The Grand Canyon National Park features a vast, unfathomable 217 mile long chasm. And without a doubt the first thought of the grand landscape must be its immense size, leading some to say it humbles the soul. The North and South rims are separated by a ten mile gap. The depth of Granite Gorge is just over a mile. Thoughts of the canyon's expanse, appearing so large, boggles the mind.
     Once getting over that initial breathtaking view, a closer look at the exposed walls of the Grand Canyon reveals hundreds of sedimentary rock layers. These rock layers, or beds, are made up of sandstone and limestone rock. The weaker shale crumbles easily and the weathered debris accumulates at the base of the canyon walls. Because of this vast canyon area, the Colorado River carries more carries more silt than any other river in the United States.