Why the "deepest canyon" title is often debated
Determining the single "deepest" or "largest" canyon in the world is often more complicated than it first appears, since measurements can vary considerably depending on whether a canyon system is measured as one continuous formation or as separate connected sections, which is part of why different sources sometimes give conflicting rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Grand Canyon actually the deepest canyon in the world?
No β despite its fame, the Grand Canyon is not the world's deepest canyon; that distinction generally goes to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in China/Tibet, though the Grand Canyon remains far better known internationally.
How long does it take for a canyon like the Grand Canyon to form?
Canyon formation on this scale generally takes millions of years, as it requires the slow, persistent combination of water erosion and gradual geological uplift working together continuously over an immense span of geological time.