Learn About Grand Canyon Geology
Grand Canyon fossils are fascinating to many. When you take one of the Grand Canyon tours led by top Vegas tour companies, such as Grand Canyon Destinations, you will make some interesting discoveries about rocks and Grand Canyon fossils. Many of the fossils in the Grand Canyon are in sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rock has pieces of sand and mud, which build up over time. They mineralize and turn into rock types, such as sandstone, mudstone (shale), or limestone.
Grand Canyon Fossils
Some of the fossil types, which mainly make up the remains of marine animals, are below:
Animal Fossils
First, Brachiopods include fossilized shells that live in the clear waters of the ocean. Crinoids make up tiny disks, made from the arms and stem of animals, or creatures rooted to the ocean floor. Bryozoans serve as habitats for microscopic size animals.
Ferns And Plant Fossils
Next, we have ferns which are fossils of imprints of leaves that fall and embed into the mud over thousands of years. Burrows of animals represent the tunnels of trilobites and worms made by these creatures in the muddy and soft sediment beneath the ocean floor. Sponges make up one of the most common Grand Canyon fossils. They are in the youngest rock layers of the gorge.
Animal Track Fossils
Cephalopods represent animals that once inhabited the sea waters and are of relation to today’s squid. Tracks of animals are the fossil marks that animals make in the mud or sand where they live. Coral is rooted to the ocean floor, the descendants of the sea animal still live in the seas today. Trilobites are segmented fossilized animals that can range in diameter from thumb size to the size of a dinner plate.
Grand Canyon Fossils Are Fun for the Family
When rocks form in the Grand Canyon, fossilization also occurs. That is why a taking one of the Grand Canyon tours featured in Las Vegas is pure fun for everyone in a family. Most of what you learn about fossilization and geology will take place at the South Rim of the canyon, part of Grand Canyon National Park.
This part of the canyon is home to a geology museum, Trail of Time rock display, and visitor information centers. If you want to get acquainted with Grand Canyon fossils, this destination is the one to pick.
Call Us Today!
Contact Grand Canyon Destinations about its day trips to the South Rim.
The South Rim one-day tour includes three hours at the canyon with a breakfast snack and box lunch included. You also can get plenty of water to keep you hydrated. Luxury buses carry passengers to the canyon, and feature cushioned and adjustable seating, onboard restroom, and blissfully cool AC.
