A steep, cliff-like face of rock or earth formed by erosion or faulting; the inner wall of a ditch in a fortification.
From Italian 'scarpa' (slope), possibly from Gothic 'skarpo' (sharp). Used in both geology and military architecture — nature and humans both build scarps.
A dramatic cliff-face where the earth just... DROPS! Geologists use it for fault lines, soldiers used it for fortress walls. Either way, it's a place where the ground suddenly decides to be dramatic! ðŸ”ï¸âš”ï¸
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