Understanding Azimuthal Directions and Orientations

Azimuthally refers to something that is directed or situated in the direction of the horizon, or more specifically, in the direction of the azimuth (the angle between the local horizon and a given point on the Earth's surface).

In geology, for example, an azimuthally-oriented feature is one that runs parallel to the horizon, such as a fault or a bedding plane. In astronomy, an azimuthally-positioned telescope is one that is pointed directly at the horizon, and can observe objects in the sky that are located at a specific altitude above the horizon.

In general, the term "azimuth" is used to describe the direction of something relative to the observer's horizon, and "azimuthally" is used to describe features or objects that are directed or situated in that direction.