What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scree
Example
The hiker carefully made his way down the scree slope. [scree: noun]
Example
The sound of scree tumbling down the mountain echoed through the valley. [scree: noun]
talus
Example
The talus slope was difficult to climb due to the loose rocks. [talus: noun]
Example
The geologist studied the talus deposits to understand the geological history of the area. [talus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Talus is more commonly used than scree in American English, while scree is more commonly used in British English. Both words are technical terms used primarily in geology and outdoor recreation contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scree and talus?
Both scree and talus are technical terms and are therefore more formal than everyday language. However, they are still appropriate for use in informal contexts such as hiking or rock climbing.
