By The SUN
 |
| Sai Kung's spectacular volcanic rock columns are best seen from surrounding waters |
The hexagonal volcanic
rock columns formed off High Island in Sai Kung 140 million years ago have been
selected as one of the first 100 Geological Heritage Sites of the International
Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
Also named to the list, which will be announced from Oct 25 to 28 at the Unesco Global Geopark in Spain, are the Shilin Karst on the Mainland, Uluru/Ayers Rock in Australia, the Grand Canyon in the United States and Pamukkale Travertines in Turkey.
 |
| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
A statement issued by the government late on Saturday said the selection of the so-called High Island Formation (or early Cretaceous rhyolitic columnar rock formation) as one of the top geological sites around the world was a recognition of its international importance.
“The formation comprises a great number of columns, which are large, well preserved and widely distributed, making it a globally rare and iconic geological wonder,” said the statement.
 |
| A massive volcanic eruption led to these rock columns being formed 140 million years ago |
Unlike most hexagonal rock columns in other parts of the world which are usually composed of dark-grey basalt, the High Island Formation is made up of light-colored volcanic rock that is rich in silica content, said the statement.
 |
| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
This columnar rock formation is spread across High Island of Sai Kung East Country Park, Kau Sai Chau, Jin Island, the Ung Kong Group and the Ninepin Group, covering an area of about 100 square kilometres on land and under the sea.
They were made part of Hong Kong’s Geopark in 2009.
 |
| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
The average diameter of each rock column is about 1.2 meters, but some are up to 3m wide, while their exposed height above ground is up to 100m.
According to geologists, this columnar rock formation originated from volcanic
activities about 140 million years ago.
 |
| Press for details |
A large volcano located in the southeast part of Hong Kong erupted massively, spewing a large amount of volcanic ash and lava in surrounding areas. The volcano eventually collapsed, forming a caldera of about 20 kilometres in diameter.
Inside the caldera, a huge amount of volcanic materials slowly cooled down and contracted, eventually forming the hexagonal rock columns.
 |
| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
The selection of the Geological Heritage Sites aims to recognise geological
heritage sites of high international scientific significance around the world
to promote their conservation, education and geotourism.
 |
| PADALA NA! |
 |
| CALL US! |
