# Natural arch > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Natural_arch > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Natural_arch.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_arch > Source revision: 1329363993 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Arch-shaped natural rock formation "Natural bridge" and "Natural bridges" redirect here. For other uses, see [Natural Bridge](/source/Natural_Bridge_(disambiguation)). [Delicate Arch](/source/Delicate_Arch) in [Arches National Park](/source/Arches_National_Park), [Utah](/source/Utah), United States The Great Arch, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia A **natural arch**, **natural bridge**, or (less commonly) **rock arch** is a natural [landform](/source/Landform) where an [arch](/source/Arch) has formed with an opening underneath. Natural arches commonly form where inland [cliffs](/source/Cliff), [coastal cliffs](/source/Cliffed_coast), [fins](/source/Fin_(geology)) or [stacks](/source/Stack_(geology)) are subject to erosion from the sea, rivers or [weathering](/source/Weathering) ([subaerial](/source/Subaerial) processes). Most natural arches are formed from narrow fins and sea stacks composed of [sandstone](/source/Sandstone) or [limestone](/source/Limestone) with steep, often vertical, cliff faces. The formations become narrower due to [erosion](/source/Erosion) over [geologic time scales](/source/Geologic_time_scale). The softer rock [stratum](/source/Stratum) erodes away creating [rock shelters](/source/Rock_shelter), or alcoves, on opposite sides of the formation beneath the relatively harder stratum, or [caprock](/source/Caprock), above it. The alcoves erode further into the formation eventually meeting underneath the harder caprock layer, thus creating an arch. The erosional processes exploit weaknesses in the softer rock layers making cracks larger and removing material more quickly than the caprock; however, the caprock itself continues to erode after an arch has formed, which will ultimately lead to collapse. The choice between *bridge* and *arch* is somewhat arbitrary. The Natural Arch and Bridge Society identifies a bridge as a subtype of arch that is primarily water-formed.[1] By contrast, the *Dictionary of Geological Terms* defines a natural bridge as a "natural arch that spans a valley of erosion."[2] The largest natural arch on Earth, by a significant margin, is the [Xianren Bridge](/source/Xianren_Bridge) in southern China, with a span of 122 ± 5 meters (400 ± 15 ft).[3] ## Coastline The [Azure Window](/source/Azure_Window), [Malta](/source/Malta), before it collapsed in 2017 [Darwin's Arch](/source/Darwin's_Arch), [Galápagos Islands](/source/Gal%C3%A1pagos_Islands), [Ecuador](/source/Ecuador), before it collapsed in 2021 On coasts two different types of arches can form depending on the geology. On [discordant coastlines](/source/Discordant_coastline) rock types run at 90° to the coast. [Wave refraction](/source/Wave) concentrates the wave energy on the headland, and an arch forms when [caves](/source/Cave) break through the headland. Two examples of this type of arch are [London Bridge](/source/London_Bridge_(Victoria)) in [Victoria](/source/Victoria_(Australia)), Australia, and [Neill Island](/source/Neill_Island) in the [Andaman Islands](/source/Andaman_Islands), India. When these arches eventually collapse, they form [stacks](/source/Stack_(geology)) and stumps. On [concordant coastlines](/source/Concordant_coastline) rock types run parallel to the coastline, with weak rock such as [shale](/source/Shale) protected by stronger rock such as [limestone](/source/Limestone). The wave action along concordant coastlines breaks through the strong rock and then erodes the weak rock very quickly. Good examples of this type of arch are the [Durdle Door](/source/Durdle_Door) and [Stair Hole](/source/Stair_Hole) near [Lulworth Cove](/source/Lulworth_Cove) on [Dorset](/source/Dorset)'s [Jurassic Coast](/source/Jurassic_Coast) in south England. When Stair Hole eventually collapses it will form a [cove](/source/Cove). ## Weather-eroded arches Metate Arch, [Devils Garden (GSENM)](/source/Devils_Garden_(Grand_Staircase%E2%80%93Escalante_National_Monument)), a very thin arch near the end of its life Weather-eroded arches begin their formation as deep cracks which penetrate into a sandstone layer. Erosion occurring within the cracks wears away exposed rock layers and enlarges the surface cracks isolating narrow sandstone walls which are called fins. Alternating frosts and thawing cause crumbling and flaking of the porous sandstone and eventually cut through some of the fins. The resulting holes become enlarged to arch proportions by rockfalls and weathering. The arches eventually collapse leaving only buttresses that in time will erode.