The Yellowstone Grand Canyon
Yellowstone Grand Canyon
The Yellowstone Grand Canyon is one of the most breath taking features in the Yellowstone National park. It is about 4,000 feet wide and 1,200 feet deep in some places. Many people who have vistited the canyon say it is one of the most beautiful sights to see there! Huge volcanic eruptions took place in Yellowstone around 600,000 years ago which emptied a large underground magma chamber. The roof of this chamber fell down forming a giant pit. This pit was 45 miles long and several thousand feet deep. It eventually filled up with lava. Lava flows blocked some rivers and streams forming lakes that overflowed and soon cut through the rocks creating the canyon! Today wind, water, earthquakes, and other natural forces have continued to sculpt the canyon!