Normally used to describe overburden removed during strip mining. These operations leave long rows of intermixed rock and soil, commonly described as spoil banks. Often composed of loose shale and placed downhill from the final cut, they block outflow, forming lakes, and in level terrain store large amounts of groundwater. Prior to the 1977 enactment of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, these man-made landforms were often abandoned, creating a distinctive landscape. Efforts are now made to reclaim these aptly-named "orphan" lands. However, unless properly done, reclamation may exacerbate erosion;in such cases they are best left undisturbed. Trees often lead the succession, perhaps hastening the day when effective reclamation might be feasible.