Question

What 2 environments once existed where the Grand Canyon is located today?

Answer 1

The Grand Canyon was once home to ancient marine environments and tropical landscapes, as evidenced by the diverse sedimentary rocks and fossils found in the area.

Step-by-step explanation:

The area where the Grand Canyon is located has experienced different environmental conditions over geological time. The two primary environments that once existed there are:

• Ancient marine environments, as evidenced by the layers of sedimentary rocks that were deposited in a marine setting over 270 million years ago.
• Tropical landscapes, suggested by the presence of fossils and rock formations from periods when the region was near the equator and had a much different climate than today.

These environments are recorded in the Grand Canyon's comprehensive geologic record, including a significant stratigraphic sequence spanning from Early Proterozoic to Holocene. Also, features like the Great Unconformity indicate a considerable gap in this record, showcasing dramatic changes in the landscape over time.

Answer 2

The entire park area is considered to be a semi-arid desert, but distinct habitats are located at different elevations along the 8,000-foot elevation gradient. Near the Colorado River, riparian vegetation and sandy beaches prevail.