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Monday, August 11 2008
Wall Arch collapses
One of the most photographed natural wonders in the United States is no more. Wall Arch, one of the largest and most photographed arches in Arches National Park, Utah, collapsed last week, it was reported this weekend. The arch was 71 feet tall and 33.5 feet wide, the 12th largest known arch in the park. It was formed by Entrada sandstone that was worn down over time.
According to the National Park Service Arches National Park web site, the collapse took place sometime during the night of August 4, and on August 7 representatives from the Service noticed obvious stress fractures in the remaining rock.
Park officials say the iconic arch was destroyed by years of erosion and gravity--and that other arch formatons in the park will eventually meet the same fate. In 1991, Landscape Arch fell. The Devils Garden Trail, where the Wall Arch was located, is currently closed due to cleanup and safety concerns. Rocks continue to fall from the remaining arms of the arch.
Photo: National Park Service
© 2008 Adorama
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