A Steilhang (pl: Steilhänge) 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°. Leser defines a steilhang as a mountainside with an incline of between 16° and 60°, slopes of between 30° and 60° being described as "very steep" (übersteil) and anything over 60° being a rock face (wand).
The term is German for "steep slope/mountainside/hillside", "escarpment" or "steep face". The word hang in this compound is derived from hängen, "to hang". Also compare the British English word hanger (from Old English hangra) for a steep wooded slope (compare Hanger Lane), or used to mean woods on steep hillsides, e.g. for the East Hampshire Hangers.
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