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To gain a better understanding of the geological history of Hong Kong, the public may now visit the newly opened Geopark Visitor Centre in the Lions Nature Education Centre in Tsiu Hang, Sai Kung.
The 160-square-metre visitor centre set up by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) aims to give the public an overview of the geological environment in Hong Kong, promote greater interest in earth sciences and raise the awareness of the need to preserve our geological heritage.
Through display boards and rock specimens from different parts of the territory, visitors can learn about the geological history of Hong Kong, fold and fault structures, landscapes, rocks and fossils. A video introduces the geological attractions of the Hong Kong National Geopark. Animations showing the formation process of different landforms and interactive computer games are also provided in the centre.
The Geopark Visitor Centre opens daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm except Tuesdays.
With the support of local communities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Tai Po Geo-heritage Centre and Lai Chi Wo Geo-heritage Centre were opened in February and December respectively. These centres aim to introduce the geological resources in Hong Kong to visitors and also promote public awareness of geoconservation. Guided tours are also provided.
The Hong Kong National Geopark covers two regions with eight geo-areas, each with its unique geological features. The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region highlights the spectacular hexagonal acidic volcanic rock columns while the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region represents the most comprehensive stratigraphy of sedimentary rocks in Hong Kong, ranging from Devonian sandstone and conglomerate of about 400 million years of age to Tertiary siltstone of 65 million years old, and is rich in landforms of different earth processes.
For further information on the visitor centre and the geopark, please visit www.geopark.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, December 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:20
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