A canyon is a deep, narrow valley with steep, rocky sides.
Canyons and gorges refer to the same basic landforms. A canyon or gorge is a deep, narrow valley with steep, rocky sides. "Narrow" as used to describe these formations is relative to the length of the valley. Some canyons are several miles wide. The only technical difference between a canyon and a gorge is linguistic. "Canyon" comes from Spanish, while "gorge" is a French word. From a geological standpoint, the two are exactly the same.
Characteristics
In addition to its craggy shape, a canyon is extremely narrow relative to its depth. The Grand Canyon of the American southwest, for instance, is 277 miles long and 6,000 feet to the bottom at its deepest, but at its widest is only 18 miles from rim to rim. Because canyon and gorge formations result primarily from erosion, most canyons have bodies of running water at their bottoms.
Formation
Canyons and gorges form as a result of extended periods of erosion. A river exerts force on the surrounding landscape as it is drawn down to the elevation of the nearest large body of water. Once this river has reached the water body, the pressures on the landscape decrease and the rates of erosion begin to stabilize. Most canyons and gorges on the planet today are relatively young compared to the planet itself. The beginning of canyon formation is believed to have coincided with the melting of the glaciers. Glacial waters combined with existing water bodies to create rivers with a reach far beyond their glacial mountaintop sources. Occasionally, a canyon forms due to a monumental collapse of a land feature or a tectonic event. These cases are the exception rather than the rule. In general, canyon formation occurs as a result of a long process of erosion.
Common Distinctions
Regional folklore and custom influence whether the word "canyon" or "gorge" is used to describe a particular area. "Canyon" is more commonly used in the United States, while "gorge" is frequently used in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. A common misconception is that "canyon" and "gorge" suggest different sizes for this type of land feature. This is inaccurate. The Columbia River Gorge, which runs through the Cascade Mountains on the border of Washington and Oregon, is 4,000 feet deep in places and 80 miles long. The Little River Canyon of northern Alabama is only 600 feet deep and 24 miles long.
Similar Landforms
Many terms exist to describe landforms that are similar to gorges and canyons. Ravines, gullies and ditches are all similar to canyons, but are much smaller and more likely created by a small stream than a river.
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