What is Scarp

Scarp (abbr. of escarpment) A steep slope or cliff found at the margin of a flat or gently sloping area, usually against the dip of the rocks; it may occur with a dip slope to give a 'cuesta. The gradient of the relatively steep face is maintained by the 'erosion of a relatively weak stratum which typically underlies the resistant cap rock that maintains the form of the scarp. Erosion may be achieved by *spring sapping, *sheet-wash, and 'mass wasting. Many varieties are recognized and distin¬guished in terms of origin. A