
One could argue that it didn't just begin, but some imaginative hypotheses have been suggested over the years that include some form of stream piracy, where a Colorado River once flowed elsewhere, possibly into the Gulf of Mexico, or points northwest in the Basin and Range. A separate drainage system related to extensional stresses to the southwest evolved which eventually captured the river, and from there the giant canyon was carved in just a few million years.
I have many times imagined seeing that first trickle of water that spilled over the low divide, and how it would have become a torrent, and within hours the work of building a new canyon would have begun. Whether the hypothesis is correct or not, it is a wonderful piece of work for the imagination!
4 comments:
I'd join your time machine in a heartbeat to see the beginning of the Grand Canyon.
Thanks Garry! We're getting some really great submissions, and I hope to get this put together today.
Heh, heh... my verification word is "submarl."
Great to see your having good time Garry. This is David Wainwright. I hope you come back with lots of photos and .... *wink* items from the islands :)
You guys be careful. Make sure your not in target for N. Korea.
God speed and i'll look for your updates.
Dave in Modesto Ca.
Just got a log on name Garry, Talk to you later.
Dave in Modesto
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