A colossal cliff system, formed as the supercontinent Rodinia fragmented, may have exposed the core of the Grand Canyon nearly a billion years before the Colorado River carved its iconic shape. This ancient landscape could explain the missing geological record in North America.

The break-up of Rodinia led to significant geological changes, exposing deep layers that would later be sculpted by the Colorado River into the Grand Canyon we know today. The discovery offers new insights into why vast sections of North America's geological history seem absent.

Understanding these ancient formations can provide crucial information about past climate conditions and tectonic movements, enhancing our knowledge of Earth's geological evolution.