A significant geological formation in southern Utah, referred to as the “Double Arch,” the “Hole in the Roof,” and sometimes the “Toilet Bowl,” collapsed, as confirmed by National Park Service officials on Friday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
The well-known arch located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area collapsed on Thursday. Park rangers attribute the collapse to fluctuating water levels and erosion caused by waves in Lake Powell.
Michelle Kerns, the superintendent of the recreation area spanning across Utah and Arizona, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the mineral resources surrounding the lake following the collapse. According to Kerns, human activities can impact or harm the lifespan of such features.
The arch was created from 190 million-year-old Navajo sandstone dating back to the late Triassic and early Jurassic periods. The fine-grained sandstone has endured erosion from various natural elements like weather, wind, and rain.
Covering nearly 2,000 square miles (5,180 square kilometers), the recreation area is a popular destination for boaters and hikers alike.
