A long, steep slope or cliff that separates two relatively level areas of different elevations. Often formed by erosion or geological faulting.
From French 'escarper' meaning 'to cut steep,' derived from Italian 'scarpare.' Originally a military term for artificial steep slopes around fortifications, it was later applied to natural landforms.
The Great Escarpment rings almost the entire coastline of southern Africa, creating dramatic waterfalls where rivers plunge over its edge! This massive cliff face was a major barrier to early European exploration inland from coastal settlements.
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