Slow erosion shapes canyons and valleys from "summary" of Principles of Geology, Volume 1 by Charles Lyell,Sir Charles Lyell
The gradual wearing away of the Earth's surface by natural forces such as water, wind, and ice has a profound impact on the landscape over long periods of time. This process of erosion is responsible for shaping canyons and valleys in various parts of the world. As water flows over the land, it carries sediment and debris with it, gradually wearing down the surface and carving out channels in the rock. Over time, these channels deepen and widen, forming canyons that can stretch for miles across the landscape. Similarly, wind erosion can also play a role in shaping the Earth's surface. As strong winds blow across the land, they can pick up loose particles and carry them away, gradually wearing down rock formations and creating valleys in the process. In colder regions, ice erosion can have a significant impact on the landscape. Glaciers can slowly move across the land, picking up rocks and debris and carving out deep valleys as they go. The weight of the ice can also help to grind down the rock beneath it, further shaping the land.- The process of erosion is a slow but powerful force that can dramatically alter the Earth's surface over time. By wearing away at rock and soil, natural forces like water, wind, and ice can create the stunning canyons and valleys that we see today.