1. An inclined or vertical surface that is uncovered either naturally (as a sea cliff or stream bank) or artificially (as a strip mine or road cut) through a part of the earth’s crust. 2. A description or scale drawing of the successive rock units or geologic structures shown by the exposed surface, or their appearance if cut through by any intersecting plane. 3. See columnar section; geologic section; thin section; type section.
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