Physical environment — Geological display in Loir-et-Cher

In geology, an outcropping is a set of rocks not separated from the subsoil, being exposed by a set of factors (hydraulic, glacial, marine or human activity). The outcrop itself is the site where the rock constituting the subsoil appears on the surface. In the landscape, there is an outcropping when the rocks in the basement are not covered by soil, vegetation or construction. Discontinuity can be obvious or discreet. Sometimes, when the substrate is different (poorer in general), the habitat changes: the flora and fauna are different, even if it is not a visible relief. Some outcrops may therefore be of landscape, geological and ecological interest (specific biodiversity) which may warrant protection.