Formation of Shek Lung Tsai Rock Cluster

The area of Luk Chau Shan has been affected by tectonic movements. Faults were formed due to the pressure from compaction. Located between these faults, the rock formation in Shek Lung Tsai is cut across by dense fissures. Rocks exposed at the land surface were eroded by wind, rain, ice and snow, causing the fissures in the rocks to enlarge and deepen over the years and giant rocks to eventually break into many smaller blocks.

Distinct cracks on giant rock

The red and blue lines indicate two sets of fissures in different directions, intersecting in an “X”. The cracks continue to widen and deepen under weathering and erosion, eventually breaking the large blocks into small pieces.

Distinct pits and trenches on rock surface

Hong Kong has gone through numerous ice ages over past millions of years. Water on the rock surface has undergone repeated freezing and melting. Water accumulated in pits, which will increase erosion, further deepening the pits, eroding the rock and creating distinct pits and trenches on its surface.

Rock Type

These rocks were formed some 143 million years ago in Cretaceous period, from volcanic ash that erupted from an ancient super volcano, which was located in today’s Sai Kung area.