Ancient Cliff May Explain Grand Canyon's Missing History | Science News

Scientists have uncovered a massive, ancient cliff system stretching thousands of kilometers across North America—possibly a kilometer high—that may explain a billion-year gap in the Grand Canyon’s history. This colossal escarpment, formed when a supercontinent broke apart, once stood where Arizona, Utah, and the Midwest are today. Over millions of years, erosion stripped away up to eight kilometers of rock, exposing the canyon’s oldest layers before the Colorado River even existed. This discovery sheds light on the “Great Unconformity,” revealing how this ancient continental drop-off shaped river systems, sedimentation, and even the conditions that led to the Cambrian explosion. By comparing Earth’s ancient landscapes with modern ones, researchers are rewriting how continents evolve—and solving geological mysteries elsewhere. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/174721da31b17098