Grand Canyon: Solving Earth's Grandest Puzzle

by James Lawrence Powell

Vast and majestic, the Grand Canyon represents one of science’s most challenging puzzles: How did this massive canyon come to be? This is the story of the search for the answers, and the first account of the consensus geologists have reached in the last few years.

A scientific detective tale packed with colorful characters, Grand Canyon follows the explorers, adventurers, and geologists whose efforts led to the understanding of the canyon’s mysteries. Modern scientists have revealed that the Colorado River once ran in the opposite direction—and for many years flowed hundreds of feet beneath the ground. These efforts also led directly to the discovery of tectonic plates, one of the most important advancements in the history of geology. An eloquent, breathtaking narrative, Grand Canyon is a fascinating true story that is as epic as its subject. BACKCOVER: “Powell’s well-crafted account makes one appreciate just how [the Grand Canyon] came to be so grand.”
—Natural History

“Grand Canyon will be enjoyed by anyone who is curious about how geologists think, piece together disparate information, and assemble explanations.”
—Science

“What many readers will walk away with is a sense of the awesome power of water running over the surface of the earth.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Science, History, Geology

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2005

About the author

James Lawrence Powell is a geologist and author whose books explore the history of scientific discovery and its consequences for society. He received his Ph.D. in geochemistry from MIT, taught geology at Oberlin College, and subsequently served as president of Franklin and Marshall College and Reed College. He was a member of the U.S. National Science Board for twelve years.

His latest book, The Rise and Fall of Federal Science: From Jefferson’s Republic of Knowledge to Trump’s War on Science, traces the development of federally supported science in the United States and the political forces that now threaten it. His other recent books include The Misinformation Machine, Mysteries of the Deep, and Unlocking the Moon’s Secrets. Throughout his writing, Powell seeks to make the evidence, history, and human drama of science accessible to interested nonspecialists.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some bits were really interesting but too much was overly confusing. Jumps back and forth in time and topic. Uses quotes indiscriminately. Could do with much better maps of the Grand Canyon and more diagrams of geological processes. The author doesn’t seem to know the purpose of his book and throws every fact he can think of in. Most importantly the one thing the book should have done is explain the Geology of the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately for me the descriptions of this are the worst part of the book mainly as the author can’t seem to decide what level of knowledge to aim at. Whole pages were just incomprehensible to me.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read that follows the history of the men who explored & charted the geology of the Grand Canyon. Some of the more interesting points is that it wasn't until the later part of the 20th century that we were able to understand what came first, the river or the valley. The book details how the exploration of the Grand Canyon played an important role in deducing plate tectonics, riverine systems and more.

[John Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

More history of geology in the Western US than geology. Interesting but a bit dry.

[Stephen Selbst · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history of the exploration of the Grand Canyon, which is intertwined with the history of geology. Sometimes technical, but quite informative