Read more
This book explores one of the world s most striking red bed sandstone landscapes - Danxiashan - which was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004 and inscribed as part of the serial World Heritage property "China Danxia" in 2011.
"China Danxia" refers to a distinctive type of landscape formed on continental red terrigenous sedimentary rocks, shaped by internal geological forces such as tectonic uplift and external processes including weathering and erosion. Danxiashan is renowned for its dramatic red cliffs - primarily from the Cretaceous period - and a diverse array of erosional landforms, including towering pillars, isolated rock formations, lush subtropical vegetation, steep ravines, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
The term Danxia, meaning red cloud s glow, captures both the vivid color and ethereal beauty of this unique terrain. It is a landscape that reflects a deep geological history, a distinctive evolution of landforms, and a rich blend of natural and cultural heritage - demonstrating the enduring harmony between humans and nature.
List of contents
Introduction to Danxiashan Global UNESCO Geopark.- What is Danxia Landform.- Regional Geographical Background.- The Geotectonic and Geological History.- Geomorphological Features of Danxiashan.- Vegetation and Animals.- Human History and Culture.- The Value of Danxiashan.- Global Comparison with other International Red Bed Landscapes.- Conservation of the UNESCO Global Geopark Danxiashan.- References.- Glossary.
About the author
Ng Young is a Geoscientist at Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark, China. The founder of the UNESCO Global Geopark in Hong Kong, he is also an Honorary Advisor to the Association for Geoconservation, Hong Kong. In addition, he is a member of the National Geotourism Strategy Reference Group, Australian Geoscience Council, and a Standing Committee Member, Geological Society of Australia.
Wolfgang Eder is a Geologist and Guest at GeoCentre, Geobiology, University Göttingen, Germany. As former UNESCO Director of Earth Sciences (1992 - 2005), he was instrumental in initiating and implementing UNESCO Global Geoparks; he was honoured by the 'Friendship Award' of the PR of China (2005), the 'Harrison Outstanding Achievement Award' of IUGS (2008), and Honorary Membership of the 'Global Geoparks Network' (2018).
Summary
This book explores one of the world’s most striking red bed sandstone landscapes - Danxiashan - which was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004 and inscribed as part of the serial World Heritage property "China Danxia" in 2011.
"China Danxia" refers to a distinctive type of landscape formed on continental red terrigenous sedimentary rocks, shaped by internal geological forces such as tectonic uplift and external processes including weathering and erosion. Danxiashan is renowned for its dramatic red cliffs - primarily from the Cretaceous period - and a diverse array of erosional landforms, including towering pillars, isolated rock formations, lush subtropical vegetation, steep ravines, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
The term Danxia, meaning “red cloud’s glow,” captures both the vivid color and ethereal beauty of this unique terrain. It is a landscape that reflects a deep geological history, a distinctive evolution of landforms, and a rich blend of natural and cultural heritage - demonstrating the enduring harmony between humans and nature.
