The rock formation known as the Cabo San Lucas Arch or the End of the World Arch, could disappear, according to researchers, it is at the end of its years
Baja California, Cabo San Lucas .- Symbol of the Mexican municipality of Los Cabos, the unique Cabo San Lucas Arch, a rock formation at the junction of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, has fractures at its granite base due to the relentless passage of the time that presage their collapse in an indeterminate future.
Los Cabos, in the state of Baja California Sur, is known worldwide for its natural beauty and great tourism. Its southern end is the exact point where the Pacific and the Gulf of California meet and contrast with the mountainous desert.
It is also called “Finisterra”, the end of the Earth, since it is where the Peninsula of Baja California ends.
Los Cabos offers unparalleled natural beauty and endless adventure and relaxation activities.
Undoubtedly the most emblematic place of this destination in northwestern Mexico is the unique Cabo San Lucas Arch, sometimes called the End of the World Arch, a rock formation that due to its shape has become a favorite motif for the postcards of locals and foreigners.
On some occasions, when the tide goes down, it is possible to walk below its curvature in the Lovers Beach, which emerges when the water level drops. Sea lions are also seen basking in the sun on their rocks.
The Arc “is composed of a very hard rock called granite, can be several kilometers in volume of solid rock, and what we are seeing on the sea is like the tip of the iceberg,” said geologist Enrique Nava, researcher of the Interdisciplinary Center of Marine Sciences (Cicimar), of the National Polytechnic Institute, based in La Paz, Baja California Sur.
Towards the center of the Earth is a very large granite rock mass, with an age of between 13 and 15 million years
He added.
However, in recent years research geologists have noticed some changes in the structure of this rock formation. After the last tropical cyclones scientists have found collapses and fractures in the granite base of the Arch.
“It is already known that it is fractured, this happens through the weather conditions, humidity, the sun, the wind that comes with the breeze starts to generate erosion in the stones, there are fractures in the internal structure of the Arch,” he told Efe the biologist and diver Benigno Guerrero.
He added that this could eventually lead to a collapse of the Arc.
In mid-September 2014 the Cabo San Lucas Arch was the first point where Hurricane Odile hit the mainland. The strong waves caused by winds over 140 kilometers per hour caused a drastic change in the ecosystem of the place, removing tons of sand, causing landslides in the structure and sweeping with the flora and fauna of the area.
The touristic service provider Fabricio González assures that the importance of the Arch goes beyond its scenic and historical beauty, since an entire economic activity develops around the iconic natural monument.
“Here Europeans, North Americans, Asians, and practically tourists from all over the world come to know and take their picture in the Arch, for them it is something extraordinary and for the cabeños (residents) it is a renewable source of work,” he said.
Although it is not known for sure how much time is left to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the deterioration in the rocks that support it is undeniable.
Some specialists consider that another hurricane similar or stronger than Odile can cause its collapse; however, this could happen this season or in hundreds of years, they point out.
Source: el debate
The Mazatlan Post
