Mountain Terminology
Leeward side and windward side- This refers to the different slopes of a mountain side and the prevailing wind direction. The Windward side is the side that faces the wind and the lee-side the opposite slope which is more sheltered.
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/download.png)
Rivers- true right and true left- the sides or banks of streams and rivers are described as if looking in the direction of the flow.
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/true-right-and-left-of-a-river.jpg)
Cairn- a small pile of rocks or stones, which mark significant points such as the summit of a hill. When placed at intervals they can be used as route markers on a mountain.
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cairn-1-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cairn-2-573x1024.jpg)
Arête- a sharp and usually steep ridge on a mountain. Usually made of rock but can also be of ice or snow. It can also be a small short sharp ridge in a rock climbing pitch.
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Cathedral-Peak-2018-Arete.jpg)
Scree- areas of a small stones or gravel usually below major cliffs, caused by frosting action in rock.
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/scree-1-1024x760.jpg)
Boulder field- larger rocks found in areas below cliffs and sometimes in river beds.
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Boulder-field-1-1024x760.jpg)
Shoulder- a flat area on a ridge of mountain.
Headwall- a mountain face of rock near or leading to the summit.
Gendarme- a pinnacle of rock standing on a sharp ridge of mountain.
Col, Saddle or Nek– a gap in a ridge below two points of mountain, (The word “Nek” is a South African term).
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Cathedral-Peak-2018-1024x685.jpg)
Gully- a narrow hollow area in a mountain.
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gully-1-1024x482.jpg)
Couloir- a snow or ice filled gully. French meaning for “passage”.
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Coulior-2-1024x768.jpg)
Aiguille- a large, sharp peak. French meaning for “needle”.
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/auigille-673x1024.jpg)
Tarn– A small pond or lake either situated on a ridge or beside a glacierT
![](https://peakhigh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Tarn-1024x539.jpg)