172k views
1 vote
Landscape Arch is the longest natural arch in Arches National Park in Utah. This natural arch was produced by:

A. Heavy exposure to running water at the base of the rock
B. Erosion of softer minerals from the center of the rock
C. Excessive weathering caused by heat and pressure on top of the rock
D. Repeated exposure to wind on the lower parts of the rock

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Landscape Arch in Arches National Park was formed through erosion, specifically through processes like frost-wedging and chemical weathering, where softer minerals within the rock were eroded away.

Step-by-step explanation:

Landscape Arch, known as the longest natural arch in Arches National Park in Utah, was formed through a specific geological process. The arch itself is a result of erosion, where softer materials within the rock formation were worn away over time, leading to its current structure. This particular geological feature was not primarily shaped by running water at its base or excessive weathering due to heat and pressure on top of the rock, nor was it significantly affected by wind erosion at the lower parts of the rock.

Across the Colorado Plateau, where Arches National Park is located, the predominant forces shaping the landscape include frost-wedging and chemical weathering. During days when temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, water seeps into cracks in the rock, freezes, and expands, exerting enormous pressure that gradually breaks apart the rock. Additionally, rainwater, which is slightly acidic, helps to dissolve and further erode the limestone. Structures like Landscape Arch are the result of these processes, which is why option B, 'Erosion of softer minerals from the center of the rock' is the correct answer for the formation of the natural arch.

User Spicydog
by
6.9k points