What material remains in place and is adjacent to the highest parts of the main scarp of a landslide?

The term that describes the material that remains in place adjacent to the highest parts of the main scarp of a landslide is the crown. In geological terms, the crown refers to the area at the head or uppermost part of a landslide, where material has not yet been displaced or has remained relatively stable despite the surrounding movement.

Understanding the features of a landslide is crucial for identifying potential hazards and assessing the stability of slopes. The crown often corresponds to the location where the original slope has been destabilized, leading to movement and fracture of the material below, while the crown itself remains intact and signifies the transition between stable and unstable ground.

This concept is essential for geologists in evaluating landslide risks, as it can provide insights into the dynamics of the sliding process and the potential evolution of the landform.