At approximately 190 million years of age, the famous natural rock formation the “Double Arch” in the Glen Canyon in Utah, USA, collapsed, the National Park Service Rangers announced in early August.
The Glen Canyon Double Arch was a natural rock formation featuring two adjacent arches., formed by millions of years of erosion. The arches, which were situated close to each other, created a stunning landscape image that was popular among hikers and photographers.
Often colloquially addressed as “Toilet Bowl”, “Crescent Pool”, and “Hole in the Roof”, the Double Arch was located in the Rock Creek Bay of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and was made of Navaji sandstone originating from the early Jurassic period.
Resource protection
According to the statement, it is suspect that the very forces that formed the geological feature were also those to have collapsed it as changing water levels and erosion from wave action are believed to have caused its collapse.
“This event serves as a reminder of our responsibility and need to protect the mineral resources surrounding Lake Powell. These features have a life span that can be influenced or damaged by manmade interventions,” Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Michelle Kerns stated.
Kerns further added, “While we don’t know what caused this collapse, we will continue to maintain our resource protection efforts on Lake Powell for future generations to enjoy. Please enjoy our resources but leave no trace.”
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