Grand Canyon

Natural wonder may be as old

as dinosaurs

The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon was probably carved about 70 million years ago, much earlier than thought, a provocative new study suggests — so early that dinosaurs might have roamed near this natural wonder.

Using a new dating tool, a team of scientists came up with a different age for the gorge’s western section, challenging conventional wisdom that much of the canyon was scoured by the mighty Colorado River in the last 5 million to 6 million years.

Not everyone is convinced with the latest viewpoint published in the journal Science. Critics contend the study ignores a mountain of evidence pointing to a geologically young landscape and they have doubts about the technique used to date it.

Some 5 million tourists flock to Arizona each year to marvel at the 277-mile-long chasm, which plunges a mile deep in some places.

Airlines

New service

JetBlue Airways has begun daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale International and Rhode Island’s T.F. Green Airport. Providence is the airline’s 75th destination city.

Museums

The price is right

The Dallas Museum of Art will return to offering free general admission beginning Jan. 21. The museum’s director, Maxwell L. Anderson, says, “We believe that by increasing access to the museum and by finding new ways to say ‘thank you,’ we can fundamentally change the role museums play in a global society.”

The museum, which had a free general admissions policy up until 2001, will still charge for special exhibitions and some events.

Cruise ships

Next Norwegian ship will have a Miami flavor

The Norwegian Getaway, scheduled to debut in Miami in January 2014, will have a hull painted by Miami artist David Le Batard. The ship, which will sail year-round from PortMiami, will be decorated with whimsical Florida art, including a mermaid, pelicans and a lighthouse. Other Miami touches are to be announced later.

A new sound of music for paddlewheeler

American Cruise Lines has purchased a 19th century calliope, which will be placed aboard the Queen of the Mississippi following its restoration. The 132-year-old Nichol steam calliope is from a paddlewheel steamboat that operated on the Mississippi and Ohio River from 1880 to 1938. Its new home, the Queen of the Mississippi, is a 150-guest paddlewheeler that was launched on the Mississippi this year.

Theme parks

New app for SeaWorld’s first mobile game

SeaWorld, which opens its new attraction TurtleTrek next year, has created a Turtle Trek game for iPhones and iPads. The free game, which can be downloaded at the App Store, follows a sea turtle on a quest across the beach and into the water to find friends.

Miami Herald wire services