DMoriarty, et. al.,
I think you have to be careful not to blend distinct architectural features into one catch-all category.
It would appear that there was the "Alps" a larger intervening feature, alpinization, mounds and berms. And, that these features could be used in different locations, serving different purposes.
I've often wondered if the large rear berm at # 3 at NGLA wasn't there for two purposes.
1 To act as a backstop or safety net for errant shots given the long and blind approach into that green.
2 To act as a protective barrier to those on the 4th tee.
Now it may serve a third purpose.
To block some views of Sebonack.
Crcular and straight mounding behind greens along with mounds or berms behind greens was a common AWT feature, not to be confused with "alpinization"
If you'll look at early photos of Shackamaxon, especially the 9th green you'll see the, behind the green feature. The 14th hole also has behind the green mounds, as opposed to the longer berm like feature that appears elsewhere.
I don't know if we'll ever know AWT's definitions for these features, or if he consistently classified them over his designing years, but, perhaps we should define or view them in their seperate forms and functions.