What Is With All the Rock Slides In Zion? Truth Is It Is Happening All Over the World

A rockfall that recently happened in Zion National Park closed part of the highway that runs through the park. If it seems like there have been more rockslides than usual this year. A little digging shows there have been more and it isn't just in Utah.

Mountainous Places in the U.S. Where Rockfalls Have Happened

Yosemite set a record for rockfalls last year. Geologists blame earthquakes and weather forces, although they say they can't pinpoint the exact cause. This has been true for many National Parks in the U.S.

This article discusses rockslides that have happened in other parks from Alaska and through the west. They found hot weather can trigger rockfalls that may have been slipping due to fluctuations in temperatures during the year.

Europe Has Seen Increased Rockfall Activity

It isn't just in the U.S. that rockslides have increased. The famous Matterhorn in Switzerland is temporarily recommending climbers hold off due to the increase in rockfalls. They blame all the slides on the heat wave that hit Europe this summer.

The Alps on the Italian border have recorded 450 rockfalls this year. They also blame the melting of the permafrost due to increased heat. The underlying ice that holds the rocks together is decreasing due to warmer weather.

Read More: Utah's Least Populated County Is Losing Residents

If you have noticed an increase in rocks sliding down mountains and blocking roads, it isn't because the news is reporting it more. Looking at the stories coming in from around the world, there does seem to be an increase in rockfalls in many places.