Erosion-carved Amphitheatre

Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah is not actually a canyon, but a series of natural amphitheaters carved by erosion. Bryce’s geological structures, known as hoodoos, were formed by a combination of wind, water, and ice erosion of the river, leaving behind the red, orange and white rock layers that visitors see.

With a 2000 ft. elevation that rises above three climate zones, the park is a sprawling laboratory for scientists. Such a diversity of habitat also allows for high biodiversity. Bryce Canyon National Park is home to over 100 species of birds, dozens of mammals, and more than a thousand plant species.

 —LiveScience Staff

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Credit: USGS