Existing comment:
Virgin River:
In this desert terrain the Virgin River plays a dual role. As life giver, the year-round flow promotes a rich community of water-loving plants and associated wildlife, from a longfisher and dipper to mule deer and mountain lion. Historically the river made the canyon habitable to Paiutes and Mormon settlers.
This deceptively tranquil stream is also a relentless agent of change. During spring runoff or after a rainstorm, the water fill with particles of sandstone. The current carries an average of 5,000 tons of rock fragments daily -- evidence that the river not only carved Zion Canyon but continues to widen and transform the canyon scenery. |