An elevated block of land bounded by faults on either side, forming a ridge or plateau between two lower areas. This uplifted terrain results from compressional or extensional forces in the Earth's crust.
German word meaning 'nest' or 'eyrie' (eagle's nest), referring to elevated places. Adopted into geological terminology in the 19th century alongside 'graben' as German geologists developed systematic fault terminology.
The Black Forest in Germany is a classic horst - this elevated block has been pushed up between two major fault systems, creating the high plateau that gives the region its distinctive landscape! Many mountain ranges, including parts of the Sierra Nevada, are actually horst blocks tilted and uplifted by fault movement.
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