#Kaibab Limestone

[thorsenmark]

Ravens Soaring Above Grand Canyon National Park One October Afternoon by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: A setting looking to the east to quite a few ravens flying above me while taking in views along the Rim Trail in Grand Canyon National Park.

[rocksfrommypockets]

Brachiopod fossils in the Kaibab Limestone

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

[thelostcanyon]

White cliff-forming limestone of the Kaibab Formation at the brink of the North Rim, Bright Angel Point, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.

[clothinglowpricemerch]

Unveiling the Enchanting Beauty of the Grand Canyon: A Journey through Time and Geology

The Grand Canyon, a natural wonder carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in the United States. Its vastness, intricate layers, and captivating colors leave visitors speechless. Embark on a hike along the canyon's rim or descend into its depths to experience its grandeur from a different perspective.

Introduction

Welcome to the mesmerizing world of the Grand Canyon, a geological masterpiece sculpted by the mighty Colorado River over countless millennia. As a seasoned travel blogger with a decade of exploration under my belt, I can confidently say that the Grand Canyon is a jewel in the crown of American natural wonders. In this journey through time and geology, we will uncover the secrets of the Grand Canyon, from its breathtaking vistas to its intricate rock formations.

The Grand Canyon: A Geological Marvel

A Glimpse into the Past

The Grand Canyon stands as a testament to the incredible forces of nature. Over millions of years, the Colorado River has carved its way through the rugged landscape, exposing layers of rock that tell a story as old as time itself. The canyon's geological history is a captivating narrative, with each layer representing a different era in the Earth's evolution.

Layers of Time

As you stand on the rim of the canyon, the layers of rock unfold like pages in a history book. From the ancient Vishnu Basement Rocks at the bottom to the more recent Kaibab Limestone at the top, each stratum reveals a unique chapter in the Grand Canyon's formation. It's a journey through time, with the exposed rock layers serving as a geological timeline etched into the canyon walls.

Experiencing the Grandeur

Hiking the Rim

Embark on a hiking adventure along the canyon's rim, where every step offers a new perspective on the vastness and beauty that stretches out before you. The South Rim, in particular, provides numerous trails catering to various skill levels. Whether you're an avid hiker seeking a challenging trek or a casual stroller looking for panoramic views, the Grand Canyon has a trail for you.

Descending into the Depths

For the more adventurous souls, descending into the canyon itself is an experience like no other. The Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail beckon those willing to explore the depths of the canyon. As you venture down, the landscape transforms, and the colors of the rock layers become more vivid. The descent is a physical and visual journey, and the effort is rewarded with a profound connection to the canyon's heart.

Captivating Colors

The Grand Canyon is a canvas painted with nature's palette, and the play of light throughout the day creates a kaleidoscope of colors. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical, casting a warm glow that deepens the hues of the rocks. The canyon's colors, ranging from rich reds to earthy browns, create a visual symphony that captivates photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Beyond the Views: Immersing in the Culture

Grand Canyon Village

Nestled on the South Rim, Grand Canyon Village is a hub of activity and culture. Stroll through this charming village, explore its historic buildings, and engage with local artists showcasing their work. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is a treasure trove of information, providing insights into the canyon's natural and cultural history.

Native American Influence

The Grand Canyon is not only a geological wonder but also holds immense cultural significance for Native American tribes. Learn about the ancestral connections of the Havasupai, Navajo, Hopi, and Hualapai peoples to the canyon. Consider joining guided tours led by members of these tribes to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural importance of the Grand Canyon.

Practical Tips for Your Grand Canyon Adventure

Best Times to Visit

While the Grand Canyon is open year-round, certain times offer a more enjoyable experience. Spring and fall are ideal, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, especially in the depths of the canyon, while winter brings snow to the rims, creating a different but equally enchanting atmosphere.

Hiking Essentials

If you plan to hike, ensure you are well-prepared. Wear sturdy hiking boots, carry plenty of water, and be mindful of the altitude. The canyon's terrain can be challenging, so it's crucial to have the right gear and be aware of your physical limits.

Accommodation Inside the Park

To fully immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon experience, consider staying within the park. Accommodations range from historic lodges to modern hotels, providing options for every budget. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Grand Canyon is a destination that transcends mere travel; it's a pilgrimage into the heart of Earth's history. Whether you're standing on the rim, hiking the trails, or delving into the cultural richness, the Grand Canyon offers a transformative experience. As someone who has roamed the globe for a decade, I can confidently say that the Grand Canyon is not just a place; it's a journey through time and geology that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your camera, and get ready for a profound adventure amidst the enchanting beauty of the Grand Canyon.

