escarpment
Definitions
A long, steep slope or cliff at the edge of a plateau or separating areas of land at different heights.
A steep slope in front of a fortification.
Examples
The hikers carefully navigated the steep escarpment to reach the plateau above.
A massive escarpment marks the boundary between the coastal plain and the inland mountains.
The ancient fortress was strategically built atop a rugged escarpment for natural defense.