21 (D-110) More about The Grand Canyon

21. (D-110)
First, something for the Geology students. The Grand Canyon has three sets of rocks: 1) Layered Paleozoic Rocks 2) Grand Canyon Supergroup Rocks and 3) Vishnu Basement Rocks!

The Grand Canyon has two different rims (North and South) with two slightly different environments. The North Rim is at a higher elevation than the South rim (about 400 meters higher). The temperatures on the North rim are generally lower than the temperatures of the South rim due to the elevation difference. Also, the North rim has heavier snowfalls during the winter months. The bottom of the gorge can have a completely different climate than at the top because of the elevation difference.

There are trails going from the North Rim and the South Rim to the bottom of the canyon. These trails lead to a place at the bottom of the canyon called Phantom Ranch. Phantom Ranch has a campground and cabins where hikers can spend the night. Some people also ride mules into the Grand Canyon. Most people who visit the Grand Canyon drive in cars to the South Rim and just look at the canyon from the rim and take pictures.


There is so much more you can learn about the Grand Canyon.
Go to: VOA Special English: READ and LISTEN.
The Grand Canyon: A True Wonder of the World http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/archive/2009-10/2009-10-06-voa1.cfm

Read and listen carefully TO BE PREPARED FOR TOMORROW!

Jane

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VOCABULARY

rim = When you rub your finger over the wet rim of a crystal glass, it makes a squeaky noise, it sings.

slightly different = a little different

trails = You drive on a road; you can walk on a trail in the woods or in the mountains.

hikers = the people who walk on the trails

a wonder = "une merveille"