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Phenomenal Wonders Of The Natural World

Sailing Stones

The mysterious moving stones of the packed-mud desert of Death Valley have been a center

of scientific controversy for decades.

Rocks weighing up to hundreds of pounds
Have been known to move up to hundreds of yards at a time.

Some scientists have proposed
That a combination of strong winds and surface ice account for these movements.

However, this theory does not explain evidence of
Different rocks starting side by side
And moving at different rates and in disparate directions.

Moreover, the physics calculations do not fully support this theory
As wind speeds of hundreds of miles per hour
Would be needed to move some of the stones.

10 Largest Natural Arches in the World

A natural arch is a geological formation where rocky cliffs subject to erosion from the sea, rivers or weathering forms a rock arch. Some natural arch has a stream of water flowing underneath, in which case the arch is called a natural bridge. The distinction between a 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. By contrast, the Dictionary of Geological Terms defines a natural bridge as a "natural arch that spans a valley of erosion." The correct method to measure an arch is also debated because of which the reported measurements often varies from source to source. Under these circumstances to prepare an irrefutable list of the world’s largest or longest or highest natural arch is impossible. Amidst this confusion new discoveries and potential candidates always keep popping up around the globe.

Natural arches are abundant in the deserts of Utah and Arizona in the United States. The Arches National Park in eastern Utah contains the largest concentration of significant natural arches in the world. As many as 2000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations are found in this region.

The following is a list of 10 biggest natural arches from around the world according to the Natural Arch and Bridge Society.

Natural Phenomenon: A Murmuration of Starlings

Two women encountered one of nature’s most fleeting phenomena while out canoeing in Ireland. A murmuration of starlings. Take a moment to watch the amazing footage they captured, and marvel at the wonder and complexity of the universe we inhabit.

[NOTE: Wait until a minute into the video clip to view this amazing event]

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