What are the mesas and butts?

Mesas and buttes are both elevated landforms characterized by flat tops and steep sides, commonly found in arid regions. A mesa is typically larger than a butte, with a more expansive flat surface, while a butte is smaller and more isolated. Both formations are created through erosion, where layers of rock and sediment are worn away, leaving behind these distinctive shapes. They are prominent features in the landscapes of the American Southwest, often associated with desert environments.