What is the name of the desert that features colorful, banded rock formations and is shared by Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks?

The desert featuring colorful, banded rock formations that is shared by Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks is called the Painted Desert. This area is renowned for its striking and vibrant landscapes, characterized by layers of sedimentary rock that exhibit a variety of colors, ranging from rich reds and purples to grays and browns. The unique geological features and the way light interacts with the sediment create a visually stunning environment, making it a popular subject for both photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The Painted Desert is particularly significant within the context of the nearby national parks, as it plays a critical role in the region's ecology and geology. Its hues come from the mineral content of the soil and rock, depicting the area's long geological history, which includes periods of volcanic activity and sediment deposition. This desert is also home to a variety of wildlife and plant species that have adapted to the arid conditions.

In contrast, the Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Karakum Desert each have distinct characteristics and do not share the same colorful rock formations or the specific geological features found in the Painted Desert, which is what makes it the appropriate answer in this context.