Rock mechanical characteristics and landscape evolutionary mechanism of the slit-type Danxia landform on the Chinese Loess Plateau

Since 2015,the newly discovered slit-type Danxia landform on the Chinese Loess Plateau has become a hot topic in the field of geomorphology worldwide.However,the relationships among its formation,evolutionary mechanism,and mechanical characteristics of its strata and rocks are not clear.In this paper,the Ganquan canyon group is used as the research object.Basic physical and mechanical indices of sandstone in the Ganquan canyon group were measured through field investigation and indoor experiments,and the deterioration trends for the mechanical parameters of sandstone in this area under the action of infiltration,acid dry-wet cycles,and freeze-thaw cycles were revealed.Lastly,the formation and evolutionary mechanism of the slit-type Danxia landform were discussed.The results showed that:(1)The sandstone in the canyon group had a low cementation degree and weak cohesive force,which was easily weakened under the action of water,resulting in a decrease in compressive strength and elastic modulus.(2)Acidic dry-wet cycles caused the mineral composition of the sandstone to be dissolved,and the micropores continued to grow and develop until new cracks were produced.Macroscopically,the compressive strength and elastic modulus of sandstone were greatly reduced,and this damage was cumulative and staged.The greater the acidity,the greater the damage.(3)As the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased,the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus of the sandstone decreased continuously.During the freeze-thaw cycle process,the growth and development of cracks were primarily in fracture mode and usually developed along parallel bedding positions.(4)The interaction of tectonic activity and lithology with different weathering processes was a key factor in the formation and evolution of the slit-type Danxia landform.In conclusion,the intricate process of weathering influenced by historical climatic fluctuations has been pivotal in shaping the topography of Danxia landform.

Upper Cretaceous alluvial fan deposits in the Jianglangshan Geopark of Southeast China:implications for bedrock control on Danxia landform evolution

The Jianglangshan Geopark in the western Zhejiang Province of Southeast China is well-known for its spectacular red-colored sandstone landforms. Little is known about the depositional processes of the conglomerate-dominated Fangyan Formation, the lithologic base of the Danxia landforms in this geopark. Based on detailed field investigation of lithology, sedimentary structures, bed thickness and geometry, five facies are recognized: facies A(matrixsupported cobble conglomerate), facies B(pebble conglomerate), facies C(pebbly sandstone), facies D(fine-grained sandstone) and facies E(mudstone). The results show that streamflow-dominated fans were the main depositional processes responsible for the accumulation of the Fangyan Formation along the mountain fronts. These fan conglomerates form the base for the evolution of the Danxia landscapes owing to the uplift and erosion of the study area. In contrast, the fine-grained sedimentary successions produced by fluvial floodplains in the distal part of the fans were thinner and more easily weathered. Such sedimentary facies distribution patterns were thought to be similar during Late Cretaceous across Southeast China. The Danxia landforms are largely the geographical expressions of the conglomerate-dominated redbeds in the proximal-middle fans.

Age and genesis of the Danxia landform on Jianglang Mountain, Zhejiang Province

Jianglang Mountain is situated at the transitional zone of South China fold-system, Jiangshan-Shaoxing deep fracture zone and Baoan-Xiakou-Zhangcun fracture zone. The forming of the Xiakou basin was attributed to the pull-apart fault depression by the above fractures in earlier Cretaceous, afterward, series deposits such as Guantou formation （K1g）, Chaochuan formation （K1c） and Fangyan formation （K1f） which belong to Yongkang group, the lower Cretaceous layer accumulated in the Xiakou basin. In late Cretaceous, the above fractures occurred to extrude and the basin began to uplift, meanwhile, amounts of tension fissures and joints were produced since Cenozoic, which accelerated water-dicing into bed-rock. Consequently, landform-building processing： weathering, eroding and collapsing etc. were prevalent as finally to develop the so-called Danxia landform. The Jianglang Mountain landscape zone of the Danxia landform to apply for world natural relics are relying on unique and unparalleled peak, sky-split valley with vivid stones and reviving of platform. What is more, there is significance of study at lithology, stratigraphy and paleo-biology. According to dating for specimen of ophitic vein through-crossing the Yongkang group of Yafeng Peak by K-Ar method, this article revealed the uplift age of red-bed basin to be 77.89±2.6 MaBP （K2） i.e. late Cretaceous, and it is the first chronological datum of Danxia landform research in China.

