New research suggests that the Grand Canyon was mostly formed only 5 or 6 million years ago, much more recently than previously suspected.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience concludes that while the canyon has stretches that are much older, most of the gorge was formed in the last 6 million years. This finding refutes the long-established theory that the landmark was formed over 70 million years ago.
Instead, the research suggests, the Colorado River eroded most of the older segments when it wove its way from the Rockies to the Gulf of California. A team led by Prof Karl Karlstrom of the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque used thermochronology to age different parts of the canyon, and discovered that over half was formed in the last 6 million years, about a quarter was formed 15-25 million years ago, and the rest is around 70 million years old.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Charlotte Alter at charlotte.alter@time.com