What Is the Difference Between a Butte and a Mesa?
Last Updated Apr 16, 2020 2:12:22 AM ET

The difference between a butte and a mesa is in their heights and size of the flat tops. A butte and a mesa are both geological landscape formations. Due to the forces of erosion, a mesa eventually gets reduced to a butte.
A butte is smaller and less flat at the top compared to a butte. Both, a butte and a mesa have steep sides. Sometimes, a butte may have a pointed top, but the sides are almost always vertical. A mesa is a medium-sized hill with a large flat top. It is a medium-sized plateau.
Buttes, mesas and plateaus are found in Monument Valley, Utah. The red sandstone cliffs, buttes and mesas have been featured in many western films.
More From Reference

What Is Coca-Cola's Target Market & Marketing Strategy?

Unscramble My Words: Best Word Games For Those Who Want to Stay Mentally Fit

What Characteristics Distinguish Modern Drama From Traditional Drama?

What Does It Mean When You See An Owl In Daytime? Owl Symbolism & Meanings

What Is Aristocracy? Aristocratic Advantages & Disadvantages

What Do Stars Symbolize? Types of Star Symbols & Their Meanings