Surface forms of mineral soils in British Columbia

Dissected

A dissected landscape characterized by terrain that has been deeply cut by erosion into numerous valleys, ridges, and slopes.

Hummocky

A very complex sequence of slopes extending from somewhat rounded depressions or kettles of various sizes to irregular to conical knolls or knobs. The surface generally lacks concordance between knolls or depressions. Slopes are generally 9-70% (5-35°).

Inclined

A sloping, unidirectional surface with a generally constant slope not broken by marked irregularities. Slopes are 2-70% (1-35°). The form of inclined slopes is not related to the initial mode of origin of the underlying material.

Level

A flat or very gently sloping, unidirectional surface with a generally constant slope not broken by marked elevations and depressions. Slopes are generally less than 2% (1°).

Ridged

A long, narrow elevation of the surface, usually sharp‑crested with steep sides; ridges may be parallel, subparallel, or intersecting.

Rolling

A very regular sequence of moderate slopes extending from rounded, sometimes confined concave depressions to broad, rounded convexities producing a wavelike pattern of moderate relief.

Steep

Erosional slopes, greater than 70% (35°), on both consolidated and unconsolidated materials. The form of a steep erosional slope on unconsolidated materials is not related to the initial mode of origin of the underlying material. Rock and Ice.

Terraced

A scarp face and the horizontal or gently inclined surface (tread) above it.

Undulating

A regular sequence of gentle slopes that extends from rounded, sometimes confined concavities to broad rounded convexities producing a wavelike pattern of low local relief. Slope length is generally less than 0.8 km and the dominant gradient of slopes is 2-5% (1-3°).