[4] Many weather-eroded arches are found in [Arches National Park](/source/Arches_National_Park), [Canyonlands National Park](/source/Canyonlands_National_Park), and [Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument](/source/Grand_Staircase%E2%80%93Escalante_National_Monument) (GSENM), all located in southern Utah, United States. Progressive erosion producing plateau, fin, window (or arch), and hoodoos ## Water-eroded arches A [topographic map](/source/Topographic_map) of Coyote Natural Bridge in Utah shows how the [meandering](/source/Meander) [Coyote Gulch](/source/Coyote_Gulch) carved a shorter route through the rock under the arch. The old riverbed is now higher than the present water level. Some natural bridges may look like arches, but they form in the path of streams that wear away and penetrate the rock. Pothole arches form by chemical weathering as water collects in natural depressions and eventually cuts through to the layer below. [Natural Bridges National Monument](/source/Natural_Bridges_National_Monument) in Utah protects the area surrounding three large natural bridges, all of which were formed by streams running through canyons, the largest of which is named [Sipapu Bridge](/source/Sipapu_Bridge) with a span of 225 feet (69 m). The [Rainbow Bridge National Monument](/source/Rainbow_Bridge_National_Monument)'s namesake was also formed by flowing water which created the largest known natural bridge in the [Western Hemisphere](/source/Western_Hemisphere) with a span of 234 feet (71 m), based on a laser measurement made in 2007. [Xianren Bridge](/source/Xianren_Bridge), also known as Fairy Bridge, in [Guangxi](/source/Guangxi), China is currently the world's largest known natural bridge with a span recorded at 400 feet (120 m) by the *Natural Arch and Bridge Society* in October 2010, with a precision of ±15 feet (4.6 m).[5][6] ## Cave erosion [London Bridge](/source/London_Bridge_(Victoria)), [Victoria](/source/Victoria_(Australia)), Australia, before its partial collapse in 1990 Natural bridges can form from natural [limestone](/source/Limestone) [caves](/source/Cave), where paired [sinkholes](/source/Sinkhole) collapse and a ridge of stone is left standing in between, with the cave passageway connecting from sinkhole to sinkhole. Like all rock formations, natural bridges are subject to continued erosion, and will eventually collapse and disappear. One example of this was the double-arched [Victorian](/source/Victoria_(Australia)) coastal rock formation, [London Bridge](/source/London_Bridge_(Victoria)), which lost an arch after storms increased erosion.[7] [Moon Hill](/source/Moon_Hill) in [Yangshuo](/source/Yangshuo), [Guizhou Province](/source/Guizhou_Province), China, is an example of an arch formed by the remnant of a [karst](/source/Karst) limestone cave. ## Arches as highway or railway bridges [Natural Bridge](/source/Natural_Bridge_(Virginia)), [Virginia](/source/Virginia) In a few places in the world, natural arches are utilized by humans as transportation bridges with highways or railroads running across them. In Virginia, [US Route 11](/source/US_Route_11) traverses [Natural Bridge](/source/Natural_Bridge_(Virginia)). Two additional natural arch roadways are found in [Kentucky](/source/Kentucky). The first, a cave erosion arch made of limestone, is in [Carter Caves State Resort Park](/source/Carter_Caves_State_Resort_Park) and has a paved road on top.[8] The second, a weather-eroded sandstone arch with a dirt road on top, is on the edge of [Natural Bridge State Park](/source/Natural_Bridge_State_Park_(Kentucky)) in Kentucky. The latter arch is called White's Branch Arch (also known as the Narrows) and the road going over it is usually referred to as the Narrows Road.