Since a picture of a mysterious “pants” arch in Nunavut, Canada, appeared on social media, there has been a great deal of curiosity and skepticism surrounding it. On the north extremity of Baffin Island, in an uninhabited part of the Brodeur Peninsula, the arch, known as “Qarlinngua,” is a huge rock creation that stands tall and proud in a pool of saltwater. The structure, which is only accessible by boat in the summer, has been compared to a pair of pants.

Many people thought the photo was a fake when CBC North posted it on their Facebook page. Some geologists were even dubious, despite their familiarity in studying rock formations. It was unprecedented for the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office in Iqaluit, according to chief geologist Linda Ham. The formation is known scientifically as a sea arch or natural arch, and it is created when cliff rocks are eroded over time by wind and water.

The Qarlinngua is made of sedimentary rock, or sandstone, which is good erodible material. The portion of the arch still standing likely contains a large volume of quartz, which is resistant to erosion. The horizontal layers in the formation suggest that it is a Paleozoic rock, which is around 250 to 600 million years old.

The arch’s existence has been confirmed, and it is not a fake photo. However, it is located in such a remote and inaccessible location that few people have laid their eyes on it. According to Max Kalluk, the hunter who submitted the photo to CBC North, it is estimated to be over 50 meters tall. The arch is in an area where the land is sinking relative to the sea, and the sea is eroding into a nearby cliff whose coastline is slowly sinking.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the photo, the Qarlinngua has now become somewhat of a tourist attraction. The tourism office in Iqaluit has received inquiries about visiting the arch, and local tourism workers are hoping that its newfound fame will draw more visitors to the area. The Nunavut community of Arctic Bay is proud of their unique formation and has given it a name that reflects its appearance.

In conclusion, the Qarlinngua is a natural wonder that has mystified geologists and intrigued the public. Its existence has now been confirmed, and it is a rare and remarkable formation that highlights the geological wonders of Canada’s Arctic.