Mountain shoulder
A mountain shoulder is a common type of terrain in the mountains that forms a distinctive transition from a steep slope to a flatter slope or an opposite slope.
The name refers to the shape of the shoulder of a living being of contemporary fauna and includes both local elevations (extensive humps in the terrain) on mountain slopes as well as steps parallel to the slope , which can extend hundreds of meters and show their shoulder shape only from a side view.
The formation of mountain shoulders is usually the result of uneven erosion of the rock, e.g. B. by different types of rock , structure or rock hardness. But there are also tectonic causes (e.g. thrust faults) or local deposits such as moraines .
Castles and aristocratic residences were often built on steep mountain shoulders near the valley . At medium altitudes there are numerous mountain farms , individual hamlets and alpine pastures . Small mountain shoulders offer a good position for transmitter masts , cable car supports or material ropeways . In the high mountains , numerous shelters have been built on mountain shoulders because the slight slope makes construction easier. At the same time, the location protects against avalanches , torrents and mudslides. Mountain huts built on such hills or steps are visible to the mountaineer from afar and on the other hand offer a good panoramic view.