Hill

A hill is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain, often with a distinct summit. Hills are generally considered less tall and less steep than mountains, though the distinction is subjective and varies by region and authority. Hills fall under the category of slope landforms and can form through faulting, erosion of larger landforms, glacial movement and deposition (creating features like drumlins and moraines), or the weathering of solid rock. The rounded peaks typical of many hills result from the downhill creep of soil and regolith covering the landform.

The terminology surrounding hills is complex. Geographers have historically set a threshold of 1,000 feet above sea level to distinguish a mountain from a hill, while hillwalkers have often used 2,000 feet. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests a limit of 2,000 feet, and some authorities regard eminences above 2,000 feet as mountains. In the UK and Ireland, a mountain is now usually defined as any summit at least 2,000 feet high, while the UK government’s Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 defined mountainous areas as those above 600 meters. Some definitions also include a topographical prominence requirement of 300 or 500 meters. In practice, many Scottish peaks are still called “hills” regardless of height, as seen in names like the Cuillin Hills. In Wales, the distinction is based on land use and appearance rather than height. The United States once defined a mountain as being 1,000 feet or more tall, but the US Geological Survey now states these terms have no technical definitions. The Great Soviet Encyclopedia defined a hill as an upland with a relative height of up to 200 meters. Smaller hills are called hillocks, knolls, or, in Scotland and northern England, knowes. Artificial hills are referred to as mounds or tumuli.

Historically, many settlements were built on hills for flood avoidance, defense, or to escape dense forests. Ancient Rome was built on seven hills for protection. In the Middle East, artificial hills called tells formed from accumulated debris over generations. In Northern Europe, ancient monuments like Iron Age hillforts were sited on hills, and many British churches atop hills are thought to occupy earlier pagan holy sites. The Washington National Cathedral was built on the highest hill in Washington, D.C. Hills also hold military significance, providing elevate