natural arch
Erosion-carved opening
A natural arch is a rock formation where erosion—typically from water, wind, or freeze-thaw cycles—has carved an opening through the stone, leaving a curved span overhead.
Distinguished from natural bridges, which form specifically from water flowing beneath them, though the terms often blur in casual use.
Delicate Arch in Utah is perhaps the world's most photographed natural arch.
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- stoneSolid earth fragment
- openingGap or start
- gapUnfilled space between
- abrasionShallow surface wound
cliff · span · desert landscape · window · canyon · slot canyon · freeze-thaw · sacred site · hoodoo · delicate · Arches National Park · landmark · exfoliation · wind erosion · wind carved · curve · coastal cliffs · carved
- rock archesspan, arches, sandstone arches
- natural structuresmountain, volcano, cave, canyon, valley
- landformsmountain, cliff, valley, volcano, mountain ridge
- coastal landformsbeach, beaches, cliff, cliffs, coast
- natural wondersnorthern lights, aurora borealis, auroras, rainbows, Great Barrier Reef
- rocky coastlinesea cliffs, rocky shore, tide pools, sea caves, crashing waves
natural archaqueduct
Channel conveying water distances
viaduct · triumphal arch · Gateway Arch · stone bridge · bridge
natural archsolid rock
Continuous, hard stone
monolith · cliff face · rock wall · butte · mesa