Contrasting characteristics and origin of Danxia arched rock shelters in Zhejiang, China, and natural arches and bridges on the Colorado Plateau, USA

The red beds in Zhejiang province of China host the highest concentration Danxia arched rock shelters world, just as Colorado Plateau western USA hosts world’s largest natural arches and bridges. This study investigated geological background compared them to bridges, based on field a literature review. It was found that differ from bridges geometry formation mechanism. Statistical geometric data arch shows tend be relatively flat. They are low features with long spans, great depth. similar each other, but larger than arches. differences between landforms could attributed their different geologic history mechanisms. formed by differential weathering sandstone conglomerate due moisture-induced tensile stresses. In contrast, closely related Salt Valley anticline, vertical tectonic fractures, horizontal discontinuities fins. were river erosion.