A terp, also known as a wierde, woerd, warf, warft, werf, werve, wurt or værft, is an artificial dwelling mound found on the North European Plain that has been created to provide safe ground during storm surges, high tides and sea or river flooding. The various terms used reflect the regional dialects of the North European region.
Terp on the hallig of Hooge
Halligwarft während einer Sturmflut, "Hallig terp during a storm tide"; a dramatic 1906 illustration
1862 illustration
Westerwerft on Hallig Hooge
A mound is a heaped pile of earth, gravel, sand, rocks, or debris. Most commonly, mounds are earthen formations such as hills and mountains, particularly if they appear artificial. A mound may be any rounded area of topographically higher elevation on any surface. Artificial mounds have been created for a variety of reasons throughout history, including habitation, ceremonial, burial (tumulus), and commemorative purposes.
Grave Creek Mound, in Moundsville, West Virginia
Kościuszko Mound, Kraków, Poland
General view of the excavations in January 1889 at Kankali Tila, Mathura
Mound known as Structure 101 located at the Yarumela archeological site in Honduras.