Location:  Arizona, United States.

Weather & Climate  Because of its elevation the Grand Canyon experiences a wide variety of climate changes.  Highest temperature ever recorded: 120 F  Coldest temperature ever recorded: -22 F  28-6 inches of rain. (different parts of the canyon have different amounts of precipitation).

Landforms  The Grand Canyon is considered one of the natural wonders of the world because of its natural features.  Landforms consist of: caves, faults, forests, fossils, geological formations, prairies and grasslands, rivers, streams, scrubland, soils, springs, and seeps.

Waterways  Main waterway is the Colorado River. Drains an area of approximately 41,070 square miles.  57 perennial water sources have been found. 21 streams 36 seeps

Vegetation  The Grand Canyon contains 129 vegetation communities 1,737 species of vascular plants 167 species of fungi 64 species of moss 195 species of lichen  This vast number of vegetation is due the canyon’s 8,000 foot elevation

Animals  Again, there is a wide variety of animals due to the canyon’s elevation  Animals include: amphibians, birds, crustaceans, fish, insects, mammals, mollusks, and reptiles.

Environmental Issues  Non-native plants and animals.  Air pollution.  Water quality.  Glen Canyon Dam.  Wildland fire suppression

History & Culture  Oldest human artifacts are nearly 12,000 years old.  Dates back to the Paleo-Indian Period  Federal protection-1893  National park-1919

Preservation Efforts  Archeological Excavations at 9 sites along the Colorado River Corridor. First time in 40 years The artifacts they found give insight into the lives of the people who live in the Grand Canyon.