Devastating Loss: Wall Arch Collapses at Arches National Park

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In summary, Arches National Park's Wall Arch collapsed, apparently due to erosion. New arches will form in a couple million years, so it's not a big deal.
  • #1
rewebster
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http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2008/0808/20080808_051413_wall_arch_before-after-1_300.jpg

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10142089?source=rss

"Wall Arch, one of the most accessible major arches in the Devils Garden area of Arches National Park, collapsed sometime Monday night."
 
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  • #2
That's bad.
 
  • #3
Good thing no one was around or they would be squished!

"Not being a geologist, I can't get very technical but it just went kaboom," Chief Ranger Denny Ziemann said.

Clearly, he's a rocket scientist.
 
  • #4
Hopefully no one was on or under it. Since it happened at night, that's probably the case.

It's unfortunate, but it's a natural process. Eventually the elements will wear away the arches - but new ones will perhaps be created in time.

That must have been something to hear!
 
  • #5
Astronuc said:
Hopefully no one was on or under it. Since it happened at night, that's probably the case.

It's unfortunate, but it's a natural process. Eventually the elements will wear away the arches - but new ones will perhaps be created in time.

That must have been something to hear!

Apparently, it went kaboom!
 
  • #6
is it a 'foreboding' "sign" for McD's?


please, one of you--- those who are into the 'occult'---please, please--RESPOND!
 
  • #7
I bet it was punk hoodlum teenagers who though it would be funny to "break it down". :mad:
 
  • #8
"Landscape is the longest arch in the park, which, with 2,000 natural arches, contains the largest number of these rock formations in the world."

I guess McD doesn't have to worry
 
  • #9
New arches will form in a couple million years so not big deal.
 
  • #10
That area is one of my most favorite places in the world. I've been under the arches more then just a few times. Sad to see this one has fallen, they are a spectacular sight.
 
  • #11
NH's "Old Man of the Mountain" collapsed, too. We humans have such short lives that we don't appreciate the creation, evolution, and destruction of geological formations in appropriate time-scales. If we could watch the Earth being sculpted by nature at 1000x, 10,000x, or maybe 1000,000x "our" normal speed, maybe we'd appreciate what a dynamic place the Earth is...even geological features.
 
  • #12
turbo-1 said:
NH's "Old Man of the Mountain" collapsed, too. We humans have such short lives that we don't appreciate the creation, evolution, and destruction of geological formations in appropriate time-scales. If we could watch the Earth being sculpted by nature at 1000x, 10,000x, or maybe 1000,000x "our" normal speed, maybe we'd appreciate what a dynamic place the Earth is...even geological features.

No worries - "Old Man" will live on, on the back of NH quarters:

http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/408/nhquarterdb6.gif
 
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  • #13
turbo-1 said:
NH's "Old Man of the Mountain" collapsed, too. We humans have such short lives that we don't appreciate the creation, evolution, and destruction of geological formations in appropriate time-scales. If we could watch the Earth being sculpted by nature at 1000x, 10,000x, or maybe 1000,000x "our" normal speed, maybe we'd appreciate what a dynamic place the Earth is...even geological features.

that was one interesting 'visual' in both 'Time Machine' movies
 
  • #14
I spent a lot of time in NH as a child, but never went to see the Old Man of the Mountain until a few months before it collapsed.

There was a natural bridge in Aruba that collapsed. It was a major tourist attraction. That should give you some idea of how little there is to do in Aruba. Now that it has collapsed, it is still a big draw. That should give you an even better idea. I love Aruba, mainly because there is nothing to do there.
 
  • #15
Cyrus said:
Apparently, it went kaboom!

But if no one was there to hear it ...?

Or is that only a property of trees?
 
  • #16
That sucks. Warphalange, you obviously have no idea where this is...
 
  • #17
Good thing it happened in the middle of the night rather than during the day with a bunch of tourists under it!

Does anyone inspect the ones that are accessible to the public? You'd think there would be some prior signs of erosion or instability to indicate it was time to rope off the area and keep tourists out from under it if someone was checking for such things.
 

1. What caused the Wall Arch to collapse at Arches National Park?

The exact cause of the Wall Arch collapse is unknown, but it is believed to be due to natural erosion processes over time. The arch was likely weakened by water, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles, causing it to eventually give way.

2. Was anyone injured or killed in the collapse?

No one was injured or killed in the collapse. The arch fell during the night when the park was closed and no one was in the immediate area. However, the collapse is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of these natural formations and the potential dangers they can pose.

3. How long had the Wall Arch been standing before it collapsed?

The Wall Arch is estimated to have been standing for over 100 million years before its collapse in 2008. It was one of the most iconic and recognizable arches in the park, and its loss is a significant event for both park visitors and scientists studying the geology of the area.

4. Are there other arches in the park at risk of collapsing?

While it is impossible to predict with certainty, there are likely other arches in the park that are at risk of collapsing in the future. The natural erosion processes that caused the Wall Arch collapse are ongoing and affect all of the arches in the park. However, the National Park Service closely monitors the condition of the arches and takes necessary precautions to ensure visitor safety.

5. Will the Wall Arch be rebuilt or replaced?

No, the Wall Arch will not be rebuilt or replaced. The National Park Service follows a policy of non-intervention when it comes to these natural formations. The collapse of the Wall Arch is a natural and inevitable part of the ever-changing landscape of Arches National Park.

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