Scientists solve mystery of Colorado River’s 'disappearance' 5 million years ago

Scientists solve mystery of Colorado River’s 'disappearance' 5 million years ago

Scientists have solved a long-standing geological mystery about where the Colorado River flowed during a roughly 5-million-year gap in the geological record, according to researchers at UCLA. Geologists have long known the Colorado River existed in western Colorado about 11 million years ago and began exiting the Grand Canyon around 5.6 million years ago. However, [...]

The Colorado River Vanished from the Geological Record for 5 Million Years

Geologists have long grappled with the elusive history of the Colorado River, one of North America’s most vital waterways, particularly concerning its ancient course and emergence into the Grand Canyon. A recent breakthrough study published in Science unveils new geological insights that trace the river’s journey millions of years ago, illuminating how it transitioned into the continental-scale river known today, carving vast landscapes and sust…