2007-10-22 06:06:11 · 9 answers · asked by Franco 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
There was once a very tall chain of mountains in the area that occupied the Grand Canyon. These mountains were, over many millions of years, eventually eroded away to form a level plain. Fluctuations in climate then caused the oceans to move in over successive periods and each time a new rock layer was deposited. The rock layers were deposited one on top of the other which is what formed the "lines" in the walls.
2007-10-22 06:16:31 · answer #1 · answered by m.charlee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may also be seeing the different horizontal strata, that have been eroded through by the Colorado River. There are sharp breaks or contacts between layers of rock that have different colors because of different lithologies or rock make-up. Also there are vertical joints, or cracks that go right through the strata because the rock is brittle here at the surface, compared to the depth where it was buried originally
and could adjust by creep. And there are places to where
volcanism has cut dikes and pipes of lava into the rock
2007-10-22 13:24:44 · answer #2 · answered by jim m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Booo!! Hey Franco It's Jess! You Should Know The Answer To That By Now!
2007-10-23 19:47:43 · answer #3 · answered by ♥_Jessie_♥ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The lines are created by different layers of earth the the river has cut through over time. Dig a hole and you will see layers in the soil as well.
2007-10-22 13:16:24 · answer #4 · answered by Carl W 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Different layers of rock were laid down at different times, like a giant sponge cake with different coloured layers.
The Colorado River comes along, like a big cake knife, and cuts through the rock. The different layers are then exposed once again, and are visible.
2007-10-22 13:28:13 · answer #5 · answered by attakkdog 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Noah's flood waters deposited layers of sediment in the area through the process of hydrological sorting. Mt St. Helens did the same thing when it erupted and caused a massive mud flow and flood.
2007-10-22 18:14:04 · answer #6 · answered by paul h 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because it used to be a rushing river. The lines are from different times when the water was that level.
2007-10-22 13:13:34 · answer #7 · answered by Jackie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why is everyone lying to the kid? Mesoamerican natives drew lines on it each year as a type of calendar. Every white line equals 5 years.
2007-10-22 13:26:43 · answer #8 · answered by pohlusky 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
r u in mrs restrepos class
2007-10-22 16:36:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