Epic Erosion
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park seen in morning light. This canyon is 900 ft. deep and a half mile across. The canyon was formed by erosion rather than glaciation resulting in the "V" structure.
The formation is thought to be relatively recent and fast in geologic terms. It most likely formed 14,000 to 18,000 years ago as the result of a number of gigantic flash floods rushing through the geothermically altered and softened rhyolite. The yellow color is the result of geothermic action on minerals and especially iron. It is not due to sulfur as many think.
You can read more about it here.
View large - 'Epic Erosion" On Black
View the entire Yellowstone and Tetons - Sept 2007 Set
View my - Most Interesting according to Flickr
Epic Erosion
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park seen in morning light. This canyon is 900 ft. deep and a half mile across. The canyon was formed by erosion rather than glaciation resulting in the "V" structure.
The formation is thought to be relatively recent and fast in geologic terms. It most likely formed 14,000 to 18,000 years ago as the result of a number of gigantic flash floods rushing through the geothermically altered and softened rhyolite. The yellow color is the result of geothermic action on minerals and especially iron. It is not due to sulfur as many think.
You can read more about it here.
View large - 'Epic Erosion" On Black
View the entire Yellowstone and Tetons - Sept 2007 Set
View my - Most Interesting according to Flickr