Along with 99 other locations from 53 countries worldwide, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago has been recognized as an International Geological Heritage Site by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
Tourists kayak in Luon Cave area in Ha Long Bay.
This information was announced on August 25th by Mr. Tran Tan Van, former Director of the Institute of Geological Sciences and Minerals (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), according to VNA.
Mr. Tran Tan Van was involved in and chaired two World Heritage dossiers related to globally outstanding geological values, and he also directly prepared the dossier for the recognition of Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago as an International Geological Heritage Site by the International Union of Geological Sciences.
Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized for two globally outstanding values: geological history and karst geomorphology (landforms characterized by the distinctive dissolution patterns typically marked by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves).
The International Union of Geological Sciences is expected to officially announce the list of 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites at the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC), held from August 25 to 31, 2024, in Busan, South Korea.
Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago includes all stages of the tropical karst drowning process, as well as three main types of caves (ancient sea notches, old karst floors, and notches).
Ha Long Bay represents the later stages of the drowning process. The Cat Ba Archipelago adds significant geological value to the heritage through its examples of terrestrial and intertidal phases.
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