The word "horst" is spelled with the letters H-O-R-S-T. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /hɔːst/. The first sound is the long "o" sound, followed by the "r" sound, which is made by vibrating the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. The next sound is the "s" sound, which is produced by forcing air through a small gap between the tongue and the roof of the mouth. Finally, the last sound is the unvoiced "t" sound, which is made by stopping the airflow with the tip of the tongue against the teeth.
A horst is a geological term referring to an elongated, relatively uplifted and elevated block of the Earth's crust that is raised between two parallel faults. It is a structural feature commonly found in regions with extensive tectonic activity, such as mountain ranges and rift valleys. Horsts are characterized by their higher elevation compared to the surrounding rock formations, which are usually part of the adjacent grabens or rift valleys.
The term "horst" is derived from the German word "horse", as the elevated block resembles a standing horse when viewed from above. These uplifted blocks are formed as a result of tensional forces within the Earth's crust, causing the rock layers to move upwards along the fault planes. The horizontal movement of the Earth's crust creates tensional stress leading to the extension and formation of fault systems. Over time, the central block, or horst, is pushed upward, creating a distinct topographic feature.
Horsts are often associated with fault-block mountains, as they are frequently found at the core of such mountain ranges. The formation of horsts and grabens is commonly related to the process of crustal rifting or the movement of tectonic plates. The elevation difference between a horst and its adjacent graben can vary significantly, ranging from a few meters to several kilometers. Horsts are important in understanding the geologic history and tectonic processes of a region, providing insights into the past and present dynamics of the Earth's crust.
The word horst is derived from the German language. It entered English in the late 19th century as a geological term to describe an elongated block of the Earth's crust that has been uplifted relative to its surroundings. The term is commonly used in geology, especially when discussing mountain ranges and fault blocks. The German word Horst means mound or knoll. Its etymology can be traced back to the Middle High German word herst, which has the same meaning. Ultimately, the origin of the word can be linked to the Old High German word hurst, meaning wooded hillock.