How Old Is the Grand Canyon?

Geologists have been arguing the difference in millions of years when it comes to the age of the Grand Canyon for some time now. Recent technology has allowed for studies of the sediment to allow for a better aging process. Everyone knows the Grand Canyon as a landmark and most know that the Colorado River is responsible for carving its beauty that we see today. Scientists are using the rocks to tell more information about this wonder.
Geologists have been able to determine that about 80 million years ago the canyon and river were formed from the sea that was once present in that now desert area. A mountain range once existed to the south-west of the Grand Canyon which was up lifted from the sea bed. These mountain ranges were where the first river systems started from and drained creating the Colorado River. An interesting fact was that the original system actual flowed in the opposite direction of the Colorado River today.
The techniques the scientists are using to determine age is by how deep rocks were buried at specific times. They determined that the western canyon is from about 70 million years ago whereas changes to an area in the eastern canyon show evidence of it only being about 6 million years old. This is why scientists have been arguing the age of the canyon.
The mountain range which was responsible for the original river system in the northeast, which was located near cities now known as Las Vegas, Nevada; Kingman, Arizona and Needles, California have all but been destroyed by the San Andreas Fault that became active about 17 million years ago. Rivers changed direction and drainage made new patterns making new paths in the stone and landscape therefore creating new areas of the Grand Canyon.
If you would like to learn more about this mighty canyon and its river go to: http://geology.com/articles/age-of-the-grand-canyon.shtml