29 May 2021 Darwin’s Arch in Galapagos Islands collapses
Darwin’s Arch in Galapagos Islands collapses
Context
The iconic Darwin’s Arch in the Galapagos Islands has lost its top due to the natural erosion of the stone and now stands only two pillars.
The Galapagos Islands, 563 miles (906km) west of continental Ecuador, are a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned worldwide for their unique array of plants and wildlife.
About the Darwin’s Arch
- Darwin’s Arch is a natural rock arch feature to the southeast of Darwin Island in the Pacific Ocean.
- The rock structure is 141 feet high, 230 feet long and 75feet wide.
- The arch sat on an irregularly shaped, rocky, submerged plateau which is nicknamed as ‘the theatre’.
- Darwin’s Arch had a bridge-like appearance, which had been caused by erosion.
- The unique flora and fauna on the remote islands are famous in part for inspiring Charles Darwin’s thoughts on evolution.
- The arch is also known for the wide variety of underwater life in its vicinity, including schools of hammerhead sharks.
Reason behind the collapse
The Ecuadoran Ministry of Environment said it was due to “natural erosion”. The fall is due to exogenous processes such as weathering and erosion.
Download Yojna IAS Daily Current Affairs of 29th May 2021
Yojna IAS Current Affairs Team
No Comments