scree crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "scree," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all the possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer for your puzzle.
Solutions for "scree crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TALUS: A slope formed by an accumulation of loose rocks, especially at the base of a cliff or mountain. This is often considered the most direct and common crossword answer for 'scree'.
6 Letters
RUBBLE: Waste or rough fragments of stone, brick, concrete, etc., commonly found on a scree slope after erosion.
DEBRIS: Scattered pieces of waste or remains, a general term that perfectly describes the material making up a scree.
SLOPES: The inclined surface formed by an accumulation of scree is fundamentally a slope. This answer focuses on the geographical feature itself.
8 Letters
ROCKFALL: While not a synonym for scree, a rockfall is the process that creates and contributes to scree formations. Sometimes crosswords ask for a related action.
More About "scree crossword clue"
The term "scree" refers to a collection of broken rock fragments that have accumulated at the base of a cliff or mountain slope. These accumulations are a common geological feature, often found in mountainous regions where weathering processes, particularly frost action, cause rocks to break away from the main rock face. Over time, these fragments tumble down the slope and collect, forming a distinctive cone or apron-shaped deposit.
Scree slopes can vary greatly in size and stability. Some are active, meaning they are frequently supplied with new material from ongoing erosion, leading to a loose, unstable surface. Others are more ancient and may have become stabilized by vegetation over centuries. Understanding the geological context of terms like 'scree' can often provide crucial hints in crosswords, especially those with a nature or geography theme.
In crosswords, 'scree' is a popular clue because it has several closely related synonyms and associated concepts, such as 'talus,' 'rubble,' or 'debris,' giving constructors flexibility with letter counts. Recognizing these connections is key to solving such clues efficiently.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Related Terms: For clues like "scree," think beyond direct definitions. Often, answers can be close synonyms (like 'talus') or materials/processes associated with the word (like 'rubble' or 'rockfall').
- Check Letter Count First: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. If 'scree' is 5 letters, 'TALUS' is your most likely candidate. If it's 6, then 'RUBBLE' or 'DEBRIS' become strong possibilities.
- Context is King: Pay attention to other clues in the puzzle. A theme (e.g., "geology," "mountain features") can help confirm whether a more specific or general answer is required.
- Think about "What it is" vs. "What it's made of": For a clue like 'scree', the answer could be the thing itself (TALUS), or what it is composed of (RUBBLE, DEBRIS), or even its form (SLOPE).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'scree' in geological terms?
In geology, a scree (also known as a talus slope) is an accumulation of broken rock fragments at the base of a cliff or a mountain. These fragments accumulate due to erosion and weathering processes like frost wedging, where water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and breaks off pieces of rock.
Why is 'scree' a common crossword clue?
The term 'scree' is relatively specific but has several direct synonyms and related terms like 'talus,' 'rubble,' or 'debris,' which makes it versatile for crossword constructors. It allows for various letter lengths and encourages solvers to think about geological or natural terms.
Are there different types of scree?
While the basic formation is similar, scree slopes can vary in their stability, the size of the rock fragments, and the angle of repose. Some are active and frequently experience rockfalls, while others are more stable and vegetated. The term 'talus' is often used interchangeably with 'scree'.