Rimrock

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Rimrock in Colorado National Monument.
Rimrock in Colorado National Monument.

Rimrock is the sheer rock wall at the upper edge of a plateau, canyon, or geological uplift. It may refer to either the rock formation or to the rock itself. Rimrock may be composed of almost any stone—basalt, gneiss, granite, sandstone, etc.—and is frequently layered. Many times it overlays a softer stone which erodes away underneath. American Indians in the West often used cavities found below rimrock to construct dwellings and granaries.


[edit] Geographic placenames

Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park.
Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park.

The geologic formation has lent its name to many places in the western United States.

Communities:

Canyons:

Cliffs (unsurprisingly):

Lakes:

Mountains:

Ridges:

High Schools:

[edit] See also