Rimrock Explained
Rimrock is the sheer rock wall at the upper edge of a plateau, canyon, or geological uplift. It may refer to either the rock formation or to the rock itself. Rimrock may be composed of almost any stone - basalt, gneiss, granite, sandstone, etc. - and is frequently layered. Many times it overlays a softer stone which erodes away underneath. American Indians in the West often used cavities found below rimrock to construct dwellings and granaries.
Geographic placenames
The geologic formation has lent its name to many places in the western United States.
Communities:
- Yavapai County, northeast of Camp Verde.
- San Bernardino County, east of San Bernardino.
- Yellowstone County, west of Billings.
- Toole County, north of Helena.
Canyons:
- Rim Rock Canyon, Orange County, California
- Rimrock Valley, Modoc County, California
- Rimrock Gulch, Moffat County, Colorado
- Rimrock Canyon, Nye County, Nevada
- Rim Rock Canyon, Lincoln County, New Mexico
- Rimrock Draw, Washakie County, Wyoming
- Rim Rock Draw, Johnson County, Wyoming
Cliffs:
Lakes:
- Rimrock Lake, Modoc County, California
- Rimrock Lake, Carbon County, Montana
- Rimrock Lake, Colfax County, New Mexico
- Rimrock Lake, Marion County, Oregon
- Rimrock Lake, Yakima County, Washington
- Rimrock Lake, Teton County, Wyoming
- Rimrock Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Mountains:
Ridges:
High Schools:
See also
