Blair Koolick
GPH 211
Final Paper
The Formation of The Majestic Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon has a lot of different features and is an exciting place that holds a lot of secretes and mysteries that scientists have been trying to figure out since the Grand Canyon was formed. It is millions of years old, over 277 miles wide, 18 miles wide, and defies many normal Geography features that are true in every other situation. Many theories have been presented that seek to explain the formation of the Grand Canyon. The first theory is that the Grand Canyon has a lot of Erosional Scarp Face’s, that have come together over the years, which is one theory that has been presented. Scientists have also tried to see if the Colorado River cutting into the canyon caused the Grand Canyon.
Another theory that has been presented that seeks to explain the formation of the Grand Canyon is the Stream Piracy theory presented by Eddie McKee, which was proposed in 1964.This theory proposed that the “Hualipai Drainage eroded headword from the Lake Mead area, across the Kaibab Plateau, and captured the Colo...
Many people know ‘Lake’ Powell as a fact of life. Since its creation in 1963, the reservoir, known as Lake Powell, is just there. Few people that are alive today have had the opportunity to see the true beauty of Glen Canyon, which rivals the Grand Canyon. Glen Canyon, equivalent to one hundred eighty river miles with dozens of side canyons, was flooded for the purpose of power and water resources. ‘Lake’ Powell also generates an enormous cash flow due to the tourism it receives. Although the ‘lake’ has a few reasons to remain in existence, there are many more reasons to drain it.
The Mystery of Chaco Canyon introduces viewers to a very complex structure that was built by Ancient Pueblo Indians. Although there is no language to explain the structure’s meaning and purpose, researchers were able to read their architecture as a language. Four themes that were extracted from the structure were, the native’s immense understanding of astronomy, the use for the structure, the level of spirituality that the structure represents, and migration from Chaco Canyon.
The geology, its history, and the presence of past civilizations contribute to much of the significance of Mesa Verde National Park. The interconnectedness of these aspects should also be noted. If not for the weathering processes and changes in sea level this formation would not exist. Without it, the ancient people would not have been able to reside within Mesa Verde. This National Park now serves as a tool to help conserve the remains of these past civilizations as well as to help educate today’s society on the significance behind this astonishing geologic
Many will attest to the grandeur of the natural feature that exists in northern Arizona, but the formation of the Grand Canyon has befuddled geomorphologists to this day. This confusion can be attributed to the Kaibab Plateau, an anomaly considering the Colorado River traverses it seamlessly. Four prevalent hypotheses have been proposed since the 19th century, starting with the lake overflow proposition first brought up by John Newbury and then reinforced by Eliot Blackwelder. Newbury argued that a structure must have ponded an ancient lake causing an overspill to cut into the Grand Canyon. This argument holds that the river must have come after the plateau’s existence. Unbeknownst to Newbury, the structure would be the Kaibab Plateau.
The world has been shaped by many events. Like a sculpture each piece was a result of an event that made it that way. The Snake River Canyon is no different, most of upper Utah and part southern Idaho show the scars of an event that rocked the landscape into what it is today. When researching and digging in the region you can find remnants of an old marine environment, from sediment deposits to river terraces hundreds of feet high. It’s confusing to think of the area as a giant lake with sandy beaches and powerful waves, but the overflow of this huge lake is what created most of the landscape you can see today. The great Bonneville flood was the world second largest flood, emptying over 32,000 square miles of lake volume. (Utah Geological Society) The flood that the this overfill caused carved through many areas and created the beautiful valley that can be seen there. However, this didn’t just happen over night. The pre-flood history, flood event, specific flood deposits all played an important role in shaping this large Geological marvel. Understanding what happened back then can give us a good glimpse into better understanding the region today, which can lead to better predicting and preserving for the future.
During the Late Cretaceous a period of mountain building occurred along the west coast of North America. This is called the Laramide orogeny that started the Rocky Mountains growth about seventy-five million years ago. The Laramide orogeny was different from orogenies that had happened before hand. What caused the Laramide Orogeny is uncertain but there are many theories about what caused it. One big thing to better understand the Laramide orogeny is the theory of Uniformitarianism.
