This Flash animation illustrates aeolian processes that form terrestrial arches. Erosion exploits tectonic fractures and results in thin sandstone walls that can be penetrated by near ground windblown sand grains. Over time, weathering and gravity causes arches to fall. Users can stop, play, fast forward and rewind the animation at any time. This visualization is one of several animations in a series developed as a component of Exploring Earth, a website that supports the textbook Earth Science.
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Part of the Cutting Edge collection. The NAGT/DLESE On the Cutting Edge project helps geoscience faculty stay up-to-date with both geoscience research and teaching methods.
