landfill
An area whose shape is formed by accumulated refuse, whether deposited in an excavation or above existing ground.
A landfill is any area on land which owes its shape to, or is currently being formed by, stacked refuse material. The material can be garbage, rubble, or other waste materials. The piled up material can be deposited in an excavated pit or on top of unaltered land.
The usage for a landfill is typically some sort of waste depository (such as a garbage dump) until it is sealed over (if ever), at which time it may switch to some different usage (such as recreation) if the upper surface is adapted for it.
The deposited waste determines the physical landform. A later cover or change to recreational use can alter the surface and use while leaving the accumulated material beneath it.
Related definitions
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open pit
An excavated hole in the earth bounded on all sides and fully open to the atmosphere. -
trench
A waterless excavated channel below mean surrounding surface level, bounded by retained earth on both sides. -
underground mine
A cavity or network of tunnels dug under the earth for extraction of minerals. -
well
A shaft drilled, bored, or dug into the earth to extract water, oil, natural gas, or similar substances.