The forces
of nature have acted in concert to create the landscape of Arches, which
contains the greatest density of natural arches in the world. Throughout
the park, rock layers reveal millions of years of deposition, erosion and
other geologic events. These layers continue to shape life in Arches
today, as their erosion influences elemental features like soil chemistry
and where water flows when it rains.
Arches is located in a "high desert," with
elevations ranging from 4,085 to 5,653 feet above sea level. The climate
is one of very hot summers, cold winters and very little rainfall. Even on
a daily basis, temperatures may fluctuate as much as 50 degrees.
The plants and animals in Arches have many
adaptations that enable them to survive these conditions. Some species are
found only in this area. The diversity of organisms reflects the variety
of available habitat, which includes lush riparian areas, ephemeral pools,
dry arroyos, mixed grasslands and large expanses of bare rock.
