Table of Contents
At Lees Ferry, the speaker, Del, reflects on his frequent visits to the site, where boats are loaded for trips down the Grand Canyon. He introduces Tom Vail, founder of Canyon Ministries, who guided him on his first trip through the canyon. Del also introduces two geologists, Dr. Andrew Snelling and Dr. John Whitmore. Dr. Snelling, previously featured in a documentary, led research projects in the canyon, focusing on sediment layers from the Flood. Dr. Whitmore has been studying the Coconino Sandstone in the Grand Canyon, challenging the conventional theory that the sandstone was formed over millions of years in a desert environment.
The documentary will explore how creation scientists like Dr. Snelling and Dr. Whitmore conduct fieldwork to test their theories about geological formations and the history of the earth according to the creation model.
How Creation Science Works
The documentary moves to Cedarville University, where Dr. John Whitmore showcases his laboratory. The lab contains a petrographic microscope, which is used to study thin sections of rock. The process involves slicing a rock into thin layers and observing sand grains under a microscope to analyze their composition. Dr. Whitmore explains the formation of dolomite ooids, which are spherical sand grains that accumulate dolomite while rolling underwater. This is key evidence supporting the idea that the Coconino Sandstone was formed in a marine environment, not a desert.
Research in the Grand Canyon
Dr. Andrew Snelling embarked on a research project in the Grand Canyon to study folds in the rock layers. These folds are significant because they challenge the conventional idea that the layers were formed over millions of years. Dr. Snelling hypothesizes that the layers were laid down during the Flood and folded while they were still soft, just a year later. He emphasizes the importance of examining the folds at a microscopic level to find evidence supporting the rapid deposition and folding of these rock layers.
Fieldwork: Taking Samples
The research team collects samples of the Tapeats Sandstone from various locations, including folds in the rock. They mark each sample carefully to maintain its orientation for later analysis. By comparing samples from different locations, they aim to determine whether the folding occurred while the layers were still soft.
Analyzing the Samples
In Cedarville University, the team examines thin sections of rock samples under microscopes to study the sand grains and the cement that holds them together. The presence of pristine quartz cement indicates that the layers were still soft when they were folded, contradicting the conventional theory that the folds formed after the rocks had already hardened.
Implications for Creation Science
The findings suggest that the rock layers in the Grand Canyon were formed and folded quickly, within a short period, rather than over millions of years. This supports the creationist view of earth history as described in the book of Genesis. Dr. Snelling and Dr. Whitmore highlight the importance of continuing this research to provide further evidence for the creation model.
Future Directions
Dr. Snelling and his team plan to publish additional research papers based on their findings. They express optimism about the future of creation science, noting the rise of a new generation of scientists interested in pursuing research from a biblical perspective. They encourage young scientists to get involved in this work, emphasizing the importance of both scientific training and a solid grounding in Scripture.
