Earth and Environment Atlas

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Geological Formations

Col

Erosional and Karst Formations

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A col is a saddle-shaped pass marking the lowest point on a ridge between two peaks, formed as water, wind and, in mountainous regions, glacial ice erode a route through the ridge over time. By offering a relatively easy crossing between two valleys, cols have long served as natural corridors for travel, trade and migration across mountain ranges that would otherwise block them.

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