What terrain feature is a short, continuous sloping line of higher ground, normally jutting out from the side of a ridge?

The correct answer is a spur, which is defined as a short, continuous sloping line of higher ground that typically extends from the side of a ridge. In topography, spurs are important features because they influence water runoff, vegetation patterns, and can serve as natural boundaries.

A spur forms as part of the larger landscape, indicating a transition in elevation, and may also have implications for military strategy and navigation. Understanding how to identify a spur can aid in reconnaissance and positioning in various terrains, making it valuable knowledge for anyone in security forces or related fields.

The other terrain features mentioned, such as cliffs, valleys, and knobs, have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from a spur. Cliffs are steep, vertical slopes, while valleys represent low-lying areas between hills or mountains. A knob, on the other hand, typically refers to a rounded hill or a prominent rounded landform. Recognizing these differences highlights the unique nature of a spur's geographical form.