Taiwan's North Coast and Yehliu Geopark / K% E3 ^' T# ltvb now,tvbnow,bttvb % ]+ z' u( s! ~$ |3 R- kYehliu is a cape on the north coast of Taiwan, stretching a massive 1700 meters into the sea. Geological forces at work on Datun Mountain gave rise to the area as the mountain was pushed up from the depths below. With the help of sea erosion and weathering, this area has some very distinctive geological features believed to be 10-25 million years old. As the limestone and calcium carbonate surface is more resistant to erosion, the resulting landscape is fractured and filled with giant rocks, pot holes, and fossils. These rocks make for some breathtaking scenery and certainly worthy of at least a day trip to the cape. Strolling around, one might find themselves wondering whether they just stepped on the set of a sci-fi movie versus a geological park in Taiwan!tvb now,tvbnow,bttvb) y, ^0 i/ z$ I, B+ |7 k' Y% ?
Types of Geological Rock Formations Found at Yehliu Geopark tvb now,tvbnow,bttvb( y8 j" l, e9 U( u, Z; \# G! v
The most common types found on the cape are mushroom rocks, with about 180 dotting the coastline. The most famous of these is the Queen's Head rock, which is the iconic landmark for the region. It’s believed the Millennium Queen is about 4,000 years old. Sadly, continuous exposure to wind, sun, and rain has caused the Queen's neck to become thinner through the years. Tourists should avoid touching the rock to help preserve her beauty for future generations. In fact, a park representative may be present on busy days to stop those who just cannot resist temptation. 9 D X: @: i6 R5 U6 B- A' g* WOther formations include honeycomb rocks, which get their name from an obvious resemblance to a honeycomb. Their uneven surfaces allow sea water to pool, creating holes of erosion and the resulting honeycomb appearance. 9 q7 Y% o+ C' aGinger rocks are another interesting formation type. These rocks are a bit softer on the surface, rendering them less resistant to sea erosion. Earth movement caused them to squeeze together, resulting in a shape reminiscent of a culinary staple in Taiwan - ginger root.3 A3 Z+ Z1 v1 [* w E4 [7 Y: V: G
Bean curd rocks also called chessboard rocks, are a series of smooth and level rocks separated by sharp joints that were forced into each other. The bean curd appearance is from those joints being further eroded by the sea water, creating grooves that render them similar to a chessboard or bean curd. 0 b9 s6 B" \% [) `2 f: Z* ~www2.tvboxnow.comtvb now,tvbnow,bttvb8 Z" J6 N8 d6 z7 w& j
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野柳地質公園, heard lots about it, yet to be there. The rock formations in these photos looks spectacular, what an interesting place to be.8 F5 G; r' C5 b6 ?% |4 N
Thank you Sweetlemon.作者: orchids 時間: 2010-6-21 09:34 PM
Very rare and special landscape, this geopark is worth to visit.作者: chowold2 時間: 2010-6-22 12:07 PM
Very beautiful and rocky featured landscape, but where is the Queen's Head rock. Sound like that is the most important landmark of the park.作者: SweetLemon 時間: 2010-6-22 12:46 PM
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. I" z, X3 v/ Q' f. y公仔箱論壇The head will fall off in the next 10 years. They still cannot decide to save it or let nature do the beheading.