Carving a canyon The Colorado River, the architect of the Grand Canyon, continues to flow and carve as it has for six million years. (more) How Was the Grand Canyon Formed? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/How-Was-the-Grand-Canyon-Formed Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Mar 4, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot The short answer is the hard work of the Colorado River, but the real answer is more complex. About six million years ago, the river began carving its way through the rock layers of the Colorado Plateau. The river’s rapid flow, combined with its load of mud, sand, and gravel, acted like a natural sandblaster, cutting deep into the earth. Before the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1966, the river carried an impressive average of 500,000 tons of sediment per day, showcasing its incredible erosive power. But other natural forces played key roles in the formation ...(100 of 227 words)

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