Structural and Tectonic Formations

Formations whose defining shape comes from tectonic uplift, faulting or folding rather than from surface erosion, deposition or volcanic activity, following the structural landform class of standard geomorphology. Includes a monolithic limestone promontory raised by tectonic uplift along a fault (Rock of Gibraltar), sandstone pillars exposed by the uplift and later erosion of a former seabed at a major fault junction (Meteora), and a canyon cut along a fault-controlled rift valley (Fish River Canyon). Belongs here: any formation whose primary shaping force is the tectonic movement of the crust itself, faulting, folding or uplift, even where later erosion refined its final form. Does not belong here: a formation whose shape is due mainly to erosion or dissolution acting on rock already in its current structural position (Erosional and Karst Formations), or one due mainly to volcanic construction (Volcanic Formations). This class holds three live entities today; further structurally and tectonically defined formations have a real home waiting here as later mint waves add them.