How Was The Grand Canyon Formed

One of the first questions people have about the Grand Canyon is how was it formed? The story is one that spans millions of years. Some of the rock of the Grand Canyon is even older. At the bottom of the Grand Canyon, there is rock that dates back to the Precambrian era. Approximately three hundred million years after its formation, the rock was lifted up into a mountain range reaching as high as six miles. This is comparable to the Himalayas mountain range. Erosion turned the rock into a plateau which once again rose to mountainous heights. Millions of more years went by and the mountains were chipped away by wind and water.

Our First View of the Grand Canyon


The entire range of mountains ended up underwater where shellfish became fossilized. The result was a layer of shale on top of the sunken mountains. The entire region rose again to great heights, with the oceanic layer on top. This was approximately six million years ago. The Colorado River began its work, cutting and eroding the rock for millions of years until the canyon became what we see today. The canyon is approximately a mile in depth, 277 miles in length and 4 to 18 miles in width. Prehistoric tribes lived in the caves of the canyon for ages before European explorers discovered the canyon.

The first European to see the Grand Canyon was a Spanish explorer named Garcia Lopez de Cardenas. He arrived at the canyon in the year 1540. Despite the European exploration, the canyon remained largely unexplored until after the Civil War. Major John Wesley Powell was a one armed veteran who took a group of boats down the length of the canyon. Two of the boats were lost, but Powell completed his journey. In the 1880s a charismatic man named John Hance started taking tour groups into the canyon, a practice that is still done today.

The answer to how the Grand Canyon was formed is one of history and heritage. Along with the millions of years worth of erosion and climate changes, there are also historical American landmarks. The Kolb studio and ever-popular El Tovar Hotel date all the way back to 1904. Other historic buildings worth visiting while at the Grand Canyon National Park include the Desert View Watchtower and Bright Angel Lodge which were built in the 1930s.

Grand Canyon News:
The Grand Canyon: How to get an in-depth view of America's natural wonder - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Grand Canyon: How to get an in-depth view of America's natural wonder
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Luckily, Americans can start checking things off right in their own spectacular backyard by taking a Grand Canyon tour. The Grand Canyon is not just something to see, but a destination to be experienced. Standing on the rim will give you breathtaking .

and more »
..


Peter Facinelli - Williams Planning Rv Trip With Daughter - And Twilight Dad?
She wants to go to the..


Moon Travel Guides Author Offers 10 Tips for Planning a Romantic Winter . - San Francisco Chronicle (press release)

Moon Travel Guides Author Offers 10 Tips for Planning a Romantic Winter .
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
For couples planning a romantic getaway for Valentine's Day, Moon Grand Canyon author Kathleen Bryant provides ten suggestions for a romantic weekend in the Grand Canyon. The natural beauty of the Grand Canyon is stunning year-round, .

and more »
..


Business Wire - ON Networks Presents New Digital Series on Travel Beautiful Places
April 29, 2008 -- A Breathtaking Tour of the Most Beautiful Places in the World A Breathtaking Tour of the Most Beautiful Places in the World AUSTIN,...


Canada's grand Canyon - The Kingston Whig-Standard

Canada's grand Canyon
The Kingston Whig-Standard
EURIt has a different meaning for me than for most others,EUR says Canyon. EURWhen I sing I'ma follower of Sunshine I mean I'm following the Lord.EUR Canyon performs at the Grand Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 2. These days the singer is multi-tasking like crazy.

..


IMPORTANT: Bing News RSS feed has moved!
Go to the new RSS page and renew your subscription.
..


Market Wire - "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" Say DialAFlight
July 7, 2011 -- The Will Rogers Highway, or Route 66, has a special place in American history. Now known as the Historic Route 66, this interstate highway...


Viator.com Celebrates Valentine's Day with Chocolate Experiences and Champagne . - San Francisco Chronicle (press release)

Viator.com Celebrates Valentine's Day with Chocolate Experiences and Champagne .
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
The Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour with Champagne Picnic takes in the breathtaking views of the Canyon as well as the Las Vegas Strip capped off with a champagne toast 3200 feet below the canyon rim. The San Francisco Champagne Brunch Cruise .

and more »
..


Michelle Williams: 'Daughter Matilda wants to see the
During an appearance on Live with Kelly, the My Week with Marilyn star said that she planned to..


REDLANDS: Presentation on
A..


Tusayan politics in turmoil
Italian and American developers have proposed salons,..


10 Winter Getaways to Suit Every Age
SUDDENLY it's the end of January and you realize the children will be off for Presidents' Day next month -- an ideal opportunity to squeeze in a short family vacation...



Technorati Tags: , ,