Location: Arizona,

United States.

Weather & Climate

Because of its elevation the Grand Canyon experiences a wide variety of climate changes.

Highest temperature ever recorded: 120 F Coldest temperature ever recorded: -22 F 28-6 inches of rain. (different parts of the

canyon have different amounts of precipitation).

Landforms

The Grand Canyon is considered one of the natural wonders of the world because of its natural features.

Landforms consist of: caves, faults, forests, fossils, geological formations, prairies and grasslands, rivers, streams, scrubland, soils, springs, and seeps.

Waterways Main waterway is the Colorado River.

Drains an area of approximately 41,070 square miles.

57 perennial water sources have been found.21 streams36 seeps

Vegetation

The Grand Canyon contains 129 vegetation communities1,737 species of vascular plants167 species of fungi64 species of moss195 species of lichen

This vast number of vegetation is due the canyon’s 8,000 foot elevation

Animals

Again, there is a wide variety of animals due to the canyon’s elevation

Animals include: amphibians, birds, crustaceans, fish, insects, mammals, mollusks, and reptiles.

Environmental Issues

Non-native plants and animals. Air pollution. Water quality. Glen Canyon Dam. Wildland fire suppression

History & Culture

Oldest human artifacts are nearly 12,000 years old.

Dates back to the Paleo-Indian Period Federal protection-1893 National park-1919

Preservation Efforts

Archeological Excavations at 9 sites along the Colorado River Corridor.First time in 40 yearsThe artifacts they found give insight into the

lives of the people who live in the Grand Canyon.