Kallioseinät

Kallioseinät, often translated as rock walls or stone walls, are natural or man-made vertical rock formations. In geology, they refer to exposed cliff faces or steep rock outcrops that are a result of geological processes such as erosion, faulting, or glacial activity. These formations can be composed of various types of rock, including granite, sandstone, limestone, and basalt, with their specific characteristics influenced by the underlying geology and the erosional forces at play.

In a more common, practical sense, kallioseinät can also refer to constructed walls made from stone or rock. These are frequently found in historical fortifications, agricultural terracing, and as decorative elements in landscaping. The construction techniques vary widely, from dry-stone walls, where stones are carefully fitted without mortar, to mortared walls that utilize cement or lime-based binders for stability. The term can also extend to modern architectural uses, where pre-fabricated stone panels or quarried blocks are employed in building facades or interior design. The study and appreciation of kallioseinät span disciplines from geology and archaeology to architecture and art.