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] In Europe, the [Romanian](/source/Romania) village of [Ponoarele](/source/Ponoarele) has a road segment called God's Bridge that is 30 m (98 ft) long and 13 m (43 ft) wide, passing over a stone arch 22 m (72 ft) high and 9 m (30 ft) thick.[9] The railroad from [Lima](/source/Lima), [Peru](/source/Peru) crosses the Rio Yauli on a natural bridge near kilometer 214.2 as it approaches the city of [La Oroya](/source/La_Oroya).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ## Notable natural arches ### Africa Natural arches in the La Cathedrale formation of [Tadrart Rouge](/source/Tadrart_Rouge) range, Algeria Hole-in-the-Wall - [Aloba Arch](/source/Aloba_Arch), [Chad](/source/Chad) - [Acacus Tedrart Arch](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Acacus_Tedrart_Arch&action=edit&redlink=1), [Libya](/source/Libya) - [Boatswain Bird Island](/source/Boatswain_Bird_Island), [Ascension Island](/source/Ascension_Island) - [Bogenfels](/source/Bogenfels), [Namibia](/source/Namibia) - [Goedehoop natural rock bridge](/source/Goedehoop_natural_rock_bridge), [South Africa](/source/South_Africa) - [Hole-in-the-Wall](/source/Hole-in-the-Wall_(Eastern_Cape)), [Eastern Cape](/source/Eastern_Cape), South Africa - [Tassili n'Ajjer](/source/Tassili_n'Ajjer) and [Tadrart Rouge](/source/Tadrart_Rouge), two mountain ranges with many arches, [Algeria](/source/Algeria) - [Tukuyu](/source/Tukuyu) natural bridge, [Tanzania](/source/Tanzania) - Wolfberg Arch, [Cederberg](/source/Cederberg), [Western Cape](/source/Western_Cape), South Africa ### Antarctica - The [Kerguelen Arch](/source/Kerguelen_Arch), Christmas Harbour, the [Kerguelen Islands](/source/Kerguelen_Islands) (collapsed ca. 1910)[10] - [Scott Island](/source/Scott_Island) in the [Antarctic](/source/Antarctic) has a natural arch ### Asia [Natural Arch](/source/Natural_Arch%2C_Tirumala_hills), [Tirumala](/source/Tirumala), India Arch in [Timna Valley](/source/Timna_Valley) Park, [Negev](/source/Negev) Desert, Israel - [Keshet Cave](/source/Keshet_Cave), [Galilee](/source/Galilee), [Israel](/source/Israel) - Burdah Bridge, [Wadi Rum](/source/Wadi_Rum), [Jordan](/source/Jordan) - [Baatara gorge waterfall](/source/Baatara_gorge_waterfall) in [Tannourine](/source/Tannourine), [Lebanon](/source/Lebanon) has three natural bridges. - [Engetsu Island](/source/Engetsu_Island), [Shirahama, Wakayama](/source/Shirahama%2C_Wakayama), [Japan](/source/Japan) - Hawrah Natural Bridge, [Neill Island](/source/Neill_Island), [Andaman Islands](/source/Andaman_Islands), India - [Hazarchishma Natural Bridge](/source/Hazarchishma_Natural_Bridge), [Bamyan Province](/source/Bamyan_Province), [Afghanistan](/source/Afghanistan) - [Jabal Umm Fruth Bridge](/source/Jabal_Umm_Fruth_Bridge), Jordan - Jebel Kharaz, [Wadi Rum](/source/Wadi_Rum), Jordan - "Jisr al-Hajar" or the "Stone Bridge" in [Mzaar Kfardebian](/source/Mzaar_Kfardebian), Lebanon - [Elephant Trunk Hill](/source/Elephant_Trunk_Hill), [Guilin](/source/Guilin), [Guangxi](/source/Guangxi) province, [China](/source/China) - [Moon Hill](/source/Moon_Hill), [Guangxi](/source/Guangxi) province, China - [Natural Arch, Tirumala hills](/source/Natural_Arch%2C_Tirumala_hills), [Tirumala](/source/Tirumala), [India](/source/India) - [Pasilagon Point Natural Arch](/source/Banton%2C_Romblon), [Banton](/source/Banton%2C_Romblon), [Romblon](/source/Romblon_(province)), [Philippines](/source/Philippines) - The Pigeons' Rock known as [Raouché](/source/Raouch%C3%A9) in [Beirut](/source/Beirut), Lebanon - [Punarjani Guha](/source/Punarjani_Guha), natural tunnel in [Thrissur district](/source/Thrissur_district) of Kerala, India - Rock Bridge of Gulanchwadi, [Narayangaon](/source/Narayangaon), [Maharashtra](/source/Maharashtra), India[11] - [Shipton's Arch](/source/Shipton's_Arch), [Xinjiang](/source/Xinjiang), China - Steller's Arch on [Bering Island](/source/Bering_Island), Russia - [Tianmen Mountain](/source/Tianmen_Mountain), [Zhangjiajie](/source/Zhangjiajie), China - [Xianren Bridge](/source/Xianren_Bridge), China - The Great White Hole of Krabi, [Krabi](/source/Krabi_Province), [Thailand](/source/Thailand)[12] - Mountain Angel Eye, [Cao Bằng](/source/Cao_B%E1%BA%B1ng_Province), [Vietnam](/source/Vietnam)[13] - The Great