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Grand Canyon with Thunderhead Cloud
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Grand Canyon with Thunderhead Cloud
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the state of Arizona, US. It is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile. Nearly two billion years of the Earths geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. While the specific geologic processes and timing that formed the Grand Canyon are the subject of debate by geologists, recent evidence suggests the Colorado River established its course through the canyon at least 17 million years ago. Cumulonimbus clouds are characterized by a flat, anvil-like top, caused by straight line winds at the higher altitudes which shear off the top of the cloud, as well as by an inversion over the thunderstorm caused by rising temperatures above the tropopause
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Media ID 6327189
© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Altitude Arizona Canyon Cloud Cumulo Nimbus Desert Grand Canyon Plateau River Sand Stone Thunder Storm Thunderhead Wind Colorado Plateau Colorado River Rising Temperature Tributaries Uplift
EDITORS COMMENTS
This breathtaking print captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon, one of nature's most remarkable creations. The steep-sided canyon, carved by the mighty Colorado River over millions of years, stretches an impressive 277 miles long and attains a depth of over a mile. As you gaze at this image, you can almost feel the power and force with which the river has cut through layer after layer of rock, exposing nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history. Adding to the dramatic scene is a magnificent thunderhead cloud looming above the canyon. This cumulonimbus cloud boasts a flat, anvil-like top caused by strong winds at higher altitudes that shear off its upper portion. The inversion over the thunderstorm creates rising temperatures above the tropopause, contributing to its striking appearance. The vibrant red hues of sandstone formations contrast beautifully with the deep blue sky and fluffy white clouds. It's as if nature itself has painted this masterpiece for us to admire. This photograph serves as a reminder of both our planet's incredible geologic past and its ever-changing weather patterns. It invites us to marvel at Earth's immense power while appreciating its delicate balance between erosion and uplift.
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