Includes index.

A national treasure -- The basement rocks -- Layers of sediment -- Dating rocks -- Reading the layers -- Finding fossils -- Shifting upward -- Carving the canyon -- Dating the river -- An ongoing process -- The history of the Grand Canyon -- Ecological importance -- Conserving the canyon -- A truly grand place.

"The Grand Canyon is one of the most striking geographical features on Earth. Every year, millions of tourists flock to the Grand Canyon to witness its majesty in person. How exactly was this masterpiece of nature created? In this informative book, readers will learn about how the mighty Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon. They'll be able to closely study the mile-high walls and layered rocks that reveal the geological history of this national treasure. With breathtaking photographs and fascinating fact boxes, the illuminating text weaves awe-inspiring material with curricular concepts and is certain to hold readers' attention."-- Provided by publisher.