Delicate Arch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Delicate Arch |
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View of the Delicate Arch at sunset, August 2005
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 Delicate Arch
Location in Utah
Delicate Arch
Location in the United States
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| Location | Arches National Park, Utah, United States |
| Nearest city | Moab |
| Elevation | 4,606 ft (1,404 m) |
| Dimensions | 52 ft (16 m) high |
Delicate Arch is a famous natural rock arch located in Arches National Park, near Moab in Utah, United States. It stands about 52 feet (16 meters) tall. This arch is the most recognized landmark in Arches National Park. You can even see it on Utah's license plates and a special postage stamp. The Olympic torch for the 2002 Winter Olympics was carried right through the arch!
History of Delicate Arch
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Before it got its current name, local cowboys had fun nicknames for the arch. They called it "the Chaps" or "the Schoolmarm's Bloomers" because of its unique shape. Other names included "Bloomers Arch" and "Pants Crotch."
The arch got its official name, "Delicate Arch," from Frank Beckwith. He was the leader of a scientific team exploring the area in the winter of 1933–1934.
Interestingly, Delicate Arch was not part of Arches National Monument when it was first created in 1929. It was added later when the park's boundaries were expanded in 1938.
In the 1950s, the National Park Service (NPS) thought about putting a clear plastic coating on the arch. This was to protect it from wearing away. However, they decided not to, as it was too difficult and went against their rules for protecting natural places.
How Delicate Arch Was Formed
Delicate Arch is made of a type of rock called Entrada Sandstone. Millions of years ago, this area was covered by sand dunes. Over time, these dunes turned into solid rock.
The arch formed slowly through a process called weathering and erosion.
- First, there was a tall, thin wall of sandstone, like a fin.
- Wind, water, and ice gradually wore away the softer parts of the rock.
- This process created the opening, leaving the arch standing freely.
Many other arches in the park formed in similar ways. However, Delicate Arch is special because of its dramatic shape and how it stands alone.
Wildlife at the Arch
Even though it's a rocky place, some animals call Delicate Arch home. In the summer, small birds called white-throated swifts (Aeronautes saxatalis) build their nests right at the top of the arch. They are very fast flyers!
See also
In Spanish: Arco Delicado para niños
