Unlocking the Secrets of America’s Deepest Gorge: Scientists Explore the Enigmatic Hells Canyon Cave

The story of Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, has puzzled scientists for years. New research suggests it formed around 2.1 million years ago, likely due to a massive flood event that carved out the gorge. This discovery comes from a study published in PNAS on May 19.

Hells Canyon sits along the borders of Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. It’s cut by the Snake River and is about 10 miles wide and 1.5 miles deep—deeper than the Grand Canyon by nearly 2,000 feet!

Studying canyons is challenging, says Matthew Morriss, a geologist at the Utah Geological Survey. He explained, “As a river carves a canyon, it often erases parts of its history.” However, the steep walls of Hells Canyon provided clues to its past. To uncover its origins, researchers looked at sediment in caves along the canyon walls. Floods can deposit material in these caves where it remains undisturbed. By analyzing this sediment with isotope dating, they could estimate when the Snake River was much higher than it is now—an essential factor in shaping the canyon.

Combining data from sediment and river steepness changes, they suggested that Hells Canyon came to life when water diverted from Lake Idaho, possibly affected by increased rainfall or shifts in the landscape. This process began about 5 million years ago but accelerated around 2.1 million years ago.

The age of Hells Canyon surprised Morriss. “I had thought it would be older,” he shared. In fact, it is younger than the Grand Canyon, previously thought to be around 5 million years old. Karl Karlstrom, a geologist at the University of New Mexico, noted similarities between the two canyons but emphasized that Hells Canyon has its own unique history. “They’re both impressive, but this study clarifies Hells Canyon’s story,” he said.

Understanding how Hells Canyon formed can also shed light on other canyons formed by rivers. Knowing its history could help explain its impact on local ecosystems. The canyon creates barriers and connections for various animal species, influencing their distribution.

Recent findings indicate that many geological features in the southwestern U.S., including Hells Canyon and the Grand Canyon, are younger than scientists previously believed. According to Karlstrom, “The Western U.S. has a dynamic landscape that has been reshaped in the last few million years.” This revelation highlights how quickly geological changes can occur over time.

With ongoing research, scientists hope to refine their understanding of Hells Canyon and its ecological significance, paving the way for future studies. As more data emerges, Hells Canyon can provide valuable insights into the history of our earthy landscape.

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