hogback
/'hɔgbæk/ Cách viết khác : (hog's-back) /'hɔgzbæk/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A hogback is a long, narrow ridge of hills or mountains, typically characterized by a steep, often symmetrical slope on each side, resembling the shape of a hog's back. It is a specific geological landform created by the erosion of tilted rock layers.
Examples
- Noun:
- The hikers followed the trail along the narrow hogback that separated the two valleys.
- From the air, the long, sinuous hogback was clearly visible cutting across the landscape.
Advanced Usage
- Geological Context: In geology, a hogback is formally defined as a ridge formed by the outcropping edges of steeply inclined, erosion-resistant rock strata. It is similar to a cuesta but with steeper slopes.
- The Dakota Hogback in Colorado is a classic example of this geological feature, marking the boundary between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.
Variants and Related Words
- Hog's-back: An alternative spelling for the same landform.
- Cuesta: A related ridge with a gentle slope on one side and a steep slope on the other, whereas a hogback has steep slopes on both sides.
Synonyms
- Ridge: A long, narrow elevation of land.
- Escarpment: A long, steep slope, especially at the edge of a plateau or separating areas of land at different heights.
Related Phrases
- Hogback ridge: A common descriptive phrase used to specify the landform.
- The town was built just east of the prominent hogback ridge.
Noun
- a narrow ridge of hills