Iconic Elephant Trunk Rock, a popular photo spot in northern Taiwan, has met its end. On December 15, the rock formation collapsed into the sea, as confirmed by the New Taipei Ruifang District Office, which oversees the area. The rock, renowned for its resemblance to an elephant's trunk, had been susceptible to erosion for some time. In fact, it had been cordoned off from visitors since 2010, recognizing its vulnerability.
According to Professor Shen Chuan-chou from the Department of Geosciences at National Taiwan University, the collapse of Elephant Trunk Rock was a natural occurrence. Constant exposure to seawater and wind had gradually weakened the formation. Additionally, the rock's thin arched shape further contributed to its fragility. Sadly, its demise was inevitable.
Situated on a narrow strip of land known as Shen'ao, Elephant Trunk Rock was approximately 10 kilometers (six miles) away from the popular tourist area of Jiufen, northeast of Taipei. However, the rock was not the only geological wonder in the region to elicit concern among experts.
The "Queen's Head" rock, located in Yehliu Geopark, also faces a risk of collapse. Its name stems from its remarkable resemblance to the bust of Queen Elizabeth with an elongated neck. Taiwan's Central News Agency reports that the circumference of the Queen's Head has been steadily decreasing, and the rock is becoming thinner with each passing year. Geologists fear that it, too, may eventually succumb to the forces of nature.
Interestingly, Taiwan is not the only place to grapple with the loss of its natural landmarks. The Maltese island of Gozo experienced a similar predicament when its famous limestone "Azure Window" collapsed into the sea in 2017. The Azure Window had gained international fame as a prominent Game of Thrones filming location. Despite plans to construct a striking steel archway in its place, the project remains unrealized.
The collapse of Elephant Trunk Rock marks the end of an era for this beloved photo spot in northern Taiwan. Visitors and locals alike will mourn the loss of this unique geological formation, which had captivated many with its striking resemblance to an elephant's trunk. As concerns persist about the stability of other rock formations in the region, geologists and authorities face the challenge of preserving and protecting these natural wonders for future generations to enjoy.