Zion’s National Park By Jessica LeVitre

Zion’s Is Located...

Types of Current Formations Navajo Sandstone and Slate make up the high cliffs and narrow canyons, gorgeous Emerald pools, streams, and waterfalls. Over 300 species of animals can be found: squirrels, mule deer, beaver, cougar, coyote, horn toad lizard, tiger salamander, turkeys, ravens, and many more. Zion’s is home to over 900 plant species including: Birch trees, pine trees, yucca shrubs, roses, cacti, etc. Zion’s is located in an arid climate region.

Main Force The main force that formed Zion’s within the last 1 million years and before that even, is the continuous erosion of the soft sandstone and shale. The Virgin River carves the canyon and carries the material down the river. The Virgin River has cut down 396 meters of rock. 1 million years ago, Zion was half as deep as it is now.

Geologic History 240 million years ago, Zion’s was flat, and near sea level. After years of sedimentation, which is the deposition of rock, sand, and water, layers accumulated and the basin started to sink. Erosion is also a main contributor. Without erosion, there wouldn’t be sedimentation. Erosion also carved the soft sandstone creating cliffs and beautiful rock structures. Because of flash floods, the contributing water carries 90% of the sediment. Uplift pushed the surface from sea level, up to 10,000 feet high. When you have uplift, the pressure underneath Earth’s surface builds and pushes the plates up. Uplift along with erosion and sedimentation is still occurring.

Activities There are many activities available at Zion’s National Park. They include: hiking, wildflower walks, photography opportunities, bicycling, ranger tours, horseback riding, and off-road 4-wheeling. I would love to go to this park and participate in all of the fun activities. I would especially like to go bicycling, and hiking through the narrow canyons with my family, it sounds like a great adventure!

Sources Travel West.net, at National Parks Service (nps), at story.cfm story.cfm Utah.com at Zion National-Park.com with author Tanya Milligan at geology.htm geology.htm Gorp.com, at