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For centuries, the Holei Sea Arch stood as a magnificent testament to the volcanic power of the Hawaiian Islands. Towering 90 feet above the Pacific Ocean, this iconic 550-year-old lava rock structure was one of the most celebrated landmarks in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. However, recent reports have confirmed that this natural wonder has finally collapsed, marking the end of an era for the Big Island’s rugged coastline. While the precise moment of the collapse remains uncertain, experts from the National Park Service estimate that it occurred during Tropical Storm Nolo. Although the arch was still intact on September 23rd, 2026, it had vanished by the 27th. Scientists had actually been monitoring the area for several years due to increasing instability. In 2021, the public was formally warned that the structure was becoming precarious and would eventually crumble. Several geological and environmental factors contributed to the arch’s demise. The massive earthquakes associated with the 2018 Kilauea eruption caused substantial structural damage to the surrounding cliffs. Furthermore, the relentless power of the ocean played a crucial role; heavy waves from recent storms had been steadily eroding the base of the rock. This combination of seismic activity and coastal erosion made the collapse inevitable. Despite the sense of disappointment among tourists and locals alike, the National Park Service views the event as a natural part of the earth’s evolution. They emphasized that these coastal formations are inherently temporary and have a limited life span. As the shoreline migrates inland, the constant interaction between lava and the sea will likely create new arches in the future, continuing the cycle of transformation. The news has sparked a wave of nostalgia on social media, where thousands have shared photographs and personal stories of their visits. The event serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our natural world. As one visitor noted, the disappearance of the arch teaches us to appreciate the planet’s beauty while it lasts, acknowledging that nature is in a state of perpetual change.

1. What is the primary purpose of the article?

• A.To encourage tourists to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• B.To report on the loss of a landmark and explain the causes behind it.
• C.To argue that human activity is responsible for coastal erosion.
• D.To provide a historical account of the 2018 Kilauea eruption.

2. According to the text, when did the Holei Sea Arch likely disappear?

• A.In 2021, following a formal public warning.
• B.On September 23rd, 2026, during an earthquake.
• C.Sometime between September 23rd and 27th, 2026.
• D.Exactly 550 years after it was originally formed.

3. What can be inferred about the National Park Service’s perspective on the collapse?

• A.They believe the collapse could have been prevented with better monitoring.
• B.They are surprised that the structure fell so soon.
• C.They view it as a predictable and normal geological process.
• D.They are concerned that no new landmarks will ever form.

4. What does the word ‘precarious’ mean in the second paragraph?

• A.Highly stable and strong.
• B.In a dangerous position and likely to fall.
• C.Extremely old and historically significant.
• D.Hidden from public view.

5. How has the public reacted to the news of the arch’s destruction?

• A.By demanding that the National Park Service rebuild the structure.
• B.By expressing a sense of loss and reflecting on nature’s temporary nature.
• C.By blaming the recent tropical storm for the lack of safety measures.
• D.By ignoring the event as it was expected for many years.