The Colorado PlateauThe Colorado Plateau

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