Sapping

(geology) Erosion along the base of a cliff by the wearing away of softer layers, thus removing the support for the upper mass which breaks off into large blocks and falls from the cliff face. Also known as undermining.

The breaking down and undermining of part of a hillslope such that small slips occur. Mechanisms include: undercutting by wave action, undercutting at the foot of a bluff along a river, and freeze-thaw at the base of a bergschrund.

(DOD) The strategic, operational, and tactical use of mines and mine countermeasures. Mine warfare is divided into two basic subdivisions: the laying of mines to degrade the enemy's capabilities to wage land, air, and maritime warfare; and the countering of enemy-laid mines to permit friendly maneuver or use of selected land or sea areas. Also called MIW.

For the geomorphic process, see groundwater sapping.

Union troops digging a sap with a sap roller on Morris Island, 1863

Sapping is a term used in siege operations. Any trench excavated under defensive musket or artillery fire that was intended to advance a besieging army's position in relation to the works of an attacked fortification was referred to as a sap. Saps of approach were excavated by brigades of trained sappers or instructed troops of the line who advanced their sap under cover of a sap roller or mantlet by forming a parapet on the engaged side of the trench one gabion at a time and filling it with earth taken from the trench.

References

• Campell, E.S.N (1844). A Dictionary Of The Military Science:Containing an Explanation Of The Principal Terms Used In Mathematics, Artillery, and Fortification, And Comprising The Substance Of The Latest Regulations On Courts Martial, Pay, Pension, Allowances, Etc. A Comparative Table Of Ancient And Modern Geography; Achievements Of The British Army; With An Address to Gentlemen Entering The Army. (New edition ed.). London: James Maynard. http://civilwarfortifications.com/library/campbell/index-frame.html. Retrieved on 2007-11-19. 

• Ernst, O.H. (:1873). A Manual Of Practical Military Engineering, Prepared For The Use Of The Cadets Of The U. S. Military Academy, And For Engineer Troops.. New York: D. Van Nostrand. http://civilwarfortifications.com/library/ernst/index-frame.html. Retrieved on 2007-11-19. 

See also

• Mining (military)

External links

• The Civil War Field Fortifications Website

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