Case study: A landform created by a River you have studied: The Grand Canyon in the USA
How was the Grand Canyon Formed?
The Grand Canyon was formed by the Vertical erosion of the Colorado River. A drop in the sea level (eustatic
change) meant that the Colorado had more energy to erode vertically.
An increase in the potential for the river to erode vertically meant that the river could rapidly cut through the soft
sandstone that made up the bedrock of the Colorado’s catchment area. This left a deep gorge (canyon) in the
landscape which was widened as the river also eroded laterally through its meanders.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular sites in the world. Ranked as one of the seven wonders of the
world and declared a World Heritage site, this 350km long gorge is under siege. An estimated 5 million tourists a
year continue to create many pressures in this national park.
One of the most popular landforms is the Horseshoe Bend meander.
Activities in the area include white-water rafting, camping, hiking and helicopter tours.
In summer tourists cause many problems:
 Walking creates soil erosion, damaging plants and frightening wildlife.
 Car parks get full quickly so people park in other areas creating erosion and damaging plants and wildlife.
 Leaving litter which damages wildlife.
 Setting fires and BBQs which can damage plants and wildlife.
 Doing noisy activities such as white-water rafting and helicopter rides which disturbs wildlife.
The area benefits from tourism with areas such as Las Vegas providing hotels and services for tourists. The
positive multiplier effect is created as tourists spend their money in the local area.