Study: Low-flying sightseeing helicopters may be damaging arch formations in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — Dozens of arches across Utah have collapsed in the last two decades, prompting new research that examines the potential long-term effects of helicopter tours and the vibrations they emit as they do their flybys over popular tourist attractions.

While the collapses of Rainbow Arch and Wall Arch at Arches National Park are not directly linked to vibrations from passing helicopters, the increase in the frequency of tours led the Native American Consultation Committee, which advises the National Park Service, to ask for a more in-depth look.

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2019/12/28/21039260/arches-university-of-utah-vibrations-helicopter-tours-damage-physics