[newideas12]

The Grand Canyon

he Grand Canyon is one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Located in Arizona, USA, this magnificent geological formation draws millions of visitors every year. Its sheer size, colorful rock layers, and breathtaking vistas make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those seeking solace in the grandeur of the natural world.

The Grand Canyon is a geological masterpiece, carved over millions of years by the mighty Colorado River. With a length of approximately 277 miles (446 kilometers) and a width that ranges from 4 to 18 miles (6 to 29 kilometers), it is truly colossal in scale. The canyon's depth reaches up to 6,000 feet (1,800 meters), exposing nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history. The layers of rock, ranging from ancient Vishnu Schist to the more recent Kaibab limestone, provide a fascinating insight into our planet's evolution.Read more

[a2yzhvscofficial]

A study in layers: The Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail descends 4,380 feet (1,335 m) from the 270 million-year-old Kaibab Formation to the 1.7-billion-year-old Zoroaster Granite on the river. Formed on the ocean floor, the Kaibab Limestone is the canyon's uppermost layer, sitting around 9,000 feet (2,700 m) in elevation due to the plate tectonics that uplifted the Colorado Plateau. For more from the Grand Canyon, follow . #hvscofficial #arizona #grandcanyon #travel #landscapes #geology https://www.instagram.com/p/CoWVw9zpBTa/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[bitsoflight]

Stairway to Heaven. 

[earthstory]

Standing atop the Kaibab Plateau

Well, we've made it - starting with the oldest rock in the Grand Canyon in December, we have arrived at the Canyon Rim in February. Writing and scheduling all these has almost seemed like climbing the canyon itself. In fact, I think you can climb the Canyon in less time than it’s taken to write all these, or at least make very good progress on it.

We’re officially at the top of the Grand Canyon. The Kaibab Limestone forms a great plateau that surrounds the gorge of the Colorado River, spreading out for many kilometers in either direction. Kaibab is actually a word from the local Native American tribes translating as “Mountain lying down”, a fitting summation of this unit.

The Kaibab limestone was deposited in the middle-Permian. It is a true marine limestone, loaded with fossils, some of which you see here marked by the helpful folks at the Park service.

The Kaibab was deposited after a marine transgression; the seas came in, covering the area that would one day be the Canyon again and creating a warm, tropical seaway where ocean critters could thrive. Those organisms lived their lives, died, and left their shells behind to build the limestone.

The Kaibab predates the greatest extinction known in the geologic record at the end of the Permian. 10 million years or so after this limestone was deposited, the seas had receded again and the great dying took place. There is no record of the end-Permian recorded in the Grand Canyon, but it gives an amazing look through the Paleozoic, as we’ve seen for the last week+.

As we’ve seen with previous limestones, it is difficult to erode them in dry, arid climates. The Kaibab therefore forms fairly steep, rocky cliffs at the edge of the Canyon, and most easily is removed by collapse when the shale units beneath it are eroded away.

The top of the Kaibab is an unconformity, both now and in the past. Right now, the Kaibab forms a fairly flat plateau on which visitors drive to reach the Canyon and occasionally dart out for ice cream after a long day of being rained on while trying to hike around the rim. The top of the Kaibab is eroding right now, even if slowly. In the past, there was erosion on top of the Kaibab as well.

The next unit up does not outcrop in Grand Canyon national park. The Moenkopi formation is a Triassic-aged shale that sits unconformably on the Kaibab, just as shales sat upon the Redwall limestone unconformably well beneath our feet. As we’ve seen with many other shales in the park, they erode easily and so the Moenkopi has been stripped away from this location, leaving the Kaibab standing as a sentinel.

Looking back through time, it was penetrating the Kaibab formation that helped the rivers that we now call the Colorado to form the Grand Canyon. This is a tough unit to erode. Once streams got through it in a few locations, it often became easier to cut downwards than it was to migrate from side to side. To some extent, that is why the Canyon is there; the Kaibab and the other resistant units at the top locked the river in place, and the waters obliged by cutting downward.

The Kaibab is the youngest rock in sequence in the Grand Canyon but it is not the youngest rock in the Canyon. So, even though we've hiked through the entire sequence, from the bottom to the top, we're not quite done yet.

