Newly Discovered Natural Arch in Afghanistan One of World's Largest

Science Daily ^ | 03-31-2011 | Staff

[Red Badger]

Researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society have stumbled upon a geological colossus in a remote corner of Afghanistan: a natural stone arch spanning more than 200 feet across its base.

Located at the central highlands of Afghanistan, the recently discovered Hazarchishma Natural Bridge is more than 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest large natural bridges in the world. It also ranks among the largest such structures known.

"It's one of the most spectacular discoveries ever made in this region," said Joe Walston, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's Asia Program. "The arch is emblematic of the natural marvels that still await discovery in Afghanistan."

Wildlife Conservation Society staff Christopher Shank and Ayub Alavi discovered the massive arch in late 2010 in the course of surveying the northern edge of the Bamyan plateau for wildlife (the landscape is home to ibex and urial wild sheep) and visiting local communities

[kbennkc]

But they do have Mormons.................

At least their convert or die policy means, they will try to convert you to death, and then baptize you afterward. I can ask some of my relatives in Utard to make you a retroactive Mormon when you croak if you like.

[FroggyTheGremlim]

Nah, he’s just a tiny little guy.

[Right Wing Assault]

I can’t wait to travel there in my burhka to see it in person.

But you aren't even allowed to look at the picture without a burka on!

[JimSEA]

I’m reminded of the “discovery” of log coffins in a cave near Mae Hong Son. When the discoverers decided to drill wood cores to date the site, the raised the anger of the locals for releasing the spirits of the dead to bother the living. Turns out the locals were keeping quiet about the cave to protect the coffins from being disturbed and looted.

[glorgau]

I’m sure it was known...but just not reported to the broader world.

Yep, somewhat like the "discovery" of America.

[a real Sheila]

that was the first comment I made as well.
THey WILL find something anti-islamic about it soon!

[bert]

Westerners did not know but it was certainly known by various people in country.

I traveled all the way to Utah to view similar arches. Years later I was surprised to learn there were two in East Tennessee at Big South Fork National National Recreation area rivaling those in Utah at Arches National Park

[Georgia Girl 2]

“But you aren’t even allowed to look at the picture without a burka on!”

Oops! Looks like I’m in for a good stoning. LOL!

[PilotDave]

Kinda reminds me of the stories you see occasionally about the scientists who “discover” and new species in Africa or South America because it is being sold in the local meat market.

[B4Ranch]

>>The total span of arch — the measurement by which natural bridges are ranked — is 210.6 feet in width, making it the 12th largest natural bridge in the world. This finding pushes Utah’s Outlaw Arch in Dinosaur National Monument — smaller than Hazarchishma by more than four feet — to number 13 on the list.

The world’s largest natural arch — Fairy Bridge — is located by Buliu River in Guangxi, China, and spans a staggering 400 feet in width. Several of the top 20 largest natural arches are located in the state of Utah in the U.S.<<

[Darksheare]

Where’s the Elder Things?
I expect some Shoggoths there.

[Biggirl]

But if my memory is correct, the Catholic Church either in 2007 or 2008 decreed no baptism info from any Catholic Church anywhere is to be gathered by the Mormons for that reason as to prevent baptism of the dead.

[wizr]

Gives new meaning to “Let’s go get stoned.” ‘Course, us Christians may be next anyway, just as the first Christians were.

[dirtboy]

If you want a truly massive arch, try Shipton's Arch in China:

[Right Wing Assault]

Oops! Looks like I’m in for a good stoning. LOL!

Yeah, they'll probably just drop the whole arch on you.

[SunkenCiv]

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