Rock Decay: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its rock formations; in specific El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, a distinctive rock formation found at the very tip of the city known as Lands End (land running down east of downtown Cabo San Lucas and the marina). El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is a signature icon of Cabo and often found on postcards. These arches were once used as a hiding place by pirates,going after merchant ships heading toward the West Coast. This landmark is now draws in a different crowd. Lands End is also where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet, as well as a popular spot for tourists.The series of rugged rocks in the Pacific, which reaches Alaska's Aleutian Islands, is known by the locals as the Finisterra. The base of the rock formations are well known for the rich marine life, including coral formations,and tropical fish.

 El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, or Lands End, marks the spot where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Photo by Stan Shebs.

 

 These arches or icons, made by granite have been carved by degradation.  Weathering is the breaking down of rock in place, the decay of rock. Weathering is the beginning of change to the Earths surface. Rock decay happens in two main ways: Physical and chemical decay. Physical decay is the disintegration of rocks and minerals by a physical or mechanical process. While Chemical Decay is the chemical alteration or decomposition of rocks or minerals. El Arco, is prone to the physical decay of salt decay due to ocean surrounding and joints which are regularly spaced fractures or cracks in rocks formed from cooling or expanding, faulting/folding/ and tectonics; as well as the chemical decay of hydration(addition/removal of H₂O to a mineral), due to the arcs surroundings,years of wind and dissolution(mineral is completely dissolved by the water), water erosion(Ocean current).

 

Shows currents during Hurricane Odile. Rock Decay.

This image above contains correct images except for picture #3. 

Rock decay could happen from breaking into little pieces, decay from the inside, water, or salt. As this picture shows how arches may be made, El Arco de Cabo San Lucas may have been created in a similar way.

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (A natural arch made of granite rock)

 Image via wikimedia

It is illegal to climb the Arch, but viewing the natural wonder is a beautiful sight and highlight of a trip to Cabo San Lucas. These granite structures are amazing in height and beauty.




 

 Sources Used:

 http://www.destination360.com/north-america/mexico/cabo-san-lucas/el-arco 

 http://www.cabosanlucas.net/what_to_do/the-arch-lands-end.php

 http://www.cabo.com/cabo-san-lucas/

Professor Allen Lecture