Are you ready for an amazing journey deep into the earth?Wait a minute. We bring you breathtaking discoveries that will leave you speechless. In the heart of China’s Lifengshan Global Geological Park, scientists have accidentally discovered a vast ancient forest hidden 200 meters below the surface of an enchanting ditch. So let’s dive into the fascinating world of this amazing geopark!
natural wonderland
Leifengshan Geopark in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is a treasure trove of natural wonders. This UNESCO-recognized geopark is famous for having the world’s longest natural bridge and intricate caves.
It occupies a vast area and is mainly composed of sedimentary rocks, providing a rich geological background for exploration.
The power of karst terrain
One of the major features of this geopark is its unique karst topography. Karst landforms are characterized by loose soil structures that can erode over time, forming sinkholes and underground caves.
Raino Hozan Geological Park beautifully illustrates the different stages of karst development, from spectacular natural bridges and high karst peaks to deep cave chambers and geological formations.
reveal the hidden forest
In May 2022, scientists made the surprising discovery of a sinkhole approximately 630 feet deep, 490 feet wide, and over 1,000 feet long. Within this gigantic chasm lies a hidden forest of mature trees and plants. At over 1,000 feet long and 492 feet wide, the sheer size of this space awed explorers.
Some of the plant species discovered here may be new to science.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we find species in these caves that science hasn’t recorded yet,” said expedition leader Chen Lixin. A large tree, over 130 feet tall, was visible amidst the dense vegetation, a truly humbling sight.
Karst wonders
To shed some light on this amazing discovery, we spoke to George Veni, Director of the National Institute of Cave and Karst Research. According to him, the geopark’s karst topography is characterized by rock failures that lead to the formation of sinkholes.
The appearance and size of these sinkholes vary widely depending on factors such as location and temperature.
“China has incredibly impressive karsts with huge sinkholes and huge cave entrances,” Veni said. But in other parts of the world, there may be gaps just 1 to 2 meters in diameter, or cave entrances so small that you have to squeeze through.
Karst wealth in southern China
As unbelievable as it may seem, this finding was not surprising to experts like Veni. With vast karst terrain, southern China is a natural paradise with fascinating caves and sinkholes.
In a karst environment, slightly acidic rainwater that seeps into the soil gradually erodes the rocks. When rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide, it becomes acidic, accelerating the erosion process.
Over time, water seeps and flows through cracks in the rock, forming an intricate network of tunnels and chambers. When these underground spaces become large enough, the rock above will eventually collapse, creating attractive cracks.
Xiaozhai Tiankeng: the pride of China
This recent discovery is his 31st known discovery in the area, cementing its reputation as a global sinkhole hotspot. One notable sinkhole worth mentioning is Xiaozhai Tiankeng, which boasts the title of the world’s largest sinkhole.
This massive sinkhole is an incredible 2,100 feet deep, 2,000 feet long, and 1,760 feet wide, and has a stream inside that’s reminiscent of a fascinating Minecraft scene.
join the adventure
Now that you’ve seen the impressive hidden forests of China’s Leifengshan Global Geopark, it’s time to spread the word. Share this amazing discovery with your family and friends and let them marvel at the wonders of Earth’s hidden wonders.
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