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Grand Canyon. Jared Appelbaum , Sydney Merkin , Andrew Gottsegen , Izzy Calis. Geological Origins. Colorado River formed the four plateaus Dry climate caused erosional activities Crystalline rocks formed Magma rose into rocks, crystallizing to granite Sediments and lava were deposited
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Grand Canyon Jared Appelbaum, Sydney Merkin, Andrew Gottsegen, IzzyCalis
Geological Origins • Colorado River formed the four plateaus • Dry climate caused erosional activities • Crystalline rocks formed • Magma rose into rocks, crystallizing to granite • Sediments and lava were deposited • Mountain formation tilted the rocks • Erosion left on the tilted rocks on the canyon • Marine movements formed thick layers • Widened from dry climate • Lack of moisture and storms created rock
Natural History • Biome- semi-dry desert • Climate- • Summer (south rim) : 50-80 degrees F, (north rim) : cooler, 40-70 degrees F, thunder storms, (inner canyon) temperatures extremely high • Winter (south rim): snowy, foggy, (north rim): extreme snowfall • Spring/Fall: unpredictable- snowy, windy, cool, warm days with cool nights • Wildlife • Variety (bald eagle, golden eagle, mountain lion,turkey vulture, coyote)
Endemic, Threatened, Endangered Species • Endemic (lives in only one place in the world) • Sentry milk-vetch plant • Agave (from Greek word “noble”- imposing structure) (flower) • Agave utahensis (noble from Utah)- Greek meaning (flower) • Arabisgracilipes (rock cress) (flower) • Threatened • Goshawks • Spotted owls • Endangered • Sentry milk-vetch plant
Human History • Obstructed vision • Nitrogen and sulfur • Mercury • Biggest canyon, asthenic value, habitat • National Park Service Organic Act • National Park Service • Rich, diverse fossil • Geological, paleontological, archeological and biological resources • Ecosystems
Threats and Cures Threats Cures Reduce the burning of fossil fuels Anti-Uranium mining groups • Air pollution • Poor air quality • Elevated ozone layers • Uranium mining
Bibliography • http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/geologicformations.htm • http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm • http://www.thetrain.com/grand-canyon/weather/ • http://www.arizona-leisure.com/grand-canyon-animals.html • http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/birds.htm • http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/upload/plant_guide_1.pdf • http://www.nps.gov/grca/parkmgmt/vrp.htm