Birth of the lower Colorado River–Stratigraphic and geomorphic evidence for its inception near the conjunction of Nevada, Arizona, and California

Geological Society of America Field Guides
By: , and 

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Abstract

A detailed record of the late Cenozoic history of the lower Colorado River can be inferred from alluvial and (likely) lacustrine stratigraphy exposed in dissected alluvial basins below the mouth of the Grand Canyon. Numerous sites in Mohave, Cottonwood, and Detrital valleys contain stratigraphic records that directly bear on the mode, timing, and consequences of the river’s inception and integration in the latest Miocene–early Pliocene and its subsequent evolution through the Pleistocene. This field trip guide describes and illustrates many of these key stratigraphic relationships and, in particular, highlights evidence that supports the hypothesis of cascading lake-overflow as the principal formative mechanism of the river’s course downstream from the Grand Canyon.

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Birth of the lower Colorado River–Stratigraphic and geomorphic evidence for its inception near the conjunction of Nevada, Arizona, and California
Series title Geological Society of America Field Guides
DOI 10.1130/2005.fld006(17)
Volume 6
Year Published 2005
Language English
Publisher Geological Society of America
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description 31 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Title Interior Western United States: Geological Society of America Field Guide
First page 357
Last page 387
Country United States
State Arizona, California, Nevada
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