Now let's see what beautiful damage water can do as it cuts into layer upon layer of rock over 17 million years. I'm heading south to Arizona.
"Mountains of music swell in the river,
Hills of music billow in the creeks...
While other melodies are heard
In the gorges of the lateral canyons.
The Grand Canyon is a land of song."
- John Wesley Powell
Grand Canyon
UNITED STATES The Grand Canyon is one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world. It offers an excellent record of three of the four eras of geological time, a rich and diverse fossil record, a vast array of geologic features and rock types, and numerous caves containing extensive and significant geological, paleontological, archeological and biological resources. It is considered one of the finest examples of arid-land erosion in the world. The Canyon, incised by the Colorado River, is immense, averaging 4,000 feet deep for its entire 277 miles. It is 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point and 15 miles at its widest. Its great biological diversity can be attributed to the presence of five of the seven life zones and three of the four desert types in North America.
Current rank: 20
And the usual bonus, for your viewing pleasure see this link.
I've been to the Grand Canyon several times. It's breathtaking, especially when you start walking down into it.
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating. I have always wanted to see this wonderful sight and hope that one day I will. The look out looks terrifying though!
ReplyDeleteCJ xx
I have been there and wanted to just sit and watch the colours change as the sun sank slowly in the west...
ReplyDeleteWould not get me on either a horse or that glass bottomed look out thingy. Not ever.
Maybe one day... sigh....
ReplyDeleteYou have an award. Display it or chuck it into the canyon... your choice!!!!
Thank you Frog! I don't chuck the important stuff. Not usually.
ReplyDeleteNow you are making me want to go there... How the heck did they build that glass platform?
ReplyDeleteI would probably look pretty stupid inching my way out there on my hands and knees. I just know it would send me to my knees..
One of my biggest achievements to date was hiking from the rim to the Colorado River (and back up again) in 7 hours! Of course, this was back in '99 when I was a fit young lad! One of the toughest challenges I've ever done, but worth the sweat and tears!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a breathtaking place, incredibly peaceful and awesome in its design. Would love to go back someday and show it to my boys.