Lost 'mega-escarpment' across ancient USA may explain Grand Canyon's missing billion years
Geologists have identified a massive ancient escarpment that may explain the 'Great Unconformity' in the Grand Canyon's rock record. This discovery suggests that the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia 800 million years ago exposed deep basement rocks.
Why it matters
This research provides a significant breakthrough in understanding Earth's geological history and the formation of one of the world's most famous natural landmarks.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Great escarpment of Laurentia. Credit: Prof Tom Gernon, University of Southampton Scientists have found evidence that a colossal cliff stretching thousands of kilometers across ancient North America may have exposed the heart of the Grand Canyon nearly a billion years before it was carved by the Colorado River.
The study, led by the University of Southampton in the UK, proposes that a vast "great escarpment" of steep rocky cliffs formed when the supercontinent Rodinia broke apart 800 million years ago.
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