Radiometric dating of the grand canyon

How do scientists determine the age of rocks in the Grand Canyon?

Depending on the availability of datable material (e.g., diagnostic minerals suitable for radiometric dating) and the presence of index fossils, investigators have used both techniques to discern the ages of rocks exposed in the Grand Canyon.

How old is the Grand Canyon?

With one of the clearest exposures of the rock record and a long, diverse geologic history, Grand Canyon is an ideal place to gain a sense of geologic or “deep” time. The oldest rocks exposed in the canyon are ancient, 1,840 million years old. Conversely, the canyon itself is geologically young, having been carved in the last 6 million years.

What is the purpose of the Grand Canyon database?

The goal was to develop a single list of numeric ages that users could apply consistently, thereby facilitating comprehension of the geologic history and features of the Grand Canyon. Two major categories of geologic dating techniques exist: relative dating and absolute age determinations.

Why is Grand Canyon National Park a geologic wonder?

Many people consider Grand Canyon National Park the world’s premiere geologic landscape and a “geologic wonder”. The eroded cliffs reveal 1.7 billion years of fossils, volcanic activity, and geologic history.

How do scientists know how old the Grand Canyon is?

Still, by looking at relationships between rock formations, scientists are able to determine ages of landscapes with some precision. Scientists have used this type of relative dating technique to narrow the age of the Colorado River and Grand Canyon. Scientists know that the Colorado River carved Grand Canyon.

How do Geologists know the age of a rock?

Geologists generally know the age of a rock by determining the age of the group of rocks, or formation, that it is found in. The age of formations is marked on a geologic calendar known as the geologic time scale.

What type of geology is the Grand Canyon?

Geology. Grand Canyon is the result of a distinct and ordered combination of geologic events. The story begins almost two billion years ago with the formation of the igneous and metamorphic rocks of the inner gorge. Above these old rocks lie layer upon layer of sedimentary rock, each telling a unique part of the environmental history...

How old are the layers of rock in the Grand Canyon?

ICR believes that the strata, the layers of rock in the Grand Canyon, were primarily formed during Noah’s flood perhaps only five thousand years ago. Most geologists, including Christian old-earth creationists, believe that the strata were laid down over hundreds of millions of years.

What type of geology is the Grand Canyon?

Geology. Grand Canyon is the result of a distinct and ordered combination of geologic events. The story begins almost two billion years ago with the formation of the igneous and metamorphic rocks of the inner gorge. Above these old rocks lie layer upon layer of sedimentary rock, each telling a unique part of the environmental history...

Why is the Grand Canyon considered a natural wonder of the world?

The Grand Canyon is considered one of the natural wonders of the world largely because of its natural features.

How much do you know about the Grand Canyon?

Imagine a canyon of rock one mile deep, up to 18 miles wide, and 277 miles long. That is a big slice through the ground! Grand Canyon displays more than 20 layers of rocks, and each layer is like a page in Earths history book. Geology, the study of Earth, helps tell the story of rocks. Have you ever wondered why Grand Canyon is so colorful?

Is the Grand Canyon a National Park?

After 100 years as a national park and eons as a geological wonder, the American icon continues to reveal layers of its past and of the landscape ahead Teddy Roosevelt called the Grand Canyon one of the great sights that every American should see.