Colorado plateau

1. The Colorado PlateauThe Colorado Plateau

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

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

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

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