Visitors Question Stability of Arches After Lake Powell Collapse

Concerns rise following recent arch collapse at Lake Powell
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 16, 2024 8:00 AM CDT
Visitors Question Stability of Arches After Lake Powell Collapse
This photo provided by the National Park Service shows the Double Arch, center, after the collapse, Friday, August 9th, 2024, in Rock Creek Bay of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah.   (Jacob E. Ohlson/National Park Service via AP)

Visitors to Utah's Arches National Park have raised concerns about the stability of the park's rock arches following the collapse of the iconic "Toilet Bowl" arch at Lake Powell. Karen Garthwait, spokesperson for Arches and Canyonlands national parks, addressed these concerns by explaining that their mission is to preserve the natural processes, even though those processes will eventually cause the arches to collapse.

The recent collapse of the Double Arch at Glen Canyon highlighted the unpredictable lifespans of arches, exacerbated by increased human activity which accelerates erosion. Jeff Moore, a University of Utah geology professor, emphasized that "subtle changes can make a difference," especially with human-induced vibrations adding stress to the formations. Despite efforts to limit human impact through stringent policies, such as prohibiting climbing on the arches, natural formations remain vulnerable.

The National Park Service and other agencies are implementing measures to mitigate damage. For instance, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed flight restrictions near Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Meanwhile, research like Moore's seismic measurement projects aims to better understand their structural health. Richard Beckman from the Natural Arch and Bridge Society stresses the urgency for people to visit and appreciate these formations while they still stand, as their longevity can't be guaranteed. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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