Canyons are formed by wind and water erosion over a long period of time after a large hill, mountain or plateau is formed. The original land mass is formed by tectonic plates colliding and causing tectonic uplift, and the weakest of material is worn down over time to create a deep, narrow ravine called a canyon.
The most common type of canyon is a river canyon; running water wears down the rock formation on either side and carries it away. Additionally, in colder climates, water can seep into rock, freeze and expand to break down further rock and dirt.Learn More
A billabong is essentially a large pond or creek that at one time extended from a river. A billabong is the cut off extension of a river that changed its course over time. During a wet season, the billabong often connects back with the river, receiving fresh water, at least until the area dries back up.Full Answer >
One difference between a bay and a gulf is size: bays are typically smaller than gulfs. A gulf may contain one or several bays, such as the Galveston Bay and Tampa Bay, which form part of the Gulf of Mexico. However, some bays may encompass a bigger area than a gulf, such as the Bay of Bengal, which is larger compared to the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Tonkin and Gulf of Oman.Full Answer >
The composition of sand is dependent on the geographical area where the sand is located. Most sands are composed of small land sediment particles, minerals, rocks and organic matter that has been eroded and ground down over many years. For this reason, sand composition varies greatly.Full Answer >
A continent is a large landmass that meets certain geographical conditions. According to most geographers, there are seven continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Antarctica and Australia. In some parts of the world, Europe and Asia are considered one continent.Full Answer >