The landform Butte is a tall, steep tower type rock. The landform Butte once use to be a plateau. The formation is caused by weathering and erosion. The harder top layer of Butte is called caprock, whilst the softer rock, surrounding the caprock is called a spire. The caprock is able to resist the weathering. The spire however gradually erodes. Through weathering and erosion, the butte slowly becomes narrower and steeper.