Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Geo-inSight
Arches National Park, Utah
The sandstone arches at Arches National Park near Moab,
Utah, are in the Jurassic-age Entrada Sandstone. The park
is noted for its arches, spires, balanced rocks, pinnacales, and
other features that resulted from differential weathering and
erosion.
1-3. When the area was uplifted (below),
cracks (joints) developed. Differential
weathering and erosion enlarged the
joints, leaving fins (1 above and left).
Continued weathering and erosion of the
fins (2 above) yielded arches, many of
which have collapsed (3 above).
1
2
3
4. Delicate Arch shows an advanced stage in arch formation. It measures
9.7 m wide and 14 m high.
Image not available due to copyright restrictions
136
Search WWH ::
Custom Search