Colorado Plateau
Geology
The Colorado Plateau, also known as the Colorado Plateau Province, is a physiographic region in the western United States, covering approximately 337,000 square kilometers. This region is characterized by a series of broad, flat-topped tablelands, or mesas, separated by deep canyons. The Colorado Plateau is a part of the larger Intermontane Plateaus physiographic division.
The geology of the Colorado Plateau is complex and diverse, with a wide range of rock types and ages represented. The oldest rocks in the region are Precambrian in age, and include both metamorphic and igneous rocks. Overlying these are a series of sedimentary rocks, ranging in age from the Cambrian to the Cretaceous. These rocks were deposited in a variety of environments, including marine, fluvial, and aeolian settings.
The Colorado Plateau is known for its striking geological features, many of which are the result of erosion by the Colorado River and its tributaries. These include the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the San Rafael Swell. The region is also home to a number of national parks and monuments, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park.
Climate
The climate of the Colorado Plateau is semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is relatively low, averaging between 25 and 40 centimeters per year. The region is subject to periodic droughts, and water availability is a major concern for both human and natural communities.
Flora and Fauna
The Colorado Plateau is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. The region's vegetation is primarily made up of desert shrubs, grasses, and scattered forests of pinyon pine and juniper. The plateau is also home to a number of endemic plant species, including the Colorado Plateau cactus and the Kaibab squirrel.
The fauna of the Colorado Plateau is equally diverse, with a large number of mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species present. The region is particularly known for its large population of mule deer, as well as its populations of elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. The Colorado Plateau is also an important habitat for a number of threatened and endangered species, including the Mexican spotted owl and the desert tortoise.
Human History
The Colorado Plateau has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of Paleo-Indian occupation dating back at least 12,000 years. The region was later home to a number of prehistoric cultures, including the Ancestral Puebloans, the Fremont culture, and the Sinagua.
In more recent times, the Colorado Plateau has been home to a number of Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Ute. The region was first encountered by Europeans in the 16th century, when Spanish explorers led by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado passed through the area.
Today, the Colorado Plateau is a major center of tourism and recreation, with millions of visitors each year drawn to its national parks and monuments. The region is also a major source of mineral resources, including uranium, coal, and natural gas.