Famous ‘Double Arch’ rock formation collapses in Utah

A 190-million-year-old rock formation has crumbled into the waters of Lake Powell, U.S. park officials announced.

The famous “Double Arch” geologic feature has towered over Rock Creek Bay in Utah’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Over its impressive lifespan, the rock formation battled the elements and gravity until it eventually collapsed on Thursday.

Photos show that the Double Arch formation used to form a ring suspended over the waters of Lake Powell at Rock Creek Bay. The recognizable shape lent the formation a number of nicknames, including “Toilet Bowl,” “Crescent Pool” and “Hole in the Roof.”

Officials don’t know the exact reason why the famous rock formation fell, but it’s believed that changing water levels in Lake Powell and erosion from the waves contributed to its collapse. There’s also the possibility that human interaction may have played a role.

“(T)his event serves as a reminder of our responsibility and need to protect the mineral resources surrounding Lake Powell. These features have a life span that can be influenced or damaged by manmade interventions,” Glen Canyon National Recreation Area superintendent Michelle Kerns said in a press release from the National Park Service (NPS).

“While we don’t know what caused this collapse, we will continue to maintain our resource protection efforts on Lake Powell for future generations to enjoy. Please enjoy our resources but leave no trace.”

The Double Arch rock formation is made of Navajo sandstone, a particular kind of sandstone that is only found in America’s western states. The sandstone is the remnants of a vast and ancient desert, believed to be the largest known sand desert in the history of our planet, park officials