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Arches National Park
Nature & Science
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NPS Photo by Tom Gray |
Delicate Arch |
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The forces of nature have acted in concert to create the landscape of Arches, which contains the greatest density of natural arches in the world. Throughout the park, rock layers reveal millions of years of deposition, erosion and other geologic events. These layers continue to shape life in Arches today, as their erosion influences elemental features like soil chemistry and where water flows when it rains.
Arches is located in a "high desert," with elevations ranging from 4,085 to 5,653 feet above sea level. The climate is one of very hot summers, cold winters and very little rainfall. Even on a daily basis, temperatures may fluctuate as much as 50 degrees.
The plants and animals in Arches have many adaptations that enable them to survive these conditions. Some species are found only in this area. The diversity of organisms reflects the variety of available habitat, which includes lush riparian areas, ephemeral pools, dry arroyos, mixed grasslands and large expanses of bare rock.
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| ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090506181705im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090506181705im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) |
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![Flower Guide Flower Guide](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090506181705im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/ARCH_ARCH_6i0ceip5_SegoLily1.jpg) Flower Guide Wondering what flower you saw in Arches? Our online guide probably has the answer. more... | | ![Scientific Research Scientific Research](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090506181705im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/ARCH_WaterQuality.jpg) Scientific Research Scientists from all over the world study in Arches more... | | ![Inventory & Monitoring Inventory & Monitoring](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090506181705im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/ARCH_scorpionweed.jpg) Inventory & Monitoring Striving to create scientific foundations for park management. more... | |
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![Pinyon Pine Pinyon Pine](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090506181705im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/ARCH_pinyonpine1.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Pinyon pines do not produce pine nuts every year. These delicious nuts can only be harvested every three to seven years. This irregular schedule prevents animals from adapting to an abundance of pine nuts and guarantees that at least some nuts will become new pine trees instead of a quick meal.
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Last Updated: September 19, 2006 at 10:41 EST |