Science

Over and over, I’ve been impressed with the opportunities for science education provided by our national park service. Today, Rex and I met a young person doing science in the parks. Allison, a master’s student in geophysics at the University of Utah, is camping next to us here in Canyonlands. She’s collecting data on several arches in the area, including the very popular Mesa Arch.  

Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky District

Applying the same techniques that engineers use to detect cracks in buildings after earthquakes, she analyzes the natural resonances in the arches, noting changes that indicate a structural weakness. It’s a new use of the technology, and she hopes to indicate which arches might soon collapse. 

All of the sandstone arches will eventually give way, but with so many people visiting Arches National Park and Canyonlands each day, Allison’s research could save lives. In 2008, Wall Arch collapsed during the night. If it had fallen during the day, it surely would have taken people with it, as visitors regularly picnicked beneath its span. 

I am sharing Allison’s research because I want the park service to accommodate projects like hers—and even studies that do not offer direct potential benefits to the parks. As always, a balance must be found: Allison’s equipment must be placed near the arches, which arguably detracts from the aesthetics, but only for a few days at a time. And honestly, what could be uglier than all the humans who invariable crawl over, on, and through the arches? Even so, I recognize that scientific research is not the primary mission of the park service, but it just makes sense that visitors be slightly inconvenienced for research’s sake.

And if you’re wondering, Allison is still collecting and analyzing data, but she's finding some interesting things. So word to the wise: Do not climb on the arches, and find another spot to eat your lunch!

Double O Arch, Arches National Park, on the Devil's Garden Loop Hike