Geological heritage of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark

Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark contains distinctive and exceptional geological tectonics, separated by different faults, but mainly by the NW-SE fault zone; especially, the deep fault Cao Bang - Tien Yen, which almost divided Cao Bang’s topography into 2 distinctive parts, the Eastern and Western areas. The Western part mainly features high limestone and earth mountains, many deep valleys, steep cliffs and ravines while the Eastern terrain is characterized by limestone and earth mountain ranges interleaved rivers, streams and narrow valleys of various forms and sizes, the terrain is high in W-NW and low in E-SE, most clearly seen at border plateaus and Bang River valley. Karst landscapes with plentiful terrains and forms including karst towers, karst cones, valleys, caves, lake-underground cave-river system are excellent evidence of the evolution and changes of the Planet Earth, reflecting a complete tropical humid karst evolution cycle in this territory. Some of the most outstanding karst landscapes are Keo Yen panorama, Dragon-back panorama, Ma Phuc Pass, Mountain Angel Eye, Nguom Ngao cave, Ban Gioc waterfall, Thang Hen lake system, etc.

Additionally, the Geopark consists of other types of geo-heritage such as palaeontological fossil sites of Branchiopoda, Fusulinid, Crinoid, Ammonite (such as Lung Luong ammonite fossil site, Lang Mon ancient coral fossil site, etc.). In geosciences, they are indicator fossils which help identify the rock ages and boundaries between geological units. Besides, geological and stratigraphic tectonic activities (magmatism, orogeny, etc) resulted into a territory rich in exceptional geological landscapes, and minerals (Tinh Tuc tin mine, Lung Muoi tungsten mine, etc). All above characteristics are evidence of a complicated geological evolution of the Earth over 500 million years in this region.

To preserve and promote the value of geological heritage, the Management Board of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has stepped up communication and education activities through training programs, workshops and field surveys, aiming to raise awareness among students and the community about the importance of protecting and promoting heritage values. These activities not only help the community understand their role in heritage conservation but also promote sustainable tourism development. In the coming time, the Management Board of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark will continue to closely coordinate with relevant units to protect the environmental landscape at heritage sites, while actively participating in activities organized by the Global Geopark Network to learn from experience and strengthen international cooperation in the conservation and promotion of heritage values, contributing to building a foundation for sustainable tourism development.