5 natural wonders that are disappearing
Every day the Earth changes! Wondering how? Nature is constantly being transformed by wind, water, sun and humans. And these factors turn cliffs into beaches, erode great valleys, create new territories, and change the course of mighty rivers. At times, such changes may result in new natural wonders, and some might cause existing ones to disappear as well. In the past 50 years, hundreds of natural icons worldwide have undergone significant changes—or, worse, have vanished. Here are landmarks that no longer exist and other fragile places you can still visit responsibly!
Legzira Beach, Morocco
The rust-coloured enclave outside Morocco’s Sidi Ifni was once a famous sunset location. This beach, which lies about 10 km from the city of Sidi Ifni in southern Morocco, is famous for its rock arches, and make up for a stunning tourist attraction. In 2016, one of the beach’s twin red rock arches fell victim to the weight of the massive cliff above it. The outcome? Misery to paragliders, surfers, fishermen and a few tourists. Although this wonder no longer exists, you can see a similar setting. However, you will need to visit the Jurassic-era red sea stacks of Ladram Bay in Devon, England.
Christmas Island Coral Reef, Australia
A small fringing reef borders the Christmas Island of Australia and is home to a wide variety of fish and 88 types of corals! The island is on the edge of the Java Trench, which is the deepest point in the Indian Ocean. Thus, the island exhibits a breathtakingly sheer cliff just beyond the bordering reefs. Christmas Island is the most extensive coral atoll (ring-shaped island formed of corals) in the world!
However, in 2016, an estimated 80% of corals died owing to high water temperatures that resulted from El Nino storms. El Nino storms tend to raise the temperature of the water, leading to all sorts of changes in the sea life. But there is still ray an of hope. By the end of 2020, scientists started to notice signs of new life. With active efforts to protect bleached coral from geographic disturbances and to give them time to recover, scientists are hoping to revive this natural wonder!
Sequoia Tunnel Tree, California
The Calaveras Big Trees State Park in California is home to the Sequoia Tunnel Tree. This 1,000-year-old tree was tunnelled in the late 19th century, to encourage natural tourism. Owing to the drive-through experience the tree offered, it came to be known as the ‘tunnel tree’. Yes, you could really drive through the tree! But meddling with nature never works out well, does it? Eventually, in January 2017, it collapsed. Although this natural wonder no longer exists, you can still witness the drive-through experience at the three enormous Giant California Redwood trees close to the town of Eureka in California.
Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Australia
The Twelve Apostles is a collection of limestone cliffs situated near the Great Ocean Road, close to Port Campbell National Park, Australia. These breath-taking limestone stacks were created over hundreds of years by erosion. However, in 2005, one of the tallest and most complex offshore sea stacks collapsed. And in 2009, a second stack collapsed. Unfortunately, the remaining six stacks are in no great strength either. These remains of the damaged cliffs are vulnerable to the mighty sea along the shore!
Darwin’s Arch, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are famous for several reasons, one of them being the Darwin’s Arch located in the southeast of Darwin Island in the Galapagos Archipelago. This naturally occurring rock arch was named so after the English naturalist Charles Darwin. However, on 17th May 2021, this famous natural bridge crumpled, thanks to erosion. Now, only a pillar-like structure of this once-magnificent arch remains!