Outcrop

However, in places where the overlying cover is removed through erosion or tectonic uplift, the rock may be exposed, or crop out.

11000 BC), followed by scouring by sea waves, followed by isostatic uplift has produced many smooth coastal and littoral outcrops.

Bedrock and superficial deposits may also be exposed at the Earth's surface due to human excavations such as quarrying and building of transport routes.

Outcrops are also very important for understanding fossil assemblages, and paleo-environment, and evolution as they provide a record of relative changes within geologic strata.

An outcrop example in California is the Vasquez Rocks, familiar from location shooting use in many films, composed of uplifted sandstone.