Arch, Hizma, Tabuk Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ### Europe The arches at [Marinha Beach](/source/Praia_da_Marinha), Caramujeira, [Lagoa, Algarve](/source/Lagoa%2C_Algarve), Portugal [Es Pontàs](/source/Es_Pont%C3%A0s) is a natural arch on the coast of [Mallorca](/source/Mallorca), Spain [Durdle Door](/source/Durdle_Door), Dorset, the United Kingdom [Little Prerast](/source/Vratna_Gates) in eastern [Serbia](/source/Serbia) - Albandeira Arch, [Lagoa, Algarve](/source/Lagoa%2C_Algarve), [Portugal](/source/Portugal) - [Arco Naturale](/source/Arco_Naturale), [Capri](/source/Capri), [Italy](/source/Italy) - [As Catedrais beach](/source/As_Catedrais_beach), [Ribadeo](/source/Ribadeo), [Spain](/source/Spain) - [Azure Window](/source/Azure_Window), [Gozo](/source/Gozo), [Malta](/source/Malta)[14] (collapsed in 2017) - [Blue Window](/source/Gulf_of_Corinth) or the Seal cave of the [Corinthian Gulf](/source/Gulf_of_Corinth), in the front of the [Alcyonides](/source/Alcyonides) islands, [Greece](/source/Greece) - [Bow Fiddle Rock](/source/Bow_Fiddle_Rock), [Portknockie](/source/Portknockie), [Scotland](/source/Scotland) - [Capu Tafunatu](/source/Capu_Tafunatu), [France](/source/France) - [Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux](/source/Chaos_de_Montpellier-le-Vieux), France - [Devil's Gate (Crimea)](/source/Devil's_Gate_(Crimea)) - [Dore Holm](/source/Dore_Holm), Shetland Islands - [Drangarnir](/source/Drangarnir), Faroe Islands - [Durdle Door](/source/Durdle_Door), [Dorset](/source/Dorset), [England](/source/England) - [Dyrhólaey](/source/Dyrh%C3%B3laey), [Iceland](/source/Iceland) - [Els Arcs](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Els_Arcs&action=edit&redlink=1), [Castell de Castells](/source/Castell_de_Castells), Spain - [Es Pontàs](/source/Es_Pont%C3%A0s), Spain - [Étretat](/source/%C3%89tretat), France - [Geropotamos](/source/Geropotamos) bridge, [Crete](/source/Crete), [Greece](/source/Greece) - [Għar Qawqla](/source/G%C4%A7ar_Qawqla), [Gozo](/source/Gozo), [Malta](/source/Malta) (collapsed in the 20th century) - [Green Bridge of Wales](/source/Green_Bridge_of_Wales), [Pembrokeshire](/source/Pembrokeshire), [Wales](/source/Wales) - [Hajdučka vrata](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hajdu%C4%8Dka_vrata&action=edit&redlink=1), [Čvrsnica](/source/%C4%8Cvrsnica) mountain, [Bosnia and Herzegovina](/source/Bosnia_and_Herzegovina) - Stone Passage on Dobropoljka ([Bistrica](/source/Bistrica_(Drina))) river, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Stone Passage on [Paljanska Miljacka](/source/Miljacka), Bosnia and Herzegovina - [Inland Sea, Gozo](/source/Inland_Sea%2C_Gozo), Malta[14] - [Kuhstall](/source/Kuhstall_(Saxon_Switzerland)), [Germany](/source/Germany) - [Lalaria beach arch](/source/Skiathos), [Skiathos](/source/Skiathos) Island, [Greece](/source/Greece) - [Malá Pravčická brána](/source/Mal%C3%A1_Prav%C4%8Dick%C3%A1_br%C3%A1na), [Czech Republic](/source/Czech_Republic) - [Marinha Beach](/source/Praia_da_Marinha), Caramujeira, [Lagoa, Algarve](/source/Lagoa%2C_Algarve), [Portugal](/source/Portugal) - [Marsden Rock](/source/Marsden_Rock), [South Shields](/source/South_Shields), [England](/source/England) (collapsed in 1996) - [Marvelous Bridges](/source/Marvelous_Bridges), [Bulgaria](/source/Bulgaria) - [Monte Forato](/source/Monte_Forato), [Tuscany](/source/Tuscany), [Italy](/source/Italy) - [Ófærufoss](/source/%C3%93f%C3%A6rufoss), Iceland (collapsed in winter 1992/1993) - [Pistyll Rhaeadr](/source/Pistyll_Rhaeadr), Wales - [Ponoarele](/source/Ponoarele), [Romania](/source/Romania) (Podul lui Dumnezeu, or God's Bridge) - [Pont d'Arc](/source/Pont_d'Arc), France - [Pravčická brána](/source/Prav%C4%8Dick%C3%A1_br%C3%A1na), Czech Republic - Puentedey, Spain (Puentedei, or God's Bridge)[15] - [Trypitòs Arch](/source/Paxi) of [Paxi](/source/Paxi) Island, [Greece](/source/Greece) - [Samar Natural Arch](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Samar_Natural_Arch&action=edit&redlink=1), [Serbia](/source/Serbia) - [Šuplja Stena Natural Arch](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%C5%A0uplja_Stena_Natural_Arch&action=edit&redlink=1), Serbia - [Tour Percée](/source/Tour_Perc%C3%A9e), France - [Wied il-Mielaħ Window](/source/Wied_il-Miela%C4%A7_Window), Gozo, Malta[14] - [Vratna