A Geological Marvel

Formed over the course of millions of years by water,

ice, wind, and tectonic activity, the Grand Canyon is
a geological wonder.
The canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide
in some places. At a mile deep (over 5,000 feet), the
Grand Canyon can be seen from space.
The huge variation in elevation between the canyon
floor and the rim translates to a rich diversity of plant
and animal life in and around the canyon.
Lets explore how this natural wonder of the world
was formed.

When and how the Grand Canyon came to be is still the

subject of some controversy in the scientific community.

There are two prevailing theories:

The first suggests that the Colorado River carved most of

the canyon over the last five to six million years.
The second suggests that a series of ancient rivers flowing
in the same general route eventually formed the giant
canyon we see today.

Another theory suggests that a giant lake covering eastern

Arizona eroded through a limestone ridge, and the water that
spilled through cut out the canyon over time.

One thing is certain: water has played a huge

role in carving the Grand Canyon.
The Colorado River flows through the canyon,
constantly eroding away the canyon walls.
When it rains, the hard, compacted earth in and
around the canyon often cannot absorb much of
the water, which then runs off of surfaces (often
forming flash floods), loosening big boulders, dirt,
and plant life.

This process of water erosion continues to shape

the Grand Canyon today.

During the winter months, water seeps into the small

cracks and crevices of rocks. Water expands when it
freezes, causing the cracks in the rock to become
larger (a process referred to as frost heaving).

Eventually, fragments of rock crack and split off.

Fragments near the rims edge fall to the canyon
floor and are washed into the Colorado River during
flash floods. This frost heaving process contributes to
erosion of the canyon.
Interesting fact: Glen Canyon Dam has significantly
altered the erosive action of the Colorado River by
greatly slowing down the flow of spring snowmelt.

Wind is yet another cause of erosion, especially in

dry places like the Grand Canyon.
Wind picks up and carries away loose particles
including dust, small rocks, and sand (a process
referred to as deflation).
Wind can also contribute to erosion by causing
flying particles to strike the land and break off
more particles (referred to as abrasion).
Along with water and ice, wind erosion continues
to shape the Grand Canyon year after year.

The Earths crust is broken up into a series of

approximately 20 plates that float on top of the
planets mantle.

When two plates collide, they are forced together,

causing them to buckle.
Over the course of millions of years, this buckling
can lead to the formation of mountain ranges. This
is how the Rocky and the Sierra Nevada mountain
ranges in the United States were formed.

What do plate tectonics have to do with the Grand

Canyon?
The short answer is that tectonic activity has helped
shape the Grand Canyon over millions of years.
As one example, geologists know that most of the
rock in the Grand Canyon is sedimentary, which is
only formed under water. This tells them that climate
cycles over the eons have caused the coastline to
advance and retreat as far inland as the Grand
Canyon, creating layers of sedimentary rock in
which fossils are still found to this day.
Water, ice, wind, and tectonics have all converged
to form the magnificent canyon we see today.

Whether you prefer a rugged experience like camping or backpacking, or a more relaxed
excursion like a bus tour, there are plenty of ways to see the Grand Canyon.
A rafting adventure down the Colorado River immerses you in the depths of the canyon and is
a great choice for families.

For an unparalleled
birds-eye view, consider
a Grand Canyon
helicopter tour!

Since 1965, Papillon has been the world's

oldest and largest sightseeing company, flying
an estimated 600,000 passengers a year on its
daily tours to the Grand Canyon. With over
forty unique excursions featuring spectacular
sights of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead,
Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and
unforgettable views of the Grand Canyon,
Papillon is proud to offer guests an
unparalleled perspective of one of the world's
greatest natural wonders.

Visit www.papillon.com for tour

information or call (888) 635-7272.