Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Navajo Arch...


along Devils Garden trail in Arches National Park, Utah, is a photogenic example of a well-formed natural arch (click to enlarge.) Students accompanying me on the spring break excursion will learn about the stress/strain regime that results in these stable landforms. Note the expansion joints that parallel the shape of the opening.

IMPORTANT: students registering for my GEOL 455 field course must attend the pre-trip meeting on 9 March at noon in SCI 118.

Pop quiz: what's the difference between an arch and a natural bridge?

2 comments:

  1. Hey LS. Yep, a bridge spans a valley of erosion, typically by water. The three rock spans at Natural Bridges National Monument are indeed natural bridges, and not arches.

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