Difference Between Gorge and Canyon

Gorge vs Canyon

Gorge and canyon are interchangeable. In some countries, “gorge” is used for “canyon” and vice versa. The word “canyon” is widely used in the United States, and the term “gorge” is widely used in Europe.

Anyways, the dictionary says that a canyon is a deep valley having steep sides, and a gorge is a deep ravine with a river flowing through it or a ravine without the river. This means that a canyon is a valley with steep sides, and a gorge is a ravine with a river.

Canyons have been formed through long periods of time and frequent erosion from a plateau level. The steep cliffs are formed as these hard rocks are resistant to erosion or any type of weathering. Canyons are very common in arid regions compared to wet regions. Most of the canyon walls are made of granite and sandstone.

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a typical example of a great canyon. It comes with an average depth of a mile. Yarlung Zangbo Canyon in Tibet is also another known canyon.

Gorges are mainly formed because of the flow of water or lava. Like canyons, the walls of gorges are also made of sandstone and granite. There are also gorges that have limestone structures which have formed intricate cave systems.

Kali Gandaki, Gorges of Finger Lakes, New River Gorge, Columbia River Gorge, and Canyon Lake Gorge are some of the famous gorges in the world. There are also submarine canyons which are seen most in the Congo and Amazon rivers.

Summary:

1.The word “canyon” is widely used in the United States, and the term “gorge” is widely used in Europe.
2.A canyon is a deep valley having steep sides, and a gorge is a deep ravine with a river flowing through it or a ravine without the river.
3.Canyons have been formed through long periods of time and frequent erosion from a plateau level. The steep cliffs are formed as these hard rocks are resistant to erosion or any type of weathering.
4.Gorges are mainly formed because of the flow of water or lava. Like canyons, the walls of gorges are also made of sandstone and granite. There are also gorges that have limestone structures which have formed intricate cave systems.
5.Grand Canyon in Arizona and Yarlung Zangbo Canyon in Tibet are well-known canyons.
6.Kali Gandaki, Gorges of Finger Lakes, New River Gorge, Columbia River Gorge, and Canyon Lake Gorge are some of the famous gorges in the world.

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