What's happened
The Double Arch, also known as the Toilet Bowl, collapsed in Utah's Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on August 8, 2024. Officials attribute the collapse to changing water levels and erosion, raising concerns about the stability of other geological features in the region. No injuries were reported.
What's behind the headline?
Impact on Tourism
- The collapse may deter visitors, impacting local economies reliant on tourism.
- Increased awareness of geological fragility could lead to more responsible tourism practices.
Conservation Concerns
- The incident underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect geological features.
- Human activities have accelerated erosion, necessitating stricter regulations.
Future Predictions
- Other arches may be at risk, prompting further studies on geological stability.
- The National Park Service may need to enhance monitoring and conservation strategies.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the collapse of the Double Arch serves as a stark reminder of the lifespan of geological features, with spokesperson Karen Garthwait stating, "Our mission is to preserve the natural processes that create these structures, which of course, is the same process that will eventually undo them as well." Meanwhile, Michelle Kerns, superintendent of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, emphasized the influence of manmade interventions on these features, noting that they have a lifespan that can be affected by human activity. The New York Times reported that the arch's collapse has sparked discussions among visitors about the stability of other arches in the area, with many lamenting the loss of a beloved landmark.
How we got here
The Double Arch, formed from 190 million-year-old Navajo sandstone, was a popular tourist attraction. Its collapse highlights the vulnerability of geological features to natural processes and human impact, particularly in the context of climate change and water management.
Go deeper
- What caused the Double Arch to collapse?
- How are officials responding to the collapse?
- What other geological features are at risk?
More on these topics
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Utah is a state in the western United States. It is bordered by Colorado to the east, Wyoming to the northeast, Idaho to the north, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. It also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast.
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Double Arch is a close-set pair of natural arches in Arches National Park in southern Grand County, Utah, United States, that is one of the more known features of the park.