-JBB

Image credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/8411890361 https://www.flickr.com/photos/grand_canyon_nps/7706174560 https://www.flickr.com/photos/grand_canyon_nps/7706171986

Sources: http://www.bobspixels.com/kaibab.org/geology/gc_layer.htm http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/coloradoplateau/lexicon/kaibab.htm http://sed.utah.edu/Kaibab.htm http://www.grandcanyonnaturalhistory.com/pages_nature/geology/1-kaibab.html

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[nationalparkposters]

February 26th is Grand Canyon National Park's Birthday

February 26th is Grand Canyon National Park's Birthday: The Grand Canyon -- 277 miles long, and up to 18 miles wide reaches a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet) -- exposes nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. The canyon is the result of erosion which exposes one of the most complete geologic columns on the planet and is often considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The more recent Kaibab limestone caprock, on the rims of the Grand Canyon, formed 270 million years ago. In contrast, the oldest rocks within the Inner Gorge at the bottom of Grand Canyon date to 1.84 billion years ago. Geologists currently estimate the age of Earth at 4.5 billion years. The Cambrian seas of the Grand Canyon were home to several kinds of trilobite, whose closest living relative is the modern horsehoe crab. They left their fossil record in the mud of the Bright Angel Shale over 500 million years ago. Grand Canyon National Park was officially designated as a national park in 1919, though the landmark had been well known to Americans for over thirty years prior. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt visited the site and said: "The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled through-out the wide world... Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is to keep it for your children, your children's children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see." The original photograph by Robert B. Decker for this Grand Canyon National Park poster was taken from the Kolb Studio, which was once the home and business of the Kolb brothers, pioneering photographers at Grand Canyon. The studio is located in the Village Historic District, at the Bright Angel Trailhead, where each year, thousands of hikers enter the Grand Canyon. They follow a route established by prehistoric people for two key reasons: water and access. Water emerges from springs at Indian Garden, and a fault creates a break in the cliffs, providing access. Click here to see the Grand Canyon National Park poster. Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who studied under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19. Now he's on a journey to explore, photograph and create iconic WPA-style posters for each of our national parks. Click here to learn more about Rob...   https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/february-26th-is-grand-canyon-national-parks-birthday

[bingwallpaper]

Marble Canyon, Arizona, USA

You may think that this plunging canyon is the Grand Canyon, but today we’re exploring a lesser-known canyon about 115 kilometres away. Named for its resemblance to marble, the natural sandstone and limestone topography of Marble Canyon contains ethereal hues of pink, grey, purple, white and even gold. Located on the Colorado River, Marble Canyon may not be as well known as the Grand Canyon, but it is still a popular destination among adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Bordered on the east by the Navajo Indian Reservation and on the west by Kaibab Plateau, Marble Canyon tells a story of desert-life culture. Among the remnants found here include split-twig animal figurines that date back 4,000 years. It’s also home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, such as the Townsend’s big eared-bat, the now-endangered Kanab ambersnail and humpback chubs.

In 1995, the twin bridges in today’s image, known collectively as Navajo Bridge, were officially dedicated as the second bridge was installed. The first bridge had long been essential for travel across the 250-metre gap of Marble Canyon. But as the area experienced more traffic, and after much debate about the impact on Native land and endangered plants, plans were developed for the nearly identical second bridge. Now, Marble Canyon has two bridges, each about 150 metres over the Colorado River. The original serves as a path for humans and horses while the new bridge carries vehicles. Both bridges hold the title of ninth-highest in the United States (though the newer one is about a metre higher).

[thorsenmark]

I Can't Believe...But I Do Now! (Grand Canyon National Park) by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: A view looking to the north while at the overlook at Mather Point in Grand Canyon National Park. I pulled in on the focal length and angled my Nikon SLR camera slightly downward in order to capture a more sweeping view across the eroded formations, temples, and buttes. One can then more easily see the deep canyons carved by the Colorado River and other tributaries flowing through the national park. The North Rim would also be easily seen looking in a straight-ahead direction.

[igeologia]

