crevasse

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A crevasse is a deep vertical fissure, or a narrow crack, which can form in bedrock or ice. Usually, the term "crevasse" refers to cracks in ice or glaciers, while the term "crevice" refers to those in rocks; Hillerman sometimes uses crevasse to refer to the former. A crevasse is sometimes narrow enough to jump across, but never wide as wide as a ravine or canyon. One of the most overwhelming aspects of a crevasse is its sheer depth, it can appear to be almost bottomless.

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"Crevice entry way, Balcony House, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado," photograph by Jesse Nusbaum. Jesse Nusbaum Photo Collection (046443). Palace of the Governors Photo Archives, New Mexico History Museum, Santa Fe.

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