outcrop
n. countable C1 Advanced UK //ˈaʊtkɹɒp// out·crop
n. a part of a rock formation that sticks out from the ground. You can see it because the soil or sand has worn away around it.
n. a portion of a rock formation that is exposed at the surface of the earth. Often used in geological contexts to describe a visible section of bedrock.
The hikers climbed over a large outcrop of granite.
The geologist examined the sandstone outcrop to determine the age of the surrounding sedimentary layers.
While the valley floor is covered in fertile soil, the steep cliffs reveal a massive outcrop of limestone that has resisted erosion for millions of years.