Monument Valley

Monument Valley is a large desert area in the southwestern United States. It is known for its tall rock formations that rise from flat land. These rocks are made of sandstone, which is a type of rock formed from sand pressed together over time. Monument Valley is located on the border between the states of Arizona and Utah. Much of the land is part of the Navajo Nation, a Native American nation.

The most famous landforms in Monument Valley are called buttes and mesas. A butte is a tall rock with steep sides and a flat top. A mesa is similar but wider. Some buttes rise more than 300 meters above the desert floor. Well-known formations include West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Merrick Butte''. These shapes stand alone and can be seen from far away. Monument Valley was shaped over millions of years. Wind, water, and temperature changes slowly wore away the rock. This process is called erosion, which means the gradual breaking down of land by natural forces. Softer rock layers were removed first, while harder layers stayed in place. This created the tall, isolated rock forms seen today. The climate in Monument Valley is dry. Climate means the usual weather of a place. Summers are hot, and winters can be cold. Rainfall is low, which is common in deserts. Plants such as shrubs and small trees grow in the area. Animals like lizards, rabbits, and birds are adapted to live with little water. People have lived in Monument Valley for many centuries. The Navajo people, also called the ''Diné'', have strong historical and cultural ties to the land. The area is now managed as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park'''. Visitors may enter the park under Navajo rules and guidance. Roads and trails allow people to view the rock formations.

Monument Valley has appeared in many photographs and films. Its wide open spaces and clear views make it easy to recognize. The valley is not a city or town but a natural landscape. Today, Monument Valley remains an important geographic area and a protected part of the Navajo Nation.