Canyon Landscape Formation: Causes of Horizontally Layered Rocks

What is the primary reason for the formation of canyon landscapes?

What is the purpose of damming canyons?

What type of rock protects the plateau in Karoo landscapes?

What is the characteristic feature of rugged cliffs in canyon landscapes?

What is the name of the popular tourist destination in South Africa known for its canyon landscape?

What is the term for the remaining flat area of land in Karoo landscapes?

What is the primary factor that influences the landscape of hilly areas in humid regions?

What is the process in which a thin, mobile sheet of water flows over the surface of a hill-slope?

What is characterized by steep slopes, minimal vegetation, and is formed by extreme erosion of softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils?

How are horizontally layered rocks formed?

What is the characteristic of hilly landscapes in dry/arid areas?

What is built up over millions of years by lava pouring out of long narrow cracks in the ground?

Horizontally Layered Rocks

Form where layers of rocks are flat lying, resulting from sediments deposited by wind and water
Sediments are turned into rocks over millions of years as more layers are deposited
Formed when:
- Horizontal sedimentary rocks are uplifted without changing position
- Lava flows on the surface cool, forming layers of igneous rocks
- A sill (igneous intrusion) is exposed to the surface

Hilly Landscapes

Influenced by climate and rock resistance
In humid areas:
- Large amount of rainfall leads to erosion through sheet wash
- Smooth and rounded hills form
In dry/arid areas:
- Less rainfall leads to less water erosion
- Rugged hilly landscapes with steep slopes and little rounding form
- Can also be referred to as Badlands, characterized by steep slopes and minimal vegetation

Basaltic Plateau

Formed by lava pouring out of long narrow cracks in the ground
Built up over millions of years, forming deposits hundreds to thousands of meters thick
Example: The Drakensberg, a popular tourist destination

Canyon Landscapes

Develop where horizontal layers erode at different rates
Running water finds weak places in the hard surface layer, eroding vertically into the land
Form deep valleys with stepped sides and resistant rock forming steep cliffs
Less resistant rocks form gentler slopes
Example: The Grand Canyon in the USA

Uses of Canyons

Can be dammed to make very deep dams, often used for hydro-electric power
Surrounding plateau may be too dry for agricultural value
Impressively scenic, making them popular tourist attractions

Karoo Landscapes

Develop from canyon landscapes
Plateau remains the same height due to cap rock
Large areas are covered with horizontal layers
Rivers erode vertically, forming canyons with landforms like Mesas, Buttes, and Conical Hills
Example: The Blyde (Motlase) canyon in Mpumalanga

Learn about the formation of horizontally layered rocks, including the role of sediments, wind, water, and uplift. Understand how these rocks are created over millions of years.