ZION A Geologic and Geographic Sketch of Zion National Park

A GEOLOGIC AND GEOGRAPHIC SKETCH OF ZION NATIONAL PARK

FOREWORD

Zion Canyon which is about 8 miles long, less than half a mile wide and more than half a mile deep, is one of Nature's finest lessons in geology. Here the Virgin River has cut a cross-section through some of the most interesting of the geological formations in the earth's history. This section which is nearly 4000 feet in thickness reveals deposits of oceans, swamps, deserts, and flood plains.

Any attempt to gather from these rock layers the "geological story" is indeed fascinating; so fascinating in fact that Dr. Herbert E. Gregory has been coming to this region nearly every year since 1900 to spend several months in Southern Utah's scenic wonderlands trying to piece together the story of the ancient past.

During this period of years Dr. Gregory has become intimately acquainted with this region. He visited it first on foot or horseback with native Indians as guides. Now he flies over it in giant airplanes and photographs in a few minutes areas that required days or weeks to even reach some 40 years ago.

The first edition, printed in 1940, was so well received that the supply was soon exhausted. Thus we consider it a great privilege to here present the third edition of this geologic and geographic story as told by Dr. Gregory.

THE EDITOR

January, 1947

Sentinel Mountain (top), West and Middle Patriarchs (bottom)—R. K. Grater Photo.