Iconic Double Arch Rock Formation Collapses in Southern Utah
A famous 190-million-year-old rock formation in southern Utah, known as the “Double Arch,” has collapsed, according to national park officials. The natural phenomenon, located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and covering Lake Powell, crumbled last week. Fortunately, no one was injured during the collapse at this popular hiking spot.
Erosion and Changing Water Levels Contribute to Collapse
Park rangers believe that changing water levels and ongoing erosion may have contributed to the fall of the Double Arch. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area superintendent Michelle Kerns emphasized the importance of protecting the mineral resources surrounding Lake Powell, stating, “[T]his event serves as a reminder of our responsibility and need to protect the mineral resources surrounding Lake Powell.”
Geological and Historical Significance of Double Arch
The rocks that formed Double Arch, also known as the “toilet bowl” due to its large hole, consisted of fine-grained Navajo sandstone dating back to the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods, according to the National Park Service. Over time, the formation had begun to crumble and erode, influenced by wind, rain, and possibly “manmade interventions,” as noted by Ms. Kerns.
The Impact of Climate Change on Lake Powell
Water levels in Lake Powell have steadily declined since 1999, largely due to global warming, which has made the western US hotter and drier, according to NASA. While water levels rose this year after reaching historic lows in 2023, they have not fully returned to their 1999 levels when the lake was near capacity.
A Beloved Destination for Millions
The Double Arch was a popular hiking destination, drawing millions of visitors to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. In 2023 alone, over 5 million people visited the area, which spans 1.25 million acres across Utah and Arizona. The collapse of the arches has prompted many to take to social media to mourn the loss of the iconic formation. One user shared a video of the rock formation hovering above Lake Powell just a day before the collapse, while another reminisced about a picture of her mother floating below the rock in 1969.
Utah’s Rich Landscape of Natural Arches
Utah’s parks are home to many arch-like rock formations, including those in Arches and Zion National Parks. The loss of the Double Arch is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of these geological wonders and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
References:
USA Today – https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/08/13/double-arch-collapse-utah-geologists/74780278007/
