Canyons and valleys are formations of depths carved by the movements of active rivers between mountain peaks and cliffs. Due to their natural tendency, they cut the surfaces on which they flow and erode the stones underneath. There are two main types of canyons: wide box canyons and narrow slot canyons. Let's take a look at 10 diverse canyons and valleys around the world.
10. Fish Lake Canyon, Namibia
Fish Lake Canyon is in the south of Namibia. It is the largest canyon in Africa and the biggest source of interest for tourists who want to see its magnificence with its contrast. The canyon is 160 km long, 27 km wide and 550 m deep. There is a hot water source towards the end of the canyon. Some parts of the canyon are owned as private property. The canyon contains a small amount of water.
9. Grand Canyon, Arizona USA
The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona, America, and is one of the most incredible canyons in the world. The canyon, formed as a result of millions of years of erosion by the Colorado River, has a depth of 1.6 km and a length of 446 km. What attracts tourists here is the contrasts, distorted nature and colorful view of the canyon, and the difficulty of finding them all in one place is what makes it so attractive.
8. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Iceland
Fjaðrárgljúfur is located in southeast Iceland and is one of the most magnificent canyons in the world. Its depth reaches up to 100 meters and its width is about 2 km. The Fjaðrá River flows through this trough, and there are stones on its surface, formed by the constant erosion caused by mountain glaciers flowing through the river for thousands of years. Tourists visit this place to enjoy the view. See also; 10 Fantastic Iceland Photos That Will Blow Your Mind.
7. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Blyde River Canyon, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is considered the most photogenic canyon in the world. In fact, the canyon is a natural wonder of great importance. It is approximately 25 km long, has an average depth of 750 m and is probably the largest green canyon in the world. Although the canyon generally contains sandstone, it also has a wide variety of animals and plants and is protected by the Nature Reserve.
6. Verdon Valley, France
The Verdon Valley is located in the southeast of France and is one of the magnificent valleys in the world. The valley is a river canyon and is often called the most beautiful in all of Europe. It has a depth of 700 m and a length of 25 km. The erosion movement of the Verdon River, with its turquoise green water, forms the valley, and together they create a perfect feature.
5. Tiger Leap Valley, China
Tiger Leap Valley, located on the Jinsha River in China, near Lijian, is one of the deepest and most scenic valleys. The deepest measured point is 3790 m from the river to the summit. Naksi ethnic groups live in small grain-based villages around the valley, which is known for its hugeness, and foreign hiking travelers stop by.
4. Bryce Canyon, USA
Thanks to the limestone columns called Hoodoo, this canyon in Utah, USA looks like a natural amphitheater. Its magnificent view gained great fame in the early 1900s when it was described in newspapers and magazines as if it were a view from space. The side length varies between 2400 and 2700 m. Despite its difficult access, it is a great place for stargazing with a sky view of approximately 7400 stars. See also; America's 10 Record Attractions
3. Kali Gandaki Valley, Nepal
Kali Gandaki Valley is located in Nepal and is one of the most spectacular valleys in the world and was shaped by the Kali Gandaki or Gandaki River in the Himalayas. According to some records, this is the deepest valley in the world with a depth of 5571 m, second only to Annapurna I's depth of 2520 m between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. In addition to being the trade route between India and Nepal, it is also known for its saligram fossils.
2. Indus Valley, Pakistan
The Indus Valley is located in Pakistan and is both the deepest and most extraordinary valley in the world. The Indus River, which is the largest river in Asia and one of the most important rivers in Pakistan, reaches 4500-5200 meters around the Nanga Parbat mountain mass in the valley, and these giant troughs form the middle and low earth's crust.
1. Antelope Canyon, USA
Antelope Canyon is perhaps the most visited and most photographed of all the canyons in the world, with its uniquely shaped stones and colorful shapes. It is located in the northwest of America, close to the city of Page. The canyon was formed as a result of erosion of Navajo sandstone, flooding, and terrestrial factors.
There are many more canyons and valleys in the world. While some of them are frequently visited by tourists, others still remain untouched and intact. Besides all of them, these canyons and valleys are the most attractive structures in the world, formed by natural means.