Just the Facts

(Along with a Little Gossip and a Few Mistakes)

Name That Mountain

The Mountains are calling and I must go. - John Muir

CC Doug Kerr

Mountain Q & A

Q: What is the difference between a mountain and a hill?

A: According to the USGS, there are no official definitions for generic terms as applied to geographic features; therefore, there is no difference - just the name.

Q: When naming features on mountains, such as peaks, ridges, gaps, and others, what is the meaning of the term BUTT; as in "Cobb Butt"?

A: One English definition of "but" is an obstacle behind a target for stopping the shot. This definition comes from the Middle English word "butte" or target, which comes from the Old French word for but, goal, end, or target.

A mountain or a hill is a large mass of earth and rock, rising above the level of the adjacent land, while a butte (note spelling) is an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top.

Q: A valley is an elongated depression in the landscape that is formed by various forces of nature. Most valley bottoms are represented by "U" or "V" shaped contour lines, at least with respect to the cross section of the slopes or hillsides. They are usually closed at one, but sometimes at both ends.

What is another name for valley?

A: In its broadest geographic sense it is also known as a dale. But there are other terms used for valleys: