A
dip slope is a topographic (geomorphic) surface which slopes in the same direction, and often by the same amount, as the
true dip or
apparent dip of the underlying
strata. A dip slope consists of the upper surface of a resistant layer of rock, often called
caprock, that is commonly only slightly lowered and reduced in steepness by
erosion. Dip slopes form the backslopes of
cuestas,
homoclinal ridges,
hogbacks, and
flatirons. The frontslopes of such ridges consist of either an
escarpment, a steep slope, or perhaps even a line of
cliffs. Generally, cuestas and homoclinal ridges are asymmetrical in that their dip slopes are less steep than their escarpments. In the case of hogbacks and flatirons, the dip of the rocks is so steep that their dip slope approaches the escarpment in their steepness.