Innutfell

Innutfell is a geological term used to describe a type of landform or process. It specifically refers to the downward movement of earth or rock that is not caused by a sudden catastrophic event like a landslide. Instead, innutfell is characterized by a slow, often imperceptible creep or flow of material. This gradual movement can occur over extended periods, sometimes centuries, and is typically driven by forces such as gravity, saturation of the soil or rock with water, freeze-thaw cycles, or seismic activity.

The visual evidence of innutfell can include the tilting of trees, fences, and other structures, as well as the formation of scarps or steps on slopes. In some cases, the slow deformation of the land can lead to the formation of distinctive features like solifluction lobes in periglacial environments, where the thawing of permafrost causes saturated soil to move downslope. While not as dramatic as a landslide, innutfell can still have significant impacts on infrastructure and the landscape over time, leading to changes in drainage patterns and the need for stabilization measures. The term is less common in everyday language and is primarily encountered in specialized geological and geomorphological contexts.