April 17, 2026 7:12 PM
Scientists decipher the geological history of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a marvel on the landscape of North America, a breathtaking geological feature in the southwestern U.S. state of Arizona presenting dramatic contours and richly colored vistas. Research is now providing insight into how and when the Colorado River, whose continuous might has carved out the canyon over millions of years, came to flow through the region. By studying tiny grains of the mineral zircon in sandstone made up of sediments carried by the river and particles of ash fr...