It was formed by soil erosion, specifically gullies. These gullies were created by poor farming practices in the 19th century. The topsoil was stripped away, leaving the soft, red clay exposed. Rain and wind then carved out the canyon walls over time.

Here's a breakdown:

* Not a crater: Craters are formed by impact events (like meteorites).

* Erosion: Providence Canyon is a result of natural forces like water and wind wearing away the soil.

* Human influence: Poor farming practices contributed significantly to the erosion that formed the canyon.

So, while it's a beautiful and unique geological feature, it's not a crater!