Gates](/source/Vratna_Gates), Serbia ### North America #### Canada [Percé Rock](/source/Perc%C3%A9_Rock), [Quebec](/source/Quebec), Canada - [Percé Rock](/source/Perc%C3%A9_Rock), [Quebec](/source/Quebec) #### Caribbean - [Natural Bridge](/source/Aruba_Natural_Bridge), [Aruba](/source/Aruba) (collapsed in 2005) #### Mexico The [Arch of Cabo San Lucas](/source/Arch_of_Cabo_San_Lucas), Mexico - [El Arco de Cabo San Lucas](/source/Arch_of_Cabo_San_Lucas), [Baja California Sur](/source/Baja_California_Sur) #### United States See also: [Arches National Park](/source/Arches_National_Park) [Holei Sea Arch](/source/Holei_Sea_Arch), [Hawaii Volcanoes National Park](/source/Hawaii_Volcanoes_National_Park), [Hawaii](/source/Hawaii), United States [Landscape Arch](/source/Landscape_Arch), [Utah](/source/Utah), United States – one of the [longest natural arches](/source/List_of_longest_natural_arches) in the world[16] [Rainbow Bridge](/source/Rainbow_Bridge_National_Monument), Utah, a natural bridge formed by a meandering watercourse - [Anacapa Island](/source/Anacapa_Island), [Channel Islands National Park](/source/Channel_Islands_National_Park), [California](/source/California) - [Angel Arch](/source/Angel_Arch), [Utah](/source/Utah) - [Arch Creek](/source/Arch_Creek%2C_Florida), [Florida](/source/Florida) - [Arch Rock](/source/Arch_Rock_(Mackinac_Island)), [Michigan](/source/Michigan) - [Arturos Bridge](/source/Arturos_Bridge), [California](/source/California) - [Ayres Natural Bridge Park](/source/Ayres_Natural_Bridge_Park), [Wyoming](/source/Wyoming) - [Balcony Bridge](/source/Balcony_Bridge), [California](/source/California) - [Bell Smith Springs](/source/Bell_Smith_Springs), [Illinois](/source/Illinois) - [Blackwater Natural Bridge](/source/Blackwater_Natural_Bridge), Wyoming - [Bryce Canyon National Park](/source/Bryce_Canyon_National_Park), [Utah](/source/Utah) - [Corona Arch](/source/Corona_Arch), Utah - [Creelsboro Natural Bridge](/source/Creelsboro_Natural_Bridge), [Kentucky](/source/Kentucky) - [Delicate Arch](/source/Delicate_Arch), Utah - [Devil's Doorway (Wisconsin)](/source/Devil's_Doorway_(Wisconsin)) - [Druid Arch](/source/Druid_Arch), Utah - [Eye of the Needle](/source/Eye_of_the_Needle_(Montana)), [Montana](/source/Montana) - [Goat Rock Beach](/source/Goat_Rock_Beach), California - [Great Arch Rock](/source/Great_Arch_Rock), [Farallon Islands](/source/Farallon_Islands), California - [Great West Arch](/source/Great_West_Arch), [Farallon Islands](/source/Farallon_Islands), California - [Grosvenor Arch](/source/Grosvenor_Arch), Utah - [Holei Sea Arch](/source/Holei_Sea_Arch), [Hawaii Volcanoes National Park](/source/Hawaii_Volcanoes_National_Park), [Hawaii](/source/Hawaii) - [Honopū Arch](/source/Honop%C5%AB_Valley), Hawaii - [Hickman Bridge](/source/Hickman_Bridge), Utah - Koger Arch, Kentucky[17] - [Kolob Arch](/source/Kolob_Arch), [Zion National Park](/source/Zion_National_Park), Utah - [Landscape Arch](/source/Landscape_Arch), Utah - [La Ventana Natural Arch](/source/La_Ventana_Natural_Arch), New Mexico - [Mesa Arch](/source/Mesa_Arch), Utah - [Mobius Arch](/source/Mobius_Arch), [California](/source/California) - Natural Arch, Kentucky[18][19] - [Natural Bridge](/source/Natural_Bridge_(Virginia)), [Virginia](/source/Virginia) - [Natural Bridge Caverns](/source/Natural_Bridge_Caverns), [Texas](/source/Texas) - Natural Bridge of [Arkansas](/source/Arkansas)[20] - [Natural Bridge Park](/source/Natural_Bridge_Park), [Alabama](/source/Alabama) - [Natural Bridge State Park](/source/Natural_Bridge_State_Resort_Park), Kentucky - [Natural Bridge State Park](/source/Natural_Bridge_State_Park_(Massachusetts)), [Massachusetts](/source/Massachusetts) - [Natural Bridge State Park](/source/Natural_Bridge_State_Park_(Wisconsin)), [Wisconsin](/source/Wisconsin) - [Natural Bridges National Monument](/source/Natural_Bridges_National_Monument), Utah - [Natural Bridges State Beach](/source/Natural_Bridges_State_Beach), California - [Rainbow Bridge National Monument](/source/Rainbow_Bridge_National_Monument), Utah - [Rattlesnake Canyon](/source/Rattlesnake_Canyon_(Colorado)), [Colorado](/source/Colorado) - [Rialto Beach](/source/Rialto_Beach), [Olympic National Park](/source/Olympic_National_Park), [Washington](/source/Washington_(state)) - [Rock Bridge Memorial State Park](/source/Rock_Bridge_Memorial_State_Park), [Missouri](/source/Missouri) - [Rockbridge State Nature Preserve](/source/Rockbridge_State_Nature_Preserve), [Ohio](/source/Ohio) - [Sewanee Natural Bridge](/source/Sewanee_Natural_Bridge), [Tennessee](/source/Tennessee) - [Sipapu Bridge](/source/Sipapu_Bridge), Utah - An arch at [Tettegouche State Park](/source/Tettegouche_State_Park), [Minnesota](/source/Minnesota), collapsed in 2010.