Garnett S. Stokes, President - The University of New Mexico Board of Regents | University of New Mexico
Garnett S. Stokes, President - The University of New Mexico Board of Regents | University of New Mexico
The Grand Canyon, a symbol of natural wonder, may be younger than previously believed, according to new research. The podcast "It’s (Probably Not) Rocket Science" recently discussed findings that suggest the Arizona National Park's age could be reevaluated.
Geologists from the University of New Mexico, Karl Karlstrom and Laura Crossey, have conducted research indicating the canyon might be much younger than traditionally thought. Their studies focus on the geological history of the Grand Canyon, which stretches over 270 miles long and up to 18 miles wide.
Karlstrom shared his connection to the area: “I grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, and learned to love the Grand Canyon when I was a teenager hiking down and learning the layers.” His colleague Crossey recalled her first visit: “I always had a yearning to go to the Southwest of the United States… I took a visit as a college student to the rim of the Grand Canyon on a camping trip and was just taken away by the incredible view.”
New technologies like geochronology are providing researchers with tools to more accurately date rock layers. Karlstrom noted that while “[the canyon] has only been carved in five or six million years,” its rocks are ancient. This indicates that although its landscape is relatively young, it holds deep historical significance.
Crossey emphasized this point by discussing their work on redating periods such as the Cambrian timescale: “The Cambrian is the earliest part of the visible record of life in our rocks...and one of the most amazing creature features of the Cambrian would be the trilobite.”
Three-dimensional scanning technology has furthered their research by allowing detailed modeling of rock formations. “We are able as geoscientists to go in and get a real good three-dimensional picture of the distribution of sedimentary environments…” said Crossey.
Their work not only contributes to scientific understanding but also educates future generations through resources like UNM classrooms and public initiatives such as Trail of Time at Grand Canyon National Park. This path helps visitors connect with millions of years of Earth’s history.
As they continue exploring these geological mysteries, Karlstrom and Crossey remind us that even well-known sites like the Grand Canyon still hold secrets waiting to be discovered.
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