Sanqingshan UGGp is renowned for its rich and diverse geoheritage and unique global geological values. Aesthetically and scientifically, the Geopark boasts magnificent natural landscapes shaped by geological structures and ecological features of outstanding universal value. Scientifically and conservatively, it preserves tectonic units of great geological and physiographical significance, as well as clearly defined ecological habitats for endangered flora and fauna. Meanwhile, across the multiple dimensions of science, conservation and aesthetic, Sanqingshan UGGp exhibits highly representative natural landscape and natural zone.
As an outstanding example of key stages in Earth’s evolutionary history, the geoheritage of Sanqingshan UGGp records ongoing geological processes, geomorphic evolution, biological evolution, and the harmonious interaction between humans and nature. The Geopark is not only home to unique, rare or spectacular natural phenomena and geomorphic landscapes, but also contains habitats for rare and endangered species, presenting exceptional natural aesthetic value. These precious geological resources endow Sanqingshan UGGp with unique and important global significance in science, education and aesthetics, making it an important base for Earth science research, nature exploration and science education.
Sanqingshan UGGp is located at the junction of the Yangtze Plate and the Cathaysian Plate, with a complete stratigraphic succession with outcrops ranging from the Mesoproterozoic to the Quaternary. It systematically documents the region’s billion-year geological evolution and major geological events. Research on the sedimentary strata here is of crucial scientific significance for revealing the formation and evolution of the junction zone between the Yangtze and Cathaysian Plates, and also represents one of the current research hotspots in China’s geological community.
Since the Cambrian period, rich paleontological fossils have been preserved in strata of various geological ages in the Sanqingshan UGGP, with a clearly distinguishable evolutionary sequence. The Early Paleozoic is dominated by trilobites, graptolites and brachiopods; the Late Paleozoic is mainly represented by fusulinids, brachiopods, corals and plant fossils; while the Mesozoic features bivalves, plants, conchostracans and dinosaur fossils.
During the Late Cretaceous, the Xinjiang Basin where Sanqingshan UGGp is located was once a habitat for dinosaurs, leaving behind a large number of dinosaur eggs and a small number of bone fossils. These discoveries are of great scientific significance for studying biological evolution, paleogeographic environmental changes, and paleoclimatic and paleoecological evolution in South China.
