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7.4.1 Hogback

A hogback escarpment is a long sharp ridge of a steeply dipping layer (or layers) of harder igneous or sedimentary rock. Surrounding, weaker rock has been eroded away, leaving a steep ridge of more resistant material. Hogbacks typically have a dip of more than 20 degrees, and the dip slope is approximately equal to the escarpment slope (the slope which cuts through a layer of rock).

Cuestas are similar formations with dip slopes of less than 20 degrees; escarpment slopes of cuestas are much steeper than the dip slopes.


Images
Cuesta
Cuesta
Original picture by Jennie Hango
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Hogback  Cuesta 

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