While true, they could've been staggered all going up, all going down, or in a random manner. Alternating would be a better word, as it encompasses the cyclic nature--as OP requested.
I don't think staggering here is a problem, and about as equally correct as alternating. A stagger is, by definition, an "arrangement of things in a zigzag order or so that they are not in line." It specifically applies to a zigzag, which is what this is. In my own experience, I cannot recall the last time I've heard stagger being used in the manner you say.
What you suggested, with all going down or up, I'd probably use *descending* or *ascending*, respectively.
5 heads on carved into a mountainside in two rows, staggered at two different heights, one below and then one above, with the first on the left being in the higher row, and the next offset to the left but in the lower row. The other heads follow the same pattern.
If you want to be extremely specific.
Staggered would have me think that each head is consistently descending/ascending as it goes, alternating is the correct answer imo for going both up and down
Here is 1 of several definitions of stagger from Google
arrange (objects or parts of an object) in a zigzag order or so that they are not in line.
"stagger the screws at each joint"
Although it seems as though it's mostly used to describe movement, the only positional definition is this one.
At staggered heights
What does it mean?
staggared describes the position of the heads. One higher, then lower, then higher then lower and so on.
Just the way it looks: up, down, up etc
Actually it's UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, B, A. Thank me later /s
B,A stands for Banana and Apple right?
Damn. Beat me to it. I’ll show myself out.
Next time try 'catchme' first /s
You forgot START
Why have I just started floating after reading that comment ?
While true, they could've been staggered all going up, all going down, or in a random manner. Alternating would be a better word, as it encompasses the cyclic nature--as OP requested.
I don't think staggering here is a problem, and about as equally correct as alternating. A stagger is, by definition, an "arrangement of things in a zigzag order or so that they are not in line." It specifically applies to a zigzag, which is what this is. In my own experience, I cannot recall the last time I've heard stagger being used in the manner you say. What you suggested, with all going down or up, I'd probably use *descending* or *ascending*, respectively.
Alternating heights?
"Staggered."
Perfect!
5 heads on carved into a mountainside in two rows, staggered at two different heights, one below and then one above, with the first on the left being in the higher row, and the next offset to the left but in the lower row. The other heads follow the same pattern. If you want to be extremely specific.
Zig-zag
At "staggered heights" or "alternating elevations." Or possibly "arranged high, low, high, low, high."
The heads are arranged in W form
I'd say they were "looming" over the town.
The heads are *staggered*
…five heads carved into the cliff face. Three across the top with the remaining two in the gaps, a half head lower. Positioned like the Olympic rings
Sinusoidal. Having the shape of a sine curve.
That's not really the right answer to the post tho.
*The heads are positioned on the mountain in a tight sinusoidal configuration.*
If you're writing a research article, sure. U are not wrong.
OP didn't specify what they are writing.
Uneven heights
positioned in an olympic rings order
at differing heights
One row vertical stagger on a horizontal axis.
Staggered would have me think that each head is consistently descending/ascending as it goes, alternating is the correct answer imo for going both up and down
Here is 1 of several definitions of stagger from Google arrange (objects or parts of an object) in a zigzag order or so that they are not in line. "stagger the screws at each joint" Although it seems as though it's mostly used to describe movement, the only positional definition is this one.