Discussion 1, The Geology of the Gran Canyon
The purpose of this discussion is to help you understand and visualize sedimentary rocks in their natural environment and help you grasp the meaning of geological unconformities using the Gran Canyon in Arizona as an example.
Nearly two billion years of the Earth’s geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layers of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. These layers record much of the early geologic history of the North American continent.
1) Watch the following videos by PBS Eons and TED-Ed on the geology of the Gran Canyon and how it fits in the broader history of the North American continent.
When a Billion Years Disappeared. PBS EONS video.
How North America got its Shape. TED-Ed video. Lesson by Peter J. Haproff, animation by Globizco.
2) Explore the following virtual field trips by Arizona State University. Make sure to complete the field trip entitled “THE MYSTERY OF BLACKTAIL CANYON” and take a screenshot of the final page of the field trip indicating that you have completed the activity. Upload the screenshot to the dropbox below: