Geological marvels everywhere
Xiaoliuqiu is not just about excelling in these three categories, though—there are also many beautiful coral reefs on land.
According to Peter Yuan, associate professor of Earth Sciences at National Cheng Kung University, for geologists deep-sea mudstone and shallow-water limestone are like oil and water—they just don’t mix. But on Xiaoliuqiu, there’s a layer of limestone that’s ten meters thick, yet deep-sea mudstone has somehow made its way onto the island’s surface. How did that happen?
Yuan explains that Xiaoliuqiu was formed by a mud volcano erupting from the seabed due to intense pressure within the Earth’s crust. This caused mudstone to rise above the surface of the sea, and the calcium carbonate nodules that formed on the surface of the mudstone became the foundation for coral reef growth. As a result, the island not only has limestone, but also deep-sea mudstone and calcium carbonate nodules, a rare combination
At the site of the former Yong’an Bridge, you can explore some really unique geology. Our guide, Peter Yuan, leads us on a daring climb across the limestone crags to reach a depression in the rock. The cliff above this depression is made up of mudstone from the Pliocene Era, dating back 2.5 to 5 million years. The rock face reveals layer upon layer of sediment, including rounded pebbles and fossilized imprints. At the very top is a layer of coral limestone from 1 million years ago, making the site a perfect showcase of the geological movement that raised Xiaoliuqiu out of the seas. Over at Shamaji, we only see coral reef geology, but it still gives us a glimpse into the unique geological movements that shaped this island.
Everywhere you look on the island, there are amazing geological wonders to behold! For example, at Houshi Shore you can see sea-eroded pillars rising up behind the shore reef. And near the Ocean View Pavilion, there are shore reefs and collapsed cliffs that will take your breath away. The whole island is a treasure trove of geological marvels.
Yuan says that on Xiaoliuqiu, the visible surface is made up of only ten meters of limestone, but the main geological structure of the island is actually dominated by mudstone, which makes the soil dense and saline, making farming difficult. Chen Yinghong adds that in earlier times, sweet potatoes were the main crop, but in recent years they have switched to growing mango trees. The island’s residents use seaweed that washes up on the shore as fertilizer, resulting in sweet and fragrant fruit with a taste reminiscent of peaches.
The ocean, geology, and fishing village culture have enriched the charm of Xiaoliuqiu, attracting millions of visitors in recent years. The Pingtung County Government has accelerated the construction of sewage treatment facilities on the island and regulated access to the intertidal zones in order to protect marine life. They also encourage visitors to find high points on land to listen to the sound of the waves and gaze at the sea rather than going into the water to watch the sea turtles swim. You might even catch sight of a turtle popping its head out of the water to take a breath!
When you visit Xiaoliuqiu, you can do your part for sustainable tourism and to protect the ocean, helping it become a thriving hub for eco-tourism and learning.
Residents take seaweed washed ashore by the waves, dry it in the sun, and use it as fertilizer for mango trees. The fruits are prized for their delicate flesh and peach-like fragrance.