View count: 24293

Introduction


The East Coast Geopark is located in coastal Taitung County with the most prominent geological and geomorphologic features being overturned stratigraphic sequence, a turbidity with Bouma Sequence deposited by turbidity currents of deep sea fan, uplifted coral reefs, etc. Among geological structures, graded bedding, ripple marks, cross bedding, load coasts, are the most attractive ones.

Xiaoyeliu is located about six kilometers north of Taitung City and is the southernmost point of the East Coast National Scenic Area. With the layers of sand and clay depositing, the shifting tectonic plates, and the years of erosion from the wind and surf, the coast of Xiaoyeliu has various spectacular and unique rock formations such as cuesta scarp, honeycomb rocks, turtle rocks, tofu rocks and mushroom rocks.  Similar to Yehliu, the geology of Xiaoyehliu is made up of volcanic rock placed over sandstone. This makes for a unique structures and shapes, with large sturdy volcanic rock sitting upon easily weathered sandstone below, worn away by wind and water. After a geological structure change, the gigantic sandstone shale became upside down and covered with coral reef. After years of sea erosion, a unique geological form was developed. Amazing rocky formations are found on the trail, such as shapes of a mushroom, tofu, honeycomb and coral reef

Unlike the rest of the Philippine Plate that determines the geology of this area, the rock of Fugang Geopark is sandstone. This prompts geologists to believe that it originated somewhere else. The Tourist Service Center should be the first visiting point to equip visitors with detailed explanations of geological formations and land features unique to the area.  The broad grass land of the Jialulan Recreation Area at the north is decorated with art fixtures of primitive-looking driftwood. The area is ideal to gaze into the night sky and listen to nature's concerto of tides.
 
[1] Liou, Ying-San & Yu Ching-Hui (2017). Geotourism planning of the East Coast Xiaoyehliu Geopark, Taiwan. 2017 International Geopark Conference in Taiwan
[2] Lin, J. C., Su, S. C. (2019). Geoparks of Taiwan. Their development and Prospects for a Sustainable Future
[3] https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002123&id=R31

This is an image

This is an image