TERM OF THE WEEK
cuesta: An asymmetric ridge capped by resistant rock layers of slight to moderate dip, commonly less than 10° (approximately <15%); a homocline type produced by differential erosion of interbedded resistant and weak rocks. A cuesta has a long, gentle slope on one side (dip slope), that roughly parallels the inclined beds, and on the opposite side has a relatively short, steep or cliff-like slope (scarp slope) that cuts through the tilted rocks (Schoeneberger and Wysocki, personal communication, 2013; Hawley and Parsons, 1980). Compare hogback, homoclinal ridge, mesa, dipslope, scarp slope, cuesta valley.