What is a cliff?

A cliff is a significant vertical, or near vertical, rock exposure.

A cliff has 2 main characteristics

1. High and steep slope

2. Made of rock or soil

Cliffs are formed as erosion landforms due to the processes of erosion and weathering that produce them. Cliffs are common on coasts, in mountainous areas and along rivers. Cliffs are usually formed by rock that is resistant to erosion and weathering. Sedimentary rocks often form cliffs.

An escarpment is a type of cliff that is formed by the movement of a fault, or a landslide.

Most cliffs have some form of jumble and debris that slopes at their base. In dry areas or under high cliffs, these are generally exposed jumbles of fallen rock. In areas of higher wet areas, a soil slope may be covered with rocks. Many cliffs also feature waterfalls or rock shelters. Sometimes a cliff gets smaller at the end of a ridge.

Places Famous Cliffs Are Found:
Gray Cliff in Yosemite National Park
Cliffs of Etretat in Normandy, France

Cliff Towers in Wyoming

Along the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan

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