[21] - [Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge](/source/Three_Arch_Rocks_National_Wildlife_Refuge), [Oregon](/source/Oregon) - [Tonto Natural Bridge](/source/Tonto_Natural_Bridge), [Arizona](/source/Arizona) - Twin Arches, [Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area](/source/Big_South_Fork_National_River_and_Recreation_Area), Tennessee[22] - [Window Rock, Arizona](/source/Window_Rock%2C_Arizona) - [Wrather Arch](/source/Wrather_Arch), Arizona - [Yahoo Arch](/source/Yahoo_Arch), Kentucky ### Oceania "The Hole in the Rock" on [Piercy Island](/source/Piercy_Island), [Cape Brett](/source/Cape_Brett), New Zealand The arch at [Tunnel Beach](/source/Tunnel_Beach), [Dunedin](/source/Dunedin), New Zealand #### Australia - [London Bridge](/source/London_Bridge_(Victoria)), [Port Campbell National Park](/source/Port_Campbell_National_Park), [Victoria](/source/Victoria_(Australia)), [Australia](/source/Australia) (one of the two spans collapsed in 1990) - Natural Bridge, [Springbrook National Park](/source/Springbrook_National_Park#Natural_Bridge_section), [Queensland](/source/Queensland), Australia - Nature's Window, [Kalbarri National Park](/source/Kalbarri_National_Park). [Western Australia](/source/Western_Australia), [Australia](/source/Australia) #### New Zealand - [Mangapohue Natural Bridge](/source/Mangapohue_Natural_Bridge), [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand) - [Oparara Basin Arches](/source/Oparara_Basin_Arches), New Zealand - "The Hole in the Rock", [Piercy Island](/source/Piercy_Island), [Cape Brett](/source/Cape_Brett), New Zealand - [Tunnel Beach](/source/Tunnel_Beach) arch, [Dunedin](/source/Dunedin), New Zealand - Spörings Arch, [Tolaga Bay](/source/Tolaga_Bay), New Zealand - [Mercury Bay](/source/Mercury_Bay), New Zealand (collapsed) ### South America Stone arch at [Pedra Furada](/source/Pedra_Furada), [Piauí](/source/Piau%C3%AD), Brazil [Pedra Furada](/source/Pedra_Furada_(Santa_Catarina)), [Santa Catarina](/source/Santa_Catarina_(state)), Brazil - [Arch Islands](/source/Arch_Islands), [Falkland Islands](/source/Falkland_Islands) - [Darwin's Arch](/source/Darwin's_Arch), [Galápagos Islands](/source/Gal%C3%A1pagos_Islands), [Ecuador](/source/Ecuador) (collapsed in 2021) - [Icononzo](/source/Icononzo), [Colombia](/source/Colombia) - [La Portada](/source/La_Portada), [Chile](/source/Chile) - [Pedra Furada](/source/Jericoacoara_Beach), [Ceará](/source/Cear%C3%A1), [Brazil](/source/Brazil) - [Pedra Furada](/source/Pedra_Furada), [Piauí](/source/Piau%C3%AD), [Brazil](/source/Brazil) - [Pedra Furada](/source/Pedra_Furada_(Santa_Catarina)), [Santa Catarina](/source/Santa_Catarina_(state)), [Brazil](/source/Brazil) - [Puente del Inca](/source/Puente_del_Inca), [Argentina](/source/Argentina) - [Sete Cidades National Park](/source/Sete_Cidades_National_Park), [Brazil](/source/Brazil) - [San Rafael Falls](/source/San_Rafael_Falls), [Ecuador](/source/Ecuador) (formed in 2020, collapsed in 2021) - La Catedral, [Paracas National Reserve](/source/Paracas_National_Reserve), [Peru](/source/Peru) (Collapsed in 2007) ## See also - [List of longest natural arches](/source/List_of_longest_natural_arches) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [Natural Arch and Bridge Society](http://www.naturalarches.org/archinfo/faq.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090831165749/http://www.naturalarches.org/archinfo/faq.htm) August 31, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), FAQ. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** American Geological Institute, *Dictionary of Geological Terms*, 1976, Doubleday Anchor 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Big 14 Tour - Fairy Bridge](http://www.naturalarches.org/big-FairyBridge.