The Grand Canyon

The Creation Of The Grand Canyon

Awe-inspiring in its majesty, The Grand Canyon is one of America's most beloved landmarks. It is also one of the most beautiful places on earth. This Arizona gorge spans 277 miles in length and up to 18 miles in width.

 

The canyon is approximately one mile deep. While scientists believe the creation of the Grand Canyon happened over a period of six million years, this author believes that regardless of how he did it, the Grand Canyon is a testament to God's magnificent artistry.

Erosion caused by the Colorado River cut through layers of earth with the majority of down cutting estimated to have occurred within the past two million years. During the time of the ice ages dramatic changes took place due to the changes in climate and the water level of the river caused by melting ice. The end result is what many agree is the most breathtaking natural formation in the world.

The majority of the canyon is located within the boundaries of the Grand Canyon National Park. This national park is one of the oldest in the U.S. The preservation of this canyon was an issue important to Theodore Roosevelt who often visited the area for recreation and leisure. In prehistoric times, the canyon was settled by Native American tribes who lived in its caves. In 1540, a Spaniard named Garcia Lopez de Cardenas was the first European to see the canyon. Despite its magnificence, the canyon was left unexplored until the mid to late 19th century.

A Bit of Perspective

After the Civil War, Major John Wesley Powell took a journey through the canyon via the Colorado river. Powell only had one arm yet a passion for exploration and science. Nine men accompanied him with six actually completing the trip. Powell described the exposed rock of the canyon as leaves in a story book. This is an accurate description, as the many layers exposed by the canyon do tell a story, the story of the changing Earth over millions of years.

Another fascinating part of the creation of the Grand Canyon is the variety of formations located there. One of these formations is called the Vishnu Schist which is estimated to be two billion years old. Another is the Kaibab Limestone located on the Rim area that experts think is around 230 million years old. The majority of formations were deposits made in shallow bodies of water and shore areas. Although the creation story of this incredible canyon is a fascinating one, nothing compares to actually seeing the Grand Canyon in person. Because of its breathtaking beauty and rich history the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all the world.

 

Grand Canyon Hiking

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