What is steep?

Steep refers to the slope or incline of a terrain or landscape. It is the degree to which the ground or a surface rises or falls vertically in relation to the horizontal plane. A steep slope is characterized by a sharp angle of inclination, which can make it difficult to climb or travel on foot. The steepness of a slope is usually measured in terms of its gradient or the ratio of the change in elevation to the horizontal distance covered. Steep slopes can be found in various different environments such as mountains, cliffs, hillsides, or even man-made landscapes like buildings or bridges. Steep terrain can pose both opportunities and challenges for activities such as hiking, rock climbing, skiing, or farming.