description Caprock Escarpment Overview
The Caprock Escarpment is a long erosional escarpment along the edge of the High Plains in West Texas and adjacent eastern New Mexico. It separates the relatively level Llano Estacado, or Southern High Plains, from the lower Rolling Plains to the east and locally forms cliffs, breaks, and canyons. Resistant caliche and related hard layers help preserve the high plain while streams cut through the escarpment, producing canyons such as Palo Duro Canyon. In Texas, the feature extends from the Panhandle into Central Texas and locally rises hundreds of feet above the plains.
help Caprock Escarpment FAQ
What is the Caprock Escarpment?
The Caprock Escarpment is a long erosional escarpment along the edge of the High Plains. It separates the Llano Estacado, also called the Southern High Plains, from the lower Rolling Plains.
Where is the Caprock Escarpment located?
It runs through West Texas and extends into adjacent eastern New Mexico. In places, erosion creates visible cliffs and steep breaks in the landscape.
What regions does the Caprock Escarpment separate?
It separates the relatively level Llano Estacado from the Rolling Plains to the east. The change in elevation marks the edge of the High Plains.
Was the Caprock Escarpment formed by volcanic activity?
No. It is an erosional landform created by the wearing down of the High Plains edge. Its cliffs and breaks reflect long-term landscape erosion rather than a volcanic ridge.
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