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scarp Definition

scarp (skärp)

noun

  1. a steep slope; specif., an escarpment or cliff extending along the edge of a plateau, mesa, etc.
  2. the inner slope of a ditch below a rampart

Etymology: It scarpa, a scarp, slope < Goth *skrapa, akin to OE scræf, cave, hollow < IE *(s)kerb(h)-, var. of base *(s)ker-, to cut > shear

transitive verb

  1. to make or cut into a steep slope
  2. to provide with a scarp

scarp Usage Examples

Preposition: on

side: Slight scarp on the north side where the old boundary was removed.

Converse of object

  • form: The Polden Hills are capped by the Blue Lias Limestone, which in places forms a steep scarp.
  • follow: They result from topography and geology, following the chalk scarp and the river valleys.
  • face: A pair of Ravens over the north facing scarp of the Downs between Saxon Down and Malling Down this morning.

Adjective modifier

  • steep: The Blackdown Hills are best known for the dramatic, steep, wooded scarp face they present to the north.
  • northern: Lower Paleolithic Surface finds from the northern scarp of the Downs at Kithurst Hill, West Sussex.
  • wooded: The Blackdown Hills are best known for the dramatic, steep, wooded scarp face they present to the north.
  • main: Excavations during the 1960s discovered a box rampart on top of the main scarp and two outer ditches.
  • Jurassic: From the ledge on Jurassic Scarp the traverse was continued at the same level around the corner under the prow into The Night Watch.

Modifies a noun

  • slope: Turning right, you climb steeply up the scarp slope, passing through a ribbon of woodland en route.
  • retreat: This may account for the high rates of scarp retreat.
  • bank: On the western side of the ditch there is often a small counter scarp bank also made from the material removed for the ditch.
  • edge: Climb the track beyond it with the scarp edge to your right.
  • face: The stone is located just beyond the rocky scarp face on the right.
  • feature: The ridges of Wenlock and Aymestrey limestone form a double scarp feature almost encircling the Woolhope inlier.

Noun used with modifier

  • chalk: Walkers are rewarded with outstanding landscapes, the chalk scarp deeply divided by dry valleys.
  • limestone: Your path takes you along a wooded limestone scarp with splendid views across the Aveyron gorge.
  • fault: A sketch map by Barbara Nuttall of medieval Thornhill shows Deadman's Lane climbing the fault scarp of the Edge.
  • rock: This drawing shows a platform with two converging sewage channels running parallel to the rock scarp.
  • sandstone: The area includes the dip slopes and a series of smaller sandstone scarps and ridges behind the main cliffs.