China Gains Three New UNESCO Geological Heritage Sites
China has added three new geological heritage sites, bringing the total to 13, including significant Jurassic and Triassic locations.
Beijing, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : China has officially been recognized with three new geological heritage sites, as announced during a press conference by the International Union of Geological Sciences. This addition brings the total number of geological heritage sites in China to 13.
The newly designated sites include the Middle Jurassic Dinosaur Fossil Site in Yongyang, Chongqing, the Xianshuihe Fault in Sichuan, and the Dapye Mountain Triassic Ultra-High Pressure Metamorphic Belt in Anhui.
The Yongyang site is notable for its rare collection of Middle Jurassic dinosaur fossils, which have recently been discovered. These fossils are considered globally significant, providing crucial insights into the evolution of dinosaurs during the early to middle Jurassic period.
The Xianshuihe Fault, located in western Sichuan and along the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, formed approximately 200 million years ago. It is one of the most active left-lateral strike-slip faults in the world, featuring preserved surface fracture patterns and clear geological faulting remnants from ancient earthquakes. This site serves as an invaluable “natural laboratory” for studying crustal deformation, fault activity mechanisms, and earthquake formation processes.
Lastly, the Dapye Mountain Triassic Ultra-High Pressure Metamorphic Belt, situated at the junction of Hubei, Henan, and Anhui provinces, is a significant part of the world’s largest and best-exposed ultra-high pressure metamorphic belt. It contains a rich collection of ultra-high pressure minerals and rocks. This site documents the collision between the South China and North China plates over 200 million years ago, detailing the process of subduction and subsequent uplift of the continental crust. It is regarded as a geological history record of continental dynamics and deep continental subduction.
These additions highlight China’s commitment to preserving its geological heritage and enhancing its global scientific standing.