The canyon is a part of what is now the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, an area of land first acquired through the Louisiana Purchase. In this painting, the observer may notice many features which stand out. In the background, the image depicts a large, rocky ravine, occupied by a river and rows of trees. The river leads to a large orb of light, presumably stemming from a fire. In the foreground, two men are seen standing on a cliff above the ravine, presumably in awe at the wondrous land they have just discovered in the distance. Behind the men is an untraveled area of
Petrified Forest National Park is located in the Painted Desert in northeastern Arizona taking up 93,532.57 acres of its land. Before the national park was established, it was founded as a National Monument on December 8, 1906 when President Theodore Roosevelt signed the proclamation. Years later, the Congress passed a bill and established it as a national park on December 9, 1962. Centuries before Petrified Forest National Park was preserved as a national park, the land was preoccupied by the Paleo people. At the onset of the end of the last Ice Age, hunter-gatherers, people who lived by hunting game and only gathering edible plants, roamed the Southwest from 13,500 to 8000 B.C. Although these people enjoy meals consisting of meat and vegetables, they don’t raise livestock and grow crops. During these years of hunting and gathering, the region was cooler with a grassland environment, and people gathered wild plants for food and hunted bison and other large herd of animals. The types of bison these people hunted are now extinct. Nomads used a device called an atlatl to throw their weapons, such as spears and darts, to hunt. By 4000 B.C., during the archaic culture, the climate had changed and became similar to the one of the present. This period of hunting, gathering, and farming had lasted from 8000 to 500 B.C. In contrast to the time of the Paleo people, the climate was warmer, people extended their access to different types of food, and people began to farm and grow their crops. Due to the extinction of animals of the past, people had to expand their source of food, and they had to include many different species of plants and animals into their meals. Two hundred twenty-five million years ago, trees fell and were washe...
Considered one of the greatest wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon of Arizona beckons hikers and naturalists to come and explore its beautifully-colored gorges and awe-inspiring vistas. Formed by the ever-changing Colorado River, this enormous chasm stretches over 277 miles in length and over 18 miles in width. With a depth of over a mile in some places, the Grand Canyon is truly a natural wonder full of magnificence and beauty that will impress any visitor.
Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the 18 mile wide, 270 mile long and mile deep Grand Canyon is a site to behold, one in fact most all parents hope to share with their children at some point in their lifetime. The Grand Canyon, which finds its home in the northern part of Arizona, is perhaps best known for its overwhelming size and majestic, colorful landscape, and important geological displays. Consequently, it is an important part of the American landscape that every person should see for themselves, with their own eyes. Under the Canvas makes this dream of seeing such a picturesque view a reality. While enjoying your stay with your family at the Grand Canyon, be sure to try these _____activities. They are ideal for children and will help your family enjoy your visit to its fullest.
This is in memory of John Wesley Powell. John Wesley Powell was born March 24, 1834. He was born in Mount Morris, New York. He lived a full life, he was a solider, scientist, and explorer. He explored many different things for instance he was the first explorer of the Colorado River, also he explored the Grand Canyon. While he was exploring the Grand Canyon three of his men decided to go back, they were killed by Shiviwits part of the Paiute Tribe. He Studied at Illinois Institute and Oberlin College, he studied botany, zoology, and geology. Powell was a professor at Illinois Wesleyan University. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union Army. He became a major after being a second lieutenant. He served in the Civil War, he lost his right arm from
It is said that the Grand Canyon was created through the Colorado river cutting away at the rock. How is this possible? Geologists say that the canyon several rivers joined, the plateaus were created when the river cut through. Douglas theory: spillover theory, the Colorado poured into a basin and was cutting away as it did this causing...
In Theodore Roosevelt National Park, there are many kinds of animals. One well-known mammal in the park is the buffalo. It is estimated that there were 60 million bison that once roamed the Great Plains, until European hunters and traders heavily affected their population size. Theodore Roosevelt was one of the few who saw this growing problem. Finally in 1894, congress passed a law that prohibited people from hunting bison. As punishment, hunters that killed the bison were either charged a $1,000 fine or a sentence to prison. The buffalo population improved greatly. As of today, there are more than 500,000 bison that roam in North America. Theodore Roosevelt National Park officials have set a herd size to both units in the park, to prevent overgrazing and keep the
The Grand Canyon National Park is a wonderful place for families; they can experience together one of nature’s most amazing accomplishments. The park includes the South Rim (open year-round) and the North Rim (open from May to October).
One of the most enjoyable things in life are road trips, particularly to the Colorado mountains. Getting to spend time with your family and friends, while being in a beautiful place, is irreplaceable. The fifteen-hour road trip may feel never-ending, but gazing at the mountains from afar makes life’s problems seem a little smaller and causes worries to become a thing of the past. Coming in contact with nature, untouched, is a surreal experience. My family trip to the Colorado mountains last summer was inspiring.