A narrow, steep-sided ravine or small canyon, typically formed by water erosion in arid or semi-arid regions. Often dry except during heavy rains.
From Middle English 'gulchen' meaning 'to swallow,' related to 'gulp.' The word suggests how these narrow valleys seem to 'swallow' water during flash floods, then remain dry most of the time.
Many famous Wild West towns were built in gulches because gold prospectors followed these natural channels where heavy metals collected! Deadwood Gulch in South Dakota got its name from the dead trees lining the narrow canyon.
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