cuesta

views updated May 23 2018

cuesta An asymmetric land-form that consists of a steep scarp slope and a more gentle dip (or back) slope. It is typical of areas underlain by strata of varying resistance that are dipping gently in one direction, and is intermediate between the flat-topped mesa and butte and the more symmetric ridge form of the hog's back.

cuesta

views updated May 08 2018

cuesta Asymmetric land-form consisting of a steep scarp slope, and a more gentle dip (or back) slope. It is typical of areas underlain by strata of varying resistance that are dipping gently in one direction, and is intermediate between the flat-topped mesa and butte, and the more symmetric ridge form of the hog's back.