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Chapter 9 Lesson 1 The Grand Canyon

Mesa A flat landform that rises steeply above the surrounding land; smaller than a plateau

Butte A flat-topped hill, smaller than a mesa

Canyon

Grand Canyon Canyon on the Colorado River in northwestern Arizona

Grand Canyon Photos

Colorado River Flows through Grand Canyon

Erosion Many people cannot understand how water can have such a profound impact considering that the Canyon is basically located in a desert. This is one of the biggest reasons that water has such a big impact here. Because the soil in the Grand Canyon is baked by the sun it tends to become very hard and cannot absorb water when the rains to come. When it does rain the water tends to come down in torrents which only adds to the problem. The plants that grow in the Grand Canyon tend to have very shallow root systems so that they can grab as much water as possible on those rare occasions when it does rain.

Supai and the Havasupai Reservation

The Anasazi Indians built granaries high on the cliff about 1100 A.D. Since the view from the ruins is popular with river runners and hikers alike, multiple trailing has occurred. Efforts are underway to minimize human impact and revegetate the area.

Duck-on-a-rock