Canyons: What are they?

 

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Indigenous Canyons

Geological Aspect

Other Canyons

Definition

A canyon can be defined as a deep gorge, ravine or gully- usually with a stream or river that runs through it

 
 
Formation

Canyons are formed because of the fact that erosion takes place causing the formation of features on the earth’s surface. In the case of a canyon the erosive action takes place in the form of water running through a dry region with sedimentary rock layers of varying resistance

Three basic processes take place:

·        Removal & transportation of eroded rock material

·        Downcutting of stream channels through vertical erosion

·        Headward erosion

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