Earth Science Week promotes understanding and appreciation of the value of earth science research and its applications and relevance to our daily lives. Grand Canyon National Park is an ideal place to celebrate Earth Science Week, as the park is a natural classroom and laboratory for the earth sciences, and is one of the most well known and most scenic geologic landscapes on the planet.

Special Ranger Programs:

Sunday - Friday, October 11 - 16

Fossil Walk, 9:30 a.m., daily
Explore marine fossils exposed on the rim of Grand Canyon. Meet on the patio behind Bright Angel Lodge. 1 hr.

Geology Walk, 1:00 p.m., daily
Explore the canyon's geology. Meet outside Yavapai Observation Station. 1 hr.

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Earth Science Evening Programs, 7:30 p.m.

Shrine of Ages Auditorium. 1 hr.

Monday, October 12, Arizona Monsoon? Surely You Jest! (The Summer Climate of Grand Canyon), Chris Carroll, Park Ranger

Tuesday, October 13, How the Grand Canyon Came to Be: Grand Canyon Geology, Jim Heywood, Park Ranger

Wednesday, October 14, Regional Impacts-Effects of Climate Change on Tribal Communities in the Southwest, Margaret Cook, Environmental Director, Gila River Community

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Other Activities:

No Child Left Inside Day
Tuesday, October 13, 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Kids can explore geology with a park ranger at a Touch Table on the rim of the canyon in the historic village near the El Tovar Lodge.

Desert View Drive Geology Field Trip,
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon National Park will offer a special field trip on Desert View Drive led by USGS research geologist George Billingsley. The field trip will begin and end at park headquarters and include stops at Desert View, Grandview Point and Yaki Point.

Billingsley has spent his career mapping the Grand Canyon region and has 131 professional papers and geologic maps on the regions geology. Billingsley will provide a nontechnical overview of Grand Canyon geology and share some of his experiences while conducting geologic research in the canyon.

Transportation will be provided by free shuttle bus. Each participant should bring a sack lunch, water, and a light jacket.

Mapping the Canyon Exhibit
Park Headquarters, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., daily

During Earth Science Week, part of the Mapping the Canyon exhibit will be on display in Park Headquarters. The exhibit was developed by Grand Canyon Association and features a variety of maps of Grand Canyon, including those made by geologist George Billingsley. The exhibit was on display in Kolb Studio in winter 2008 – 2009. The display of part of the Mapping the Canyon during Earth Science Week is made possible through collaboration with Grand Canyon Association.

Climate Friendly Parks 

The theme for this year’s Earth Science Week is Understanding Climate. To learn more about the Climate Friendly Parks program, visit: http://www.nps.gov/climatefriendlyparks/

Grand Canyon National Park plans to join the Climate Friendly Parks Program in the near future.

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For more information about Earth Science Week at Grand Canyon National Park
email us here.

Links

Earth Science Week
http://www.earthsciweek.org/

Grand Canyon Geology
http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/geologicformations.htm

National Park Service Geology
http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/