Nature can sometimes be eternal, yet it also changes over time. Under the influence of rising sea levels, volcanic activity, and notably human exploitation and destruction, beautiful natural landscapes can be devastated. In just the last decade, many famous tourist spots have “disappeared,” leaving behind regret and a warning for humanity.
Top 10 Natural Wonders That Have Disappeared in the Last Decade
- 1. The Rock Arch at Legzira Beach, Morocco
- 2. The Coral Reef at Christmas Island, Australia
- 3. The Faroe Islands
- 4. Darwin’s Arch in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- 5. Dolomites, Italy
- 6. Chacaltaya Glacier, Bolivia
- 7. Hillary’s Step, Mount Everest
- 8. Slim River, Canada
- 9. The Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea
- 10. Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Australia
1. The Rock Arch at Legzira Beach, Morocco
Legzira Beach, located along the Atlantic coast of Morocco, has long attracted tourists due to its two colossal rock formations, masterpieces of Mother Nature. However, in September 2016, the base of one of the arches could no longer withstand the weight of the top, resulting in its collapse. Experts predict that the remaining arch is likely to meet a similar fate in the coming years.
2. The Coral Reef at Christmas Island, Australia
Experts from Victoria University have determined that only 5% of the vibrant, unique coral at Christmas Island survived the El Niño phenomenon in 2016. El Niño caused abnormal sea temperature rises and numerous storms. Christmas Island is the largest coral atoll in the world and is a highly popular diving destination. The disappearance of the coral reef here has left many visitors regretful.
3. The Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands, a beautiful small island group of Denmark with a population of nearly 50,000, has not disappeared but many tourist areas have officially closed since 2020 due to tourism’s severe impact on the natural landscape. To preserve the picturesque, fairy-tale charm of the Faroe Islands, the government decided to close off tourist sites and only allow volunteers for restoration efforts in areas previously eroded or damaged.
4. Darwin’s Arch in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
On May 17, 2021, the renowned natural arch named after British biologist Charles Darwin collapsed in the Pacific Ocean. The cause of the collapse was later identified as erosion. This area was previously recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, home to a rich marine ecosystem with diverse marine flora and fauna.
5. Dolomites, Italy
At least 17 people lost their lives in November 2018 when a severe storm swept through the mountainous village of Dolomites in Italy. This storm also wiped out about 14 million trees, permanently destroying a forest previously regarded as a “paradise on earth.” The Dolomites may “recover” in the future, but it will take at least 100 years.
6. Chacaltaya Glacier, Bolivia
In 2009, the 18,000-year-old Chacaltaya Glacier in Bolivia completely melted due to climate change and global warming. The entire highest ski resort in the world on this mountain had to close permanently. The melting of Chacaltaya had been predicted, but scientists believed it would take until 2015 to occur. Climate change accelerated this process beyond expectations.
7. Hillary’s Step, Mount Everest
Hillary’s Step was once considered the ultimate challenge for those wishing to conquer Mount Everest, the roof of the world. The step collapsed after an earthquake in Nepal in 2015. This rock face, standing 12 meters tall and nearly vertical on the southeast edge, represented a significant obstacle that has now vanished, marking a significant loss for climbers and explorers.
8. Slim River, Canada
At the beginning of 2017, the entire Slim River in Yukon, Canada, nearly evaporated overnight, leaving the local population and media stunned. The culprit for Slim’s disappearance was identified as the Kaskawulsh River, which had suddenly redirected its flow to supply water to another river, causing Slim to dry up.
9. The Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea
In the early years of the 2010s, at least five islands in the Solomon Islands were submerged by rising sea levels. Rising ocean waters continue to threaten many islands in the region, prompting the government to plan for the migration of local residents.
10. Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Australia
Five of the twelve limestone stacks representing the twelve apostles from the Bible, located along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, have collapsed and fragmented due to severe weather. These formations had stood for thousands of years, linked to many local spiritual legends.
