Lost 'mega-escarpment' across ancient USA may explain Grand Canyon's missing billion years - Phys.org

“Scientists have uncovered a massive, previously unmapped escarpment that stretches across the western United States, offering a plausible explanation for the roughly one‑billion‑year gap in the Grand Canyon’s geological record. Advanced uranium‑lead dating shows the escarpment’s rocks predate the canyon’s known strata, suggesting that erosion and tectonic processes removed an entire chapter of Earth’s history. This finding revises the timeline of Proterozoic tectonics in North America and could influence future mineral‑resource assessments and tourism narratives tied to the Grand Canyon. Expert Analysis: By filling a major chronological void, the discovery may stimulate renewed investment in geological surveys and exploration ventures across the Southwest, potentially boosting local economies. It also underscores how cutting‑edge dating techniques can rewrite long‑standing geological paradigms, positioning the U.S. as a leader in Earth‑science innovation.”