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Mormon
Mesa
Mormon Mesa is a classic mesa topped by a layer of
harder stone with steeply eroded sides of weaker, softer material. The elevation
in some points is well over 1000 feet from the valley floor to the mesa top.
Between Mormon Mesa and its stratigraphic neighbors are two giant chasms created
by the Muddy and Virgin Rivers that created the mesa. The Muddy River is sourced
from several artesian springs. While ultimately the springs which the Muddy
depends on are rain fed, deep underground water sources are much more reliable
than water sources that are basically rain and snow fed, as the Virgin River is.
The Virgin River is also spring fed in places along its course and in good years
its flow seems to be more reliable than the Muddy River. Because in reality the
Muddy River is more reliable, we see that it has carved itself a larger valley.
Whether the Muddy is or always was the only source of erosion in the Muddy River
valley is unknown but that explanation fits best.
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Valley.
It can be seen from a great distance so it is a great landmark to get your
bearings from if you are hunting or hiking in the area. If you are looking for
the location of archeological sites it is perfect because the Southwest Museum
photos of digs in the late 1920'2 have the mesa in the background.