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 distinguished in terms of origin. A ‘fault scarp’ results when a fault displaces the ground surface so that one side stands high. A ‘fault-line scarp’ is produced by erosion on one side of an ancient fault: obsequent and resequent varieties are recognized. A ‘composite fault-line scarp’ results from a combination of erosion and faulting. Erosional scarps result from vertical incision or from the headward enlargement of pediments.

scarp (abbr. of escarpment) Steep slope or cliff found at the margin of a flat or gently sloping area. Many varieties are recognized, and distinguished in terms of origin. A ‘fault scarp’ results when a fault displaces the ground surface so that one side stands high. A ‘fault-line scarp’ is produced by erosion on one side of an ancient fault: obsequent and resequent varieties are recognized. A ‘composite fault-line scarp’ results from a combination of erosion and faulting. Erosional scarps result from vertical incision, or from the headward enlargement of pediments.

scarp, escarp.
1. Pitch or batter of a bank.

2. Steep slope below and away from a fortress-wall.

3. Inner wall or bank of the fosse.

scarp / skärp/ • n. a very steep bank or slope; an escarpment.

scarp (fortif.) steep bank or wall XVI; steep slope XIX. — It. scarpa.
Hence vb. XIX.