Terracette
Encyclopedia
In geomorphology
, a terracette is a type of landform
, a ridge on a hillside formed when saturated soil particles expand, then contract as they dry, causing them to move slowly downhill. An example of this is The Manger near the Uffington White Horse
.
It may also be described as a small, irregular step-like formation on steep hillslopes, especially on those used for pasture which are formed by soil creep or erosion of surface soils exacerbated by the trampling of livestock
such as sheep or cattle. Synonyms (not preferred) are: catstep, sheep or cattle track.
Geomorphology
Geomorphology is the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them...
, a terracette is a type of landform
Landform
A landform or physical feature in the earth sciences and geology sub-fields, comprises a geomorphological unit, and is largely defined by its surface form and location in the landscape, as part of the terrain, and as such, is typically an element of topography...
, a ridge on a hillside formed when saturated soil particles expand, then contract as they dry, causing them to move slowly downhill. An example of this is The Manger near the Uffington White Horse
Uffington White Horse
The Uffington White Horse is a highly stylised prehistoric hill figure, 110 m long , formed from deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk...
.
It may also be described as a small, irregular step-like formation on steep hillslopes, especially on those used for pasture which are formed by soil creep or erosion of surface soils exacerbated by the trampling of livestock
Livestock
Livestock refers to one or more domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as food, fiber and labor. The term "livestock" as used in this article does not include poultry or farmed fish; however the inclusion of these, especially poultry, within the meaning...
such as sheep or cattle. Synonyms (not preferred) are: catstep, sheep or cattle track.