In
physical geology,
aspect is the compass direction that a slope faces. For example, a slope on the eastern edge of the
Rockies toward the
Great Plains is described as having an
easterly aspect. A slope which falls down to a deep
valley on its western side and a shallower one on its eastern side has a
westerly aspect or is a
west-facing slope. The direction a slope faces can affect the physical and biotic features of the slope, known as a
slope effect. The term aspect can also be used to describe the shape or alignment of a
coastline. Here, the aspect is the direction which the coastline is facing towards the sea. For example, a coastline with sea to the northeast (as in most of
Queensland) has a
northeasterly aspect.