Hogback (geology)

A hogback is a homoclinal ridge composed of steeply tilted strata of rock protruding from the surrounding area. The name comes from the ridge resembling the ridge between the shoulders of a hog. In many cases, the two strata that compose a hogback are different types of sedimentary rock with differing weathering rates. The softer rock erodes more quickly than overlying hard rock. Over time, the softer rock retreats to a point where the hard and soft rock strata are adjacent. This creates cliffs that steepen as the softer rock continues to erode. The defining characteristics of a hogback a steep dip slope that is greater than 30° - 40° with a near symmetric slope on each ridge face. A cuesta is a homoclinal ridge with a more gentle dip slope.cite web |url=http://myweb.cwpost.liu.edu/vdivener/notes/structure_landforms.htm |title=Structural Control of Fluvial Landscapes| work = Crustal Structures and Landforms (course notes) |accessdate=2008-03-16 | author = Divener, V. |format= |publisher = Long Island University C.W. Post Campus|quote=Homoclinal ridges are called cuestas where bedding dip is gentle [and] hogbacks where steep (>30-40 degree).] cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-145944/cuesta |title=Cuesta, or homoclinal ridge (geology) |accessdate=2008-03-16 |format= |work=Britannica Online Encyclopedia|quote=Cuestas with dip slopes of 40°–45° are usually called hogback ridges.]

References

*Easterbrook, D. J. (1999) "Surface processes and landforms." (Second Ed). Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.