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170420191440/http://naturalarches.org/big-FairyBridge.htm) April 20, 2017, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), The Natural Arch and Bridge Society 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Geology Resources, Arches National Park"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151223190124/http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/parks/arch/). National Park Service. Archived from [the original](http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/parks/arch/) on December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Jett, Stephen C.[China Diary](http://www.naturalarches.org/china/journal.html#fairybridge) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131229025325/http://www.naturalarches.org/china/journal.html) December 29, 2013, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), The Natural Arch and Bridge Society 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Big 17 Tour - Measurement of Fairy Bridge"](http://www.naturalarches.org/big-FairyBridgeMeasurement.htm). *www.naturalarches.org*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131112172533/http://www.naturalarches.org/big-FairyBridgeMeasurement.htm) from the original on November 12, 2013. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Port Campbell"](http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Oceania/Australia/photo206866.htm). *www.trekearth.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080908102543/http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Oceania/Australia/photo206866.htm) from the original on September 8, 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Natural Bridge Trail: Carter Caves State Resort Park"](https://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/carter-caves/trails.aspx?id=105). Kentucky State Parks. Retrieved November 19, 2019. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Ciortescu, Ramona (December 10, 2014). ["'God's Bridge', the Natural Bridge of Mehedinti, Romania"](https://www.romaniajournal.ro/travel/gods-bridge-the-natural-bridge-of-mehedinti-romania/). Romania Journal. Retrieved November 19, 2019. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Kerguelen Islands, French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Part 1) - Iles Kerguelen, TAAF"](http://www.discoverfrance.net/Colonies/Kerguelen.shtml). *www.discoverfrance.net*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120117194429/http://www.discoverfrance.net/Colonies/Kerguelen.shtml) from the original on January 17, 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Offbeat Tracks in Maharashtra - A Travel Guide - Book by [Milind Gunaji](/source/Milind_Gunaji) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [81-7154-669-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/81-7154-669-2) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Gallery - Thailand - White Hole"](http://www.naturalarches.org/gallery-Thailand-WhiteHole.htm). *www.naturalarches.org*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170304194543/http://www.naturalarches.org/gallery-Thailand-WhiteHole.htm) from the original on March 4, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Mountain Angel Eye"](https://caobangtourism.vn/en/matthannuicbg). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ianellis_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ianellis_14-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ianellis_14-2) Ian Ellis, ed. (2011). [*Richard Ellis - The Photography Collection: Malta & Gozo*](http://www.bdlbooks.com/art-photography/3645-richard-ellis-the-photography-collection.html). Vol. 4. p. 100. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-99957-33-29-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-99957-33-29-2). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160430143449/http://www.bdlbooks.com/art-photography/3645-richard-ellis-the-photography-collection.html) from the original on April 30, 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** The Natural Arch and Bridge Society. ["Puentedei"](https://www.naturalarches.org/gallery-Spain-Puentedei.htm). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["The Worlds Longest Natural Spans"](http://www.naturalarches.org/big9.htm). *www.naturalarches.org*. Natural Arch and Bridge Society. