Pegmatite Intrusions shown in Cliff Wall, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado


The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, located in western Colorado, is a geological wonder that has been carved out over millions of years by the powerful Gunnison River. The canyon is known for its steep, narrow walls, which rise up to 2,700 feet above the river below. These walls are composed primarily of metamorphic rock, including gneiss and schist, that is over a billion years old. The canyon itself was formed as the Gunnison River slowly eroded the hard, resistant rock over a period of millions of years. The river's relentless force gradually cut deeper and deeper into the rock, creating the steep walls and narrow canyon that we see today. The unique geology of the Black Canyon is also characterized by its narrowness, which has prevented the formation of a wide floodplain along the river. This, in turn, has limited the amount of sediment that is transported downstream, resulting in a river channel that is characterized by steep, rocky rapids and pools. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a testament to the power of geological forces and the immense time scales over which they operate. Visitors to the park can marvel at the canyon's unique geology and learn about the processes that have shaped this incredible natural wonder over millions of years. Whether hiking along the canyon rim or rafting through the river below, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a destination that is sure to leave visitors in awe of the power and beauty of the natural world.


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Photo credit: © Phil Degginger / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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