why is the Grand Canyon so wide if the river that carved it out is so small?
Well, the thing is that the river probably wasn't always a river. The true history of the canyon is the subject of some debate, and the most extreme data sets put its age somewhere around 70million years old (though a more conservative, and likely more accurate age is closer to 17millions years o…
The Short Answer
Well, the thing is that the river probably wasn't always a river. The true history of the canyon is the subject of some debate, and the most extreme data sets put its age somewhere around 70million years old (though a more conservative, and likely more accurate age is closer to 17millions years old), but it's very likely that the canyon was carved by several forms of water erosion. There is evidence of swamps and beaches having occupied parts of the canyon in addition the river itself. In addition, the very curvy path of the river suggests that the river itself has wandered over time, and its current path through the canyon probably does not reflect its original path. All in all, the canyon was not carved solely by the river, so the river cannot account for the total width of the canyon.
Analysis
Key Concepts: River, canyon, path
This explanation focuses on river, canyon, path and spans 142 words across 5 sentences. At 100% above the average Nature explanation (71 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Well, the thing is that the river probably wasn't always a river.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.
How This Compares in Nature
Ranked #44 of 500 Nature questions by answer depth (top 10%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why the grand canyon so wide if the river that carved it out is so small?
Well, the thing is that the river probably wasn't always a river. The true history of the canyon is the subject of some debate, and the most extreme data sets put its age somewhere around 70million years old (though a more conservative, and likely…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Nature questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 142 words, ranked #44 of 500 Nature questions by depth. The key concepts covered are river, canyon, path.
What approach does this answer take to explain the grand canyon so wide if the river that carved it out is ?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 142 words. It is categorized under Nature and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.