El Parque Nacional Capitol Reef 🇺🇸 es uno de los menos conocidos en Utah pero tiene sucesiones estratigraficos muy interesantes. En el área que incluye el parque fue una vez el borde de un antiguo mar poco profundo que invadió la tierra en el Pérmico, creando la Formación Cutler. Solo la piedra arenisca del miembro más joven de la Formación Cutler, el Borde Blanco, está expuesta en el parque. La profundización del mar dejó depósitos de carbonato, formando la piedra caliza de la piedra caliza de Kaibab, la misma formación que bordea el Gran Cañón hacia el suroeste. Durante el Triásico, las corrientes depositaron limo marrón rojizo, que más tarde se convirtió en la limo de la Formación Moenkopi. Levantamiento y erosión siguieron. El conglomerado, seguido de troncos, arena, lodo y cenizas volcánicas transportadas por el viento, formó la Formación de Chinle que contiene uranio. 📸: @jacobwfrank . . . The area including the park was once the edge of an ancient shallow sea that invaded the land in the Permian, creating the Cutler Formation. Only the sandstone of the youngest member of the Cutler Formation, the White Rim, is exposed in the park. The deepening sea left Carbonate deposits, forming the limestone of the Kaibab Limestone, the same formation that rims the Grand Canyon to the southwest. During the Triassic, streams deposited reddish-brown silt, which later became the siltstone of the Moenkopi Formation. Uplift and erosion followed. Conglomerate, itself followed by logs, sand, mud, and wind-transported volcanic ash, then formed the uranium-containing Chinle Formation. 📸: @jacobwfrank (en Capitol Reef National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsqDu0sgq3i/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xsm4k025a13b

[thelostcanyon]

Kaibab Formation, the white cliff-forming limestone at the edge of the canyon rim, Bright Angel Point, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

[manuelclapid]

Pressure Washer Dangers – Serious Damage

Pressure Washer Dangers | A pressure washer caused this irreparable damage to dense hard limestone. The operator used it to remove spray paint protesting the governor of Puerto Rico but now has permanently etched the slogan into the stone surface. Copyright 2021 Tim Carter

Pressure Washer Dangers are Real - Be Super Careful

Do you own a pressure washer? I’ve had no less than five of them in my lifetime. I must say they’re amazing machines when you use them correctly and on surfaces that won’t be harmed by the powerful blast exiting the nozzle at the end of the cleaning wand. If you want to know how to use a pressure washer, I can help you.

Damage Proof is at the Grand Canyon

My college degree is in geology. A month after my 20th birthday, I found myself walking down the Kaibab Trail into the maw of the Grand Canyon on my first out-West geology field trip. It took about four or five hours to get down to the Colorado River.

I don’t know if the professor told us at the time, but the National Park Service says the Colorado River gobbled up all that missing rock transporting it to the ocean in just 6,000,000 years. It did this with just 14.2 pounds of normal atmospheric pressure pushing down on the water flowing over the rock, not 2,400 pounds as many pressure washers produce.

In other words, water just normally flowing over dense hard rock will erode it. Think of how much destructive force is created when you plug in your pressure washer or pull the start cord on its gasoline engine. I witnessed an agonizing example of this destructive force on a trip to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico in October of 2019. Months before anti-government protestors had spray-painted slogans on many of the buildings.

Pressure Washer Etches Solid Limestone

The governor dispatched workers to remove the paint and they decided to use a pressure washer. One of the buildings was built using hard oolitic limestone. The operator of the machine removed the paint, but he also eroded the actual stone permanently etching into the building facade that had been spray painted. It was hard to stomach because one would think within a few minutes the operator could see he was damaging the stone itself.

Pressure Washers Damage Wood Decks

Think of the things around your home that are far softer than hard limestone the likes of which many of the buildings in Washington DC are made, including the Washington Monument! That oolitic limestone was chosen for a reason because it’s so long-lasting and it’s gorgeous.

In other words, if you don’t know how to use a pressure washer and aim that cleaning wand at your wood deck, your wood deck railing, or the wood steps, in a matter of seconds you’ll transform smooth treated lumber into a weathered fishing pier where the soft springwood in between the darker bands of summerwood has been worn away.

Cleaning Concrete Pavers - Easy to RUIN THEM

Do you use your pressure washer to clean your brick paver driveway, sidewalk, or patio? I’m talking about the interlocking bricks made from concrete that have dry pigments added to them. These brick can be had in an assortment of earthy colors and tones.

That color you see at the surface is just an ultra-thin coating of cement paste that has the dry pigments in it. It’s child’s play for your pressure washer to blast away this thin film of color exposing the actual color of the small stones used to make the concrete brick. Put the spray wand too close to the brick and you’ll actually blast away some of the small fine sand used to make the brick.

Pro Pressure Washers Make Serious Mistakes

I see professionals improperly use pressure washers all the time. Many are painters who use them to wash the outside of a house before applying a fresh coat of paint. All too often I see the operator aiming the cleaning wand up to clean things above his head or shoulders. This is a huge mistake.

Aim Wand DOWN

We builders construct homes thinking about how rain falls. Rain falls down, and in rare instances, it can hit a structure sideways during a powerful storm, nor’easter, or hurricane. But Mother Nature rarely has rain blowing up to the sky.

