[at-l] geology terminology?

[garyticknor@starpower.net (Gary Ticknor)]

The Devil's Racecourse

- Gary from Fairfax

Robert Rubin wrote:

> Any geologists out there on the list?
>
> I'm looking for the precise geologic term for a phenomenon we've all
> encountered on the Trail--particularly in the southern Appalachians and in
> Virginia.
>
> Often the trail, when it leads along the side of a mountain, will reach an
> inside crook in the hillside where there is an extensive field of mossy
> rocks and boulders stretching across the path. Sometimes these are tricky
> to cross. Often no watercourse is apparent. Is such a rocky stretch
> properly called a "rock field," a "rock slide," a "rockfall," a "talus
> field," "Pennsylvania," or something else? (I have semantic problems with
> all of the above.) I've tried looking on glossaries posted on geololgy
> websites, but no luck.
>
> I keep waiting for someone to come through with the Trail name, "Talus Cowboy."
>
> Thanks,
>
> Robert
>
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