Thomas Gernon

“The findings also shed light on the formation of the Great Unconformity, a mysterious gap in the rock record that spans over a billion years.”

Thomas Gernon · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-18

Thomas Gernon discusses the implications of the study's findings on the formation of the Great Unconformity.

“Our paper suggests the Canyon's basement rocks were progressively brought to the surface as part of an immense escarpment that developed during the breakup of an ancient supercontinent.”

Thomas Gernon · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-18

Thomas Gernon explains how an ancient escarpment may have exposed the basement rocks of the Grand Canyon.

“Today's escarpments in Africa, Brazil, India and Antarctica provide windows into the forces that shape continents over hundreds of millions of years.”

Thomas Gernon · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-18

Thomas Gernon notes how modern escarpments illustrate the geological forces shaping continents over millions of years.

“Our work suggests that tectonic uplift related to continental rifting and breakup created both steep slopes and high ground, providing the mountainous terrain that rivers and glaciers could readily erode.”

Thomas Gernon · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-18

Thomas Gernon explains how continental rifting and breakup created terrain that was easily eroded by rivers and glaciers.

“Our findings could help geologists reinterpret other ancient continental interiors where similarly large gaps occur in records, offering a better understanding of how Earth's continents have changed over hundreds of millions of years.”

Thomas Gernon · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-18

Thomas Gernon discusses how the study's findings could help geologists interpret other ancient continental interiors with missing rock records.

“This long-lived tectonic landscape provides a missing piece in understanding why erosion associated with the Great Unconformity varies so dramatically across the southwestern U.S.,”

Thomas Gernon · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-18

Thomas Gernon discusses how an ancient tectonic landscape explains variations in erosion across the southwestern United States.

“By comparing the Grand Canyon's ancient history with active landscapes like the Great Escarpment of South Africa, we're able to see North America's most iconic geologic landmark in an entirely new light.”

Thomas Gernon · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-18

Thomas Gernon comments on comparing the Grand Canyon's history with modern active landscapes like South Africa's Great Escarpment.