Steilhang

Steilhänge [ˈʃtaɪlhɛŋə] ⓘ) is a geoscientific term for a steep mountainside or hillside (or a part thereof), the average slope of which is greater than 1:2 or 30°.

The formation of slopes of different gradients depends on the one hand on the type of underlying rock of the mountain or hill - and this may result in slopes varying from those on the other side of a mountain, hill or valley – and on the other hand on its local hardness, and circumstances of its deposition (sedimentation, stratigraphy, bedding or jointing), on its resistance to erosion and not least on the water flow and local climatic conditions.

From a geomorphological standpoint, there is a distinction made between steilhänge not simply on the basis of their gradient and rock type, but especially on their aspect (i.e. their orientation), their rotundity or roughness (small shapes, flexion, steps, terraces, drainage etc.

As a result, hill farmers (their definition varies according to the location of the uplands and their hillsides) are usually supported from the public purse.

Traditionally the higher level authorities are responsible (especially the German states for example), because the individual municipalities are economically unable to.