Final answer:
Slot canyons are formed primarily by the erosive action of water over time, and while some canyons have been shaped by tectonic forces, water has often contributed to their shaping later on. Although slot canyons may occasionally contain water, it is more common for them to be dry, as water tends to pass through quickly due to their steep, narrow structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Slot canyons are formed by the erosive power of water over a long period of time, where a river or flash floods cut through rock, creating narrow, deep canyons. Characteristics such as the Grand Canyon are prime examples, where the Colorado River has sliced through rock formations, leaving behind a vast and visually stunning canyon. In contrast, some formations like the Valles Marineris on Mars are caused by tectonic activity and later shaped by water seeping and wind erosion. Other processes, such as frost-wedging as seen in Bryce Canyon, contribute to the formation of so-called canyons by breaking apart the rock through the cycle of freezing and thawing.
While many slot canyons are dry, some may contain water, either from periodic flash floods that rush through them or from occasional streams. It is less common to find persistent bodies of water in these canyons, as the water usually moves through them quite quickly due to their steep and narrow nature. However, in slot canyons like those in Antelope Canyon, water has played a significant historical role in their formation, even if not currently present.