2. 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
3.
4. 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
5.
6. 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
7.
8. 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
9. Colorado Plateau
Most 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
