Wednesday, March 5th, the dams at the Grand Canyon will be opened and a new experiment will begin. Flooding will start that morning and go on for about 60 hours. The reason for this experiment is in the hope of restoring an ecosystem that has been gone for too long.

What Happened

In 1963, when the Glen Canyon Dam was built, a change occurred for the Grand Canyon. The once muddy and warm waters of the river were changed by the new dam to be cold and clear.

The change of water effected much, such as killing off four different species of fish that lived there. And the survivors are having difficulties adapting to the new water conditions and has endangered two other fish species also.

How Will It Help?

Scientists are hoping that with the flood will come redistribution of sentiment to the river beaches. Currently, sentiment has gathered on the riverbed and moving it with the flood waters to the sandbars is the goal.

By restoring the river back to its previous state, the scientists and various government departments that are participating in this, hope to help the habitat for the struggling species of fish and other creatures.

Studies will follow the flood to see how it also effects the campsites and other visitor attractions, as well.