Builders lap siding, trim, flashings, etc. so that the falling water doesn’t get behind the outer skin of your house. An operator aiming a pressure washer up can drive water behind the outer skin of your home in short order. Never ever aim a pressure washer wand up on the outside of your home.

Cleaning Vinyl Siding With Pressure Washers

Is your house covered with vinyl siding? Have you ever paid attention to how the pieces of siding overlap at a joint along a long wall? Don’t ever aim a pressure washer wand so the water lifts the overlapping siding and gets behind the vinyl. The same is true for where the vinyl trim is up against windows and doors. There’s a seam there and the pressure washer can drive lots of water behind the siding that otherwise shouldn’t be going there.

First and foremost you should read cover to cover any manual that comes with your pressure washer. The manufacturer may have all sorts of warnings about how to use the machine with different materials.

At the very least, use your own critical-thinking skills. Do experiments. Instead of aiming the pressure wand at a 90-degree angle to the surface you’re cleaning, try 45 degrees or even 10 degrees! If you’re using a high-pressure stream of water to remove flaking paint, it’s best to hold the wand almost parallel with the painted surface. The stream of water will burrow between the paint and the surface and blast it away usually doing little harm to the siding or trim.

Column 1421

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[danholmesphoto]

Windblown, This juniper stands alone on the edge of a limestone slope. It is a testimate to years and seasons of wind and storm. The stories it could tell: of cold, wind, sun, and storm. #ourpubliclands #kaibab #arizona #danholmesphoto #solitarytree #ancient #windblown #juniper #highdesert #travel #dramaticsky #clouds #coloradoplateau #landscapephotography #landscape #artinnature (at Arizona, U.S.A) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHGLnnmgguY/?igshid=1380wior583f2

[earthstory]

The Grand Staircase Starting at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and heading north, a traveler would pass through some of the most amazing landscapes on the planet Earth. The area contains 5 famous national parks and 7 scenic national monuments, all of which exist due to the geology of the area known as the Colorado Plateau. The Grand Canyon itself is like reading the pages of a book – each layer tells part of the story of how the western part of North America developed. That book, however, is only half the story; the uppermost unit in the Grand Canyon, the Kaibab Limestone, is Permian in age, about 270 million years old. The remaining pages of the book of the Colorado Plateau are found in this area, known as the Grand Staircase.

The Grand Canyon itself shows a familiar stairstep pattern. Some units like the Redwall Limestone are thick and hard to erode, while other units like the Bright Angel Shale are easy to erode. The stairstep pattern is created because the strong units stand up vertically like the front of a step, while the weaker units erode backwards, leaving flat areas. This pattern of strong and weak units creates a stairstep pattern that extends across Utah, where strong units create cliffs that must be stepped over like a giant staircase. The name “The Grand Staircase” was first applied to this region in 1924. This image shows the Grand Staircase in cross section starting at the Grand Canyon. The Colorado Plateau mostly survived the mountain-building events in the North American west intact, with only limited folding and faulting. The Grand Canyon records a series of marine environemtns, formed as the ocean waters rose and fell across this area. You can find the full description of these units covered in my series on every unit in the Grand Canyon linked below. After the Permian, there continued to be alternating patterns of marine and terrestrial sediments deposited in this area, but these began to be influenced by growing mountains to the west and the location of the north American continent on the planet. The Triassic aged Moenkopi formation, for example, contains siltstones and gypsum deposited in shallow, tropical seas, the kind of setting one would find today at the bottom of the Persian Gulf. Several of the major steps in the staircase are created by sandstones. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and the White Cliffs and Zion Canyon are cut into thick sandstones including the Navajo Sandstone that formed in desert environments. The uppermost step at the top of the staircase is the Pink cliffs; it is formed of Cretaceous aged limestone and is home to Bryce Canyon National Park. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was an enormous National Monument created in 1996 to cover and protect a large portion of this staircase, starting at the Arizona border and heading all the way to the upper part of the plateau. While it still covers a large portion of the area, in 2017 the monument was shrunk by the Trump administration to enable mining access to resources in the monument area. -JBB Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Staircase#/media/File:Grand_Staircase-big.jpg References: https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2002/0172/pdf/chap6.pdf https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/Utah_GSENM_New2018.pdf Find the full Grand Canyon stratigraphy series here (last post contains links to all of them): https://www.facebook.com/TheEarthStory/photos/a.352867368107647/735052459889134/?type=1&theater