You will use rock samples, geologic maps, geologic cross sections, and photographs of landscapes to characterize the geology of the Grand Canyon and reconstruct its geologic history. You will observe photographs of landscapes in the Grand Canyon and reconstruct the geologic history visible in each scene, and you will identify rock samples from the Grand Canyon and then examine a geologic map to reconstruct the geologic history of the Canyon.
The Grand Canyon is often called the most spectacular natural feature on Earth. It was carved into the Colorado Plateau by the Colorado River, revealing one of the most striking views into the Earth’s geologic history by exposing nearly 2 billion years of time. The rock layers exposed in the canyon walls were deposited one at a time, over a very long time period, from 1.7 billion years to 250 million years ago. The actual canyon was eroded into these layers much later, probably in the last 6 million years.
Along both rims of the Canyon, the topography is relatively flat, but the relief within the Grand Canyon is characterized by steep slopes and huge cliffs. To explore this amazing area, you will examine several photographs of interesting places within the Canyon, each containing a small geologic mystery. You will also have an opportunity to examine rocks collected near the Grand Canyon and to propose how each rock type got there. Finally, you will put together a brief geologic history of this magnificent canyon, giving you a greater appreciation of its origins.
Goals for This ModuleSolve geologic mysteries in the Grand Canyon using observations of photographs Observe and identify rock samples from the Grand Canyon, and interpret their relative ages Examine a geologic map of part of the Grand Canyon Propose a sequence of environments that could explain the rock sequence in the Grand Canyon |
Complete Exercise 10C as described in your lab manual and then complete Assessment 10C on Canvas.
Complete the Module 10 follow-up quiz on Canvas.