The section of a geological stratum, coal seam, or mineral vein that intersects the earth's surface. Geologists and prospectors look for the crop to trace the strike of a deposit before drilling or digging. Because it is exposed to weathering, the material at the crop is often oxidized or degraded compared to the deeper ore.
Heard on the job
You can see the crop of the quartz vein right where the creek cuts through the hillside.
Also heard as
- outcrop