skorðum

Skorðum is a term used in Icelandic to describe a specific type of geological formation or a historical settlement pattern, depending on the context. In geology, it can refer to a steep cliff face or a rocky outcrop. These features are often found along coastlines or in mountainous regions of Iceland, shaped by volcanic activity and glacial erosion over millennia. The term emphasizes the sheer, unyielding nature of the rock.

Alternatively, "skorðum" can also refer to a historical method of land division or settlement in Iceland. This usage might describe areas of land that were traditionally marked or divided by natural features like rock formations or streams. It could also be associated with the establishment of early settlements in regions where such natural boundaries provided shelter or defined agricultural plots. The precise meaning often relies on the historical or geographical context in which it is used. Understanding which definition is intended requires examining the surrounding text or the specific region being discussed.