Butte

[2][3] Buttes form by weathering and erosion when hard caprock overlies a layer of less resistant rock that is eventually worn away.

The caprock provides protection for the less resistant rock below from wind abrasion which leaves it standing isolated.

As the top is further eroded by abrasion and weathering, the excess material that falls off adds to the scree or talus slope around the base.

Monument Valley and the Mittens provided backgrounds in the scenes of many western-themed films, including seven movies directed by John Ford.

[6] The term butte is sometimes applied more broadly to isolated, steep-sided hills with pointed or craggy, rather than flat, tops.