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cuestas

Cuestas are geological landforms characterized by a ridge with a gentle slope on one side and a steep cliff or escarpment on the other. They form when layers of sedimentary rock are tilted or inclined, causing the softer, more easily eroded side to slope gently downward, while the harder, more resistant layers create a steep face. Cuestas commonly develop in regions with alternating layers of different rock types and are often found in areas with significant erosion. They influence local drainage, vegetation, and land use, creating distinctive ridges and valleys in the landscape.