Information AboutCanyon |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CANYON | |
| canyons and gorges | |
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, Arizona ]] complex and canyon in Armenia .]] A canyon (rarely '''''cañon''''') or '''gorge''' is a deep valley between Cliff s often carved from the landscape by a River . Most canyons were formed by a process of long-time Erosion from a Plateau level. The Cliff s form because harder Rock strata that are Resistant to erosion and weathering remain exposed on the valley walls. Canyons are much more common in arid areas than in wetter areas because weathering has a lesser effect in arid zones. Canyon walls are often formed of resistant Sandstone s or Granite . Submarine Canyon s are those which form underwater, generally at the mouths of rivers. The word ''canyon'' is Spanish in origin (''cañón''). The word ''canyon'' is generally used in the United States , while the word ''gorge'' is more common in Europe and Oceania , though it is also used in some parts of the United States and Canada . The rare word ''defile'' is occasionally used in England. A famous example is the Grand Canyon in Arizona . In the southwestern United States, canyons are important Archeologically because of the many Cliff-dwelling s built there, largely by the earlier inhabitants, Ancient Pueblo Peoples . Sometimes large rivers run through canyons as the result of gradual geologic uplift. These are called Entrenched River s, because they are unable to easily alter their course. The Colorado River and the Snake River in the northwestern United States are two examples of Tectonic Uplift . Canyons often form in areas of Limestone rock. Limestone is to a certain extent soluble, so Cave systems form in the rock. When these collapse a canyon is left, for example in the Mendip Hills in Somerset and Yorkshire Dales in Yorkshire , England . LARGEST CANYONS
The definition of "largest canyon" is rather imprecise, as a canyon can be "large" by its depth, length, or the total area of the canyon system. Also the inaccessibility of the major canyons in the Himalaya contributes to their not being regarded as candidates for the biggest canyon. The definition of "deepest canyon" is similarly imprecise, especially if one includes mountain canyons as well as canyons cut through relatively flat Plateau s (which have a somewhat well-defined rim elevation). The , Polung Tsangpo Canyon in Tibet, Cotahuasi Canyon (3,535 m deep and the deepest in the Americas), and the Tekezé Gorge (2000m+ deep and deepest in Africa). Slot Canyon s are very narrow canyons, often with smooth walls. OTHER WELL-KNOWN CANYONS
Other lesser-known canyon systems include:
The Blue Mountains west of Sydney in New South Wales , Australia contain many gorges carved into the Sandstone rock. CANYONS ON OTHER PLANETARY BODIES
TRIVIA Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion. SEE ALSO NOTES EXTERNAL LINKS
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