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The Grand Canyon ol the Yellowstone – A Living History

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone has inspired many an artist. People travel from around the world to take in its wonder. Beyond its physical beauty however, lie scientific marvels that are well worth exploring.

Geology

Rocks found in Yellowstone date back 2.7 billion years. They are the very foundation of North America. The Yellowstone River, which plunges 1000 feet as it makes its way through the canyon, erodes the earth, and as you gaze at the canyon walls, you are looking at the earth’s interior — a geological timeline.

Some of the rocks, which range in color from black to pinkish grey and lilac, have been stained by iron compounds. These iron compounds turned the rocks the famous yellowish-orange color which gave the park its name. Obsidian, a volcanic glass, is abundant at Obsidian Cliff and was used by Native Americans to make cutting tools and projectile points.

Fossils

There are over 1000 archaeological sites in Yellowstone, with the earliest fossils dating 510 million years ago to the middle Cambrian period. The park, which was once covered by shallow inland seas, now reveals its history through fossilized corals, fish scales and teeth, and brachiopods (lampshells).

The world’s largest Petrified Forest, with petrified trees reaching over 40 feet, continues to spark discussion about its formation and age and is a wonder to behold. Sub fossil material from Lamar Cave indicates that 36 species of mammals that inhabit the park currently also existed 1,700 years ago.

Scientists have found dinosaur egg’s and bone fossils and believe there is a wealth of fossil material yet to be discovered.

History At Your Feet

The volcanic activity that helped to shape Yellowstone National Park continues today. At one point in the park the earth’s newest and oldest rocks share space and, to the north of Yellowstone Lake, the earth’s surface is increasing at a rate of approximately one inch a year due to volcanic activity. The massive force of glaciers is evident as boulders (moved from some 15 miles away) stand alone in an otherwise volcanic landscape.

Standing in Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first National Park, is truly being part of a living history.