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Colorado Plateau
A Plateau is a large, nearly level area that has been uplifted above its surroundings
The Colorado Plateau consists of mostly flat-lying sedimentary rocks, covering large portions of four states Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, & Arizona
Erosion is the architect of the Colorado Plateau
Water and Wind have carved layers of colorful sandstone and limestone into spires, buttes, arches, and canyons
The Colorado Plateau
Many of the plateau’s most famous national parks and monuments, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, and of course The Grand Canyon are well-known for their Erosional features
Colorado Plateau Most of the area is
desert Rain and snow are rare
except at high elevations or during summer monsoon season
When rain does fall the soil and vegetation are usually unable to absorb it all
Water drains quickly into streams and rivers
Colorado PlateauMost streams eventually run into the
Colorado River, contributing to the massive flow of water through the Grand Canyon
Much of this water originates at the higher elevations of mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains, The Uinta Mountains, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
All these ranges are known for their snow-capped peaks