Coastal Landforms

Taiwan is surrounded by ocean and thus the coastal zones are made up of a diversity of landscapes. Most coastal areas with particular and valuable landscapes are under the jurisdiction of the National Scenic Areas or National Parks. Northern Taiwan is famous for its rocky shores; coral reef can be found mainly in the south; and cliff coasts can be found in eastern Taiwan. Rock structure and resistance to erosion and weathering determine landforms at the coast. Thus bays are formed where weak rocks are eroded; capes and headlands are formed where rocks resist erosion and weathering. Other special coastal landscapes include wave cut platforms, cuestas and chessboard rocks, which are significant features along northern and north-eastern coasts. Sandy beaches can be occasionally found between them.