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Study Reveals Ancient Process Shaped Green River Canyon

2/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

UK and USA researchers found that lithospheric dripping explains how the Green River carved a canyon through Uinta Mountains.
The process temporarily lowered a mountain barrier, enabling the Green River to merge with the Colorado River.
The study was led by Dr. Adam Smith, the lead researcher.
The geological shift occurred between 2.3 and 4.7 million years ago.
The research is published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface.

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Story summary

UK and USA researchers found that lithospheric dripping explains how the Green River carved a canyon through Uinta Mountains.
The process temporarily lowered a mountain barrier, enabling the Green River to merge with the Colorado River.
The study was led by Dr. Adam Smith, the lead researcher.
The geological shift occurred between 2.3 and 4.7 million years ago.
The research is published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface.