Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Mesas: Flat
Dec 28, 2022
The podcast dives into the fascinating world of mesas, buttes, and plateaus, exploring their intriguing geological differences. The speakers share personal stories from Santa Fe, blending humor with geography. They dispel myths about lost cities of gold while explaining how these unique formations are shaped by erosion and sedimentary processes. The conversation highlights the ecological importance of these landforms and wraps up with delicious local culinary discoveries, making the topic both educational and entertaining.
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Trip to Santa Fe
- Josh and his wife Emily visited Santa Fe, New Mexico, for her birthday.
- On their drive, they spotted mesas, inspiring this podcast episode.
Mesa Naming
- Mesas are named after the Spanish word for table, given by 16th-century Spanish explorers.
- They resemble flat-topped mountains.
Mesa vs. Butte
- Mesas are wider than they are tall.
- Buttes are taller than they are wide.