What is crag-and-tail?

Crag-and-tail is a geological formation consisting of a steep-sided hill (the "crag") on one side and a gentle slope on the other (the "tail"). This formation is typically found in areas where glaciers have eroded the landscape. As a glacier moves downhill, it tends to erode the rock on one side more than the other, creating the steep crag. The other side, made up of softer material, is then smoothed out by glacial deposits, resulting in the tail.

Crag-and-tail formations can be found in many parts of the world, including Scotland, Canada, and the United States. In Scotland, they are particularly common and are often associated with ancient volcanic activity. Examples of crag-and-tail features in Scotland include Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, both of which sit atop crags with gently sloping tails leading away from them.

Overall, crag-and-tail formations are an important part of the geological history of many regions, and they continue to be a subject of study for geologists and other scientists.