology

From 'co-' (together) plus 'planation' (from Latin 'planus' meaning flat, plus '-ation' indicating a process), describing the process of making surfaces level.

Kelly Says

Geologists studying ancient coplanation surfaces can read Earth's history—these nearly flat areas reveal where erosion once dominated for millions of years, marking periods when mountains were worn down to nubs.

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