What is the role of the Colorado Plateau in the formation of the Grand Canyon?

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The correct choice highlights the significant geological impact of the Colorado Plateau in the formation of the Grand Canyon. The uplifts of the Colorado Plateau, which occurred due to tectonic forces, raised the land to higher elevations. This elevation change enabled the Colorado River to gain sufficient energy and erosive power to carve through various rock layers over millions of years, leading to the deep and expansive canyon we see today.

The process involves not just the direct cutting of rock, but also the removal of weathered materials and debris, which enhances the river's ability to further erode the canyon walls. This interaction between the uplift of the plateau and the flowing river is a central aspect of the landscape's evolution. As the plateau rose, the river was able to continuously adjust its course and erode deeper into the rock layers, ultimately forming the Grand Canyon as we know it.

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