Grand Canyon (Arizona) Rebecca Schneider, Sophia Fabian, Jamie Levinson-Period 4

Geological Origins course of the Colorado River through volcanism continental drift slight variations in the earths orbit thick sequence of rocks exposed in the walls of the canyon o Sandstone, shale, and limestone are the three main types of sedimentary rocks that are found on the walls of the grand canyon. rocks provide a remarkable but incomplete record of the Paleozoic Era ( million years ago) Precambrian rocks (2 billion years ago) can be found at the bottom of the canyon Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks (250 million years old to the present) are largely missing at Grand Canyon due to deposition and wear

Ecological History Biomes o Primarily desert o Coniferous forest o Scrubland Climate o The South Rim  snow showers  cool nights o Inside the canyon temperatures are hot o The North Rim  snow can fall throughout most of the year o Spring brings unpredictable weather to the park

Endemic Species Endemic: o Sentry milk-vetch o Tusayan Flameflower o Kaibab squirrel Threatened: o Bald Eagle

Human History Earliest evidence of human use: 13,000 years ago to the last Ice Age 9 contemporary Native American tribes have cultural links to the area Native Americans were guides and informants for Spanish and Euro- American explorers The Havasupais and Hopis created trails into the inner Canyon that are still in use Reflects values about the relationship between nature and culture that is now known as an “American” innovation National Park Services= responsible for preserving the natural and cultural values of the Grand Canyon, protecting the wildlife, and providing for the public use of the area

Threats and Cures Threats o Uranium mining o The introduction of non-native fish o Construction of major dams Cures o Obama administration enacted new protections limiting uranium-mine development on 1 million acres around Grand Canyon National Park (Jan. 9, 2012) o The Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992 o The Artificial Flood of '96

Bibliography Works Cited "Geology of the Grand Canyon." The Grand Canyon's Geologic History. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb NPS VIEWS - Grand Canyon GeologyGrand Canyon Is the Result of a Distinct and Ordered Combination of Geologic Events. Through This Virtual Experience You Will Be Able to Travel into This Great Chasm and Unfold the Chapters in Grand Canyon's Geologic History. Learn More... "Natural Features & Ecosystems." National Parks Service. National Parks Service, 19 Feb Web. 19 Feb "Save the Grand Canyon from Toxic Mining." Environment Nevada. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb Various Bird Species Frequent the Different Life Zones Within the Park. "Birds." National Parks Service. National Parks Service, 19 Feb Web. 19 Feb "WILDLIFE." NCHGC: History: Science: Wildlife. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb