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Grand Canyon much older than previously thought
Reuters ^ | Thu Mar 6, 2008 | Will Dunham

Posted on 03/07/2008 12:18:12 PM PST by rosenfan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Grand Canyon, carved out over the eons by rushing river water, began to form 17 million years ago, making it nearly three times older than previously thought, scientists said on Thursday.

The general consensus among geologists had been that the famed natural landmark in Arizona was about 6 million years old.

But now University of New Mexico scientists say it is far older based on their findings using a technique called uranium-lead isotope to date mineral deposits in caves from nine sites in the canyon's walls.

The cave formations provided a record of a dropping water table as the canyon deepened.

The gorge is 277 miles long, 1.1 miles deep at its deepest point and up to 18 miles wide. The Colorado River that runs through it arises in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows southwest about 1,400 miles to the Gulf of California.

The scientists found that there is a kind of dual history to the canyon, with the western portion starting to form about 17 million years ago when water from a predecessor to the Colorado River began the slow, inexorable process of eroding the rock, they said.

(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...


TOPICS: Miscellaneous; US: Arizona
KEYWORDS: 17millionyearsbp; 55millionyearsbp; coloradoriver; geology; grandcanyon; uthhedating
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1 posted on 03/07/2008 12:18:13 PM PST by rosenfan
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To: Coyoteman; blam

Popcorn


2 posted on 03/07/2008 12:19:43 PM PST by ASA Vet (Only a suicidal fool would have Hillary as VP)
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To: rosenfan

Impossible. I hear the earth is only 6,000 years old.


3 posted on 03/07/2008 12:19:48 PM PST by Phantom Lord (Fall on to your knees for the Phantom Lord)
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To: rosenfan

Oh, really?............


4 posted on 03/07/2008 12:20:10 PM PST by Red Badger ( We don't have science, but we do have consensus.......)
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To: rosenfan

Clark: ‘...It’s only the biggest gd hole in the world!’
Aunt Edna: ‘Clark! Watch your language!’
Clark: ‘Make that the second biggest.’


5 posted on 03/07/2008 12:20:43 PM PST by dfwgator (11+7+15=3 Heismans)
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To: Phantom Lord
I hear the earth is only 6,000 years old.

Been hearing that for 50 years. Must be 6050 by now.

6 posted on 03/07/2008 12:21:30 PM PST by RightWhale (Clam down! avoid ataque de nervosa)
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To: Lil'freeper

Ping


7 posted on 03/07/2008 12:21:43 PM PST by big'ol_freeper (REAGAN: "..party..must represent certain fundamental beliefs [not] compromised..[for] expediency")
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To: rosenfan

helen thomas is older than previously thought too !

8 posted on 03/07/2008 12:21:55 PM PST by kingattax (99 % of liberals give the rest a bad name)
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To: Phantom Lord

I believe that man is around 6000 years old...the earth, nobody really knows.


9 posted on 03/07/2008 12:25:39 PM PST by Retired Greyhound
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To: Retired Greyhound
I believe that man is around 6000 years old

While it looks like it, "that man" in post 8 is supposedly a women.

10 posted on 03/07/2008 12:26:41 PM PST by Phantom Lord (Fall on to your knees for the Phantom Lord)
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To: rosenfan

Its old as dirt.


11 posted on 03/07/2008 12:27:19 PM PST by DainBramage
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To: rosenfan; All
The Grand Canyon

One of the most awe inspiring sights on the planet.

Anyone who has not seen this thing of unimaginable beauty should make it a goal to see it before they die.

It is well worth the time and money.

12 posted on 03/07/2008 12:29:08 PM PST by Pontiac (Your message here.)
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To: rosenfan

I remember when it was the Grand Gulch.


13 posted on 03/07/2008 12:29:20 PM PST by MARTIAL MONK (I'm waiting for the POP!)
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To: Pontiac

I second your thought. Finally saw it from ground level a few years ago. Well worth the trip.


14 posted on 03/07/2008 12:30:32 PM PST by pbear8 (The innocent cry out to God)
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To: ASA Vet

Sorry, I thought this thread was about Helen Thomas. Carry on.


15 posted on 03/07/2008 12:30:37 PM PST by Republic of Texas (Socialism Always Fails)
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To: rosenfan

More wild guesses.


16 posted on 03/07/2008 12:35:28 PM PST by BenLurkin
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To: DainBramage
Its old as dirt.

Technically not, since dirt has been around a lot longer than 17 million years.

17 posted on 03/07/2008 12:37:19 PM PST by rosenfan
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To: pbear8
The wife and I went on our honeymoon.

Once we get the kids out of the house I want to take her again and spend more time. Maybe go to the bottom like you did. Maybe see it from the North rim.

If I was younger maybe I would take one of the raft trips.

18 posted on 03/07/2008 12:37:58 PM PST by Pontiac (Your message here.)
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To: BenLurkin
More wild guesses.

Uranium-lead isotope dating is a "wild guess"?

19 posted on 03/07/2008 12:40:24 PM PST by rosenfan
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To: rosenfan

That’s because for 11 million years it kept telling people it was “39”.


20 posted on 03/07/2008 12:41:04 PM PST by PBRSTREETGANG
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