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161225013414/http://www.naturalarches.org/big9.htm) from the original on December 25, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Koger Arch, Kentucky"](http://www.naturalarches.org/gallery-KY-Koger.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170420191107/http://naturalarches.org/gallery-KY-Koger.htm) April 20, 2017, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). *naturalarches.org*. The Natural Arch and Bridge Society. Retrieved November 6, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Natural Arch"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151223190401/http://www.kspg.org/pages/iarch.html). Kentucky Society of Professional Geologists. Archived from [the original](http://www.kspg.org/pages/iarch.html) on December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Natural Arch of Kentucky"](http://www.naturalarches.org/span-9507-cover-KY.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170419161944/http://naturalarches.org/span-9507-cover-KY.htm) April 19, 2017, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). *naturalarches.org*. The Natural Arch and Bridge Society. Retrieved November 6, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Natural Bridge"](https://www.arkansas.com/clinton/outdoors-nature/natural-bridge). *Arkansas.com*. Retrieved 2020-11-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Sea stack at Tettegouche toppled by powerful winter storm"](https://www.kare11.com/article/sports/outdoors/sea-stack-at-tettegouche-toppled-by-powerful-winter-storm/89-56d736af-d8a9-4306-aecd-0c85ada41bf2) 2019-12-02 1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area: Twin Arches"](https://www.nps.gov/biso/learn/nature/twinarches.htm). *nps.gov*. April 14, 2015. Retrieved March 14, 2018. ## External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Natural arches](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Natural_arches). - [The Natural Arch and Bridge Society](http://www.naturalarches.org/) - ["Bridge, Natural"](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_American_Cyclop%C3%A6dia_(1879)/Bridge,_Natural). *[The American Cyclopædia](/source/The_American_Cyclop%C3%A6dia)*. 1879. - [World map of many natural arches](http://arcg.is/2noo9Vl) v t e Coastal geography Landforms Anchialine pool Archipelago Atoll Avulsion Ayre Barrier island Bay Bight Bodden Brackish marsh Cape Channel Cliff Coast Coastal plain Coastal waterfall Continental margin Continental shelf Coral reef Cove Dune cliff-top Estuary Firth Fjard Fjord Freshwater marsh Fundus Gat Geo Gulf Gut Hapua Headland Inlet Intertidal wetland Island Islet Isthmus Liman Lagoon Machair Mudflat Natural arch Peninsula Reef Ria Salt marsh Shoal Skerry Sound Spit Stack Strait Strand plain Submarine canyon Tidal island Tidal marsh Tide pool Tied island Tombolo Waituna Windwatt Beaches Beach cusps Beach evolution Beach ridge Beach wrack Beaches in estuaries and bays Beachrock Coastal morphodynamics Pocket beach Raised beach Recession Shell beach Shingle beach Storm beach Wash margin River mouths Debouch Mouth bar River delta mega regressive Processes Blowhole Cliffed coast Coastal biogeomorphology Coastal erosion Concordant coastline Current Cuspate foreland Discordant coastline Emergent coastline Feeder bluff Flat coast Graded shoreline Ingression coast Large-scale coastal behaviour Longshore drift Marine regression Marine transgression Raised shoreline Rip current Rocky shore Sea cave Sea foam Shoal peresyp Steep coast Submergent coastline Surf break Surf zone Surge channel Swash Undertow Volcanic arc Wave-cut platform Wave shoaling Wind fetch Wind wave Management Accretion Coastal management Integrated coastal zone management Submersion Related Bulkhead line Coastal engineering Grain size boulder clay cobble granule gravel pebble sand shingle silt Intertidal zone Littoral zone Physical oceanography Region of freshwater influence River plume Category --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Natural arch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_arch) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_arch?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.