flattopped

Flattopped is an adjective describing objects or landforms that have a flat or level top surface. In geography and geomorphology, the term is used to characterize features whose summit is broadly horizontal, such as mesas, plateaus, and flat-topped hills. The form is sometimes written as flat-topped, especially when used before a noun (for example, a flat-topped hill), though the unhyphenated variant flattopped also appears in some texts.

In physical geography, flat-topped landforms typically arise when a resistant rock cap protects softer underlying strata from erosion. Over time, differential erosion wears away the surrounding terrain while the cap remains relatively intact, producing a broad, flat summit with steeper sides. This morphology distinguishes flat-topped forms from pointed peaks and conical hills. Common related terms include mesa, butte, and plateau, each differing in scale, proportion, or geological context.

Examples often cited include the flat-topped mountains and mesas found in arid regions, such as parts of the southwestern United States or table-like formations worldwide. Table Mountain in South Africa is frequently described as flat-topped, serving as a classic reference point for the concept, while countless smaller landforms worldwide exhibit the same basic "flat top" topology.

Although primarily a geographic descriptor, flat-topped can also be applied to non-geographic contexts where a horizontal top surface is notable, such as certain man-made structures or objects. In practice, however, the term is most common in the description of natural landforms, with flat-topped or flattopped used interchangeably depending on style guides. See also mesa, plateau, butte, table mountain.