Types and spatial combinations of Danxia landform of Fangyan in Zhejiang Province

The prominent types of Danxia landform in Fangyan include enclosed valleys, mesas, peaks, stone columns and grooves etc. Their spatial combinations have regular configurations along the northwest–southeast direction: typical grooves and caves are located in the northwestern Wufengshuyuan mainly; abundant fresh collapsed stones may be observed in central Jimingfeng and Taohuafeng; stone drums and stone columns are in the southeastern Shiguliao particularly; enclosed valleys are encircling joints of peaks and plains from three directions east, west, and south. Their spatial combinations reflect that the developments of Danxia landform have undergone stages of geomorphic cyclical erosion in the form of weathering, collapse, transportation, sedimentation and other processes, together with the "sculpture" of external forces mainly as tectonic uplift. The picturesque Danxia landform began its formation at that point. Danxia landform developed mainly in the strata of Fangyan Formation (K1f) caused by the alluvial fan-braided river phase of anterior fan in the late period of the Early Cretaceous. Regular patterns of weathering of stones and features of braided alluvial phase sediments may be verified by the analysis of three groups of experimental data. Danxia landform of Fangyan is a unique representative of the "adolescent" development type in the application of the World Natural Heritages status in China, by virtue of its outstanding universal aesthetic and scientific value.

Comparative studies of Danxia landforms in China

Danxia geomorphology originates fi＇om China. This paper studies the spatial distribution and differences in characteristics of Danxia landforms. Based on relevant research and investigations, three congregated areas of Danxia landform in China are discussed in this paper. They are the southeast area （including Jiangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, Hunan and Guangxi provinces）, the southwest area （the transitional zone of Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and Sichuan Basin） and the northwest area （including Longshan mountain and along the banks of the Huanghe River and its anabranches）. Not only the conditions of geology and geography of the three areas but also the differences of Danxia landforms of the three areas are analyzed. The Danxia landscape, characterized by upright-shaped peaks, Danxia mesa, stone wall, cave and vertical cave, ＂Danxia natural bridge＂, ＂a narrow strip of sky＂ and so on, often presents in the southeast area. The landscape of southwest area is characterized by Danxia escarpment faces and waterfalls. In the northwest area, the Danxia landscape has the traits of arid areas simultaneously, for example, mud-coating type, columniation type, board type, moreover, it is greatly different between these environmental factors such as the microclimate, water, wind, and the loess cover. Finally it explores the causes which lead differences in landform and also explains the landform formation process and its mechanism with reference to the rates of crustal uplift, the tectonic red-basin, and the external processes including working of running water, weathering, biogenic, gravity in each area of Danxia Landforms in China.

Danxia landform genesis of the Qiyun Mountain, Anhui Province

The Danxia landform of Qiyun Mountain is mainly developed on the red granule conglomerates named Xiaoyan Group （K2x^1） of middle Cretaceous series, which is controlled mainly by three faulted zones, namely, Jingdezhen-Qimen faulted zone, Jiangwan-Jiekou compressional faulted zone and Kaihua-Chun＇an folding faulted zone. During the Cretaceous period, this area firstly experienced massif subsidence to become a continental faulted basin, then having thick Cretaceous red sediments accumulated on it. In the supervened neotectonism, this area experienced an uplifting process, which made the thick Cretaceous sediments into a mountain with an altitude of 500-600 m. After undergoing the processes of vertical joint development, weathering, denudation and transportation, as well as evidently differential weathering and denudation influenced by lithology and structure between sandstone and conglomerate, the grand Danxia landscape consisting of peak forests, steep cliffs, caves, mesas, castellated peaks, natural bridges and so on formed. The three nick points located respectively at 585 m, 400 m and 150 m generally reflect the three dominated uplifting processes during the neotectonism.

Research on the Genesis and Development of Danxia Landform in the South Sichuan

The South Sichuan is one of the areas in China famous for Danxia Landform. Danxia Landform in the South Sichuan is characterized by wide distribution and square shaped hills. However, there is no systematic research on the genesis of those Danxia Landforms at present. Based on the study of spatial distribution and the genesis of the Danxia Landforms in the South Sichuan, we discovered that the lithostratigraphy, regional tectonic, crustal uplift and external forces contribute together to the formation of the Danxia Landform. On the basis of learning the development experiences from famous scenic spots and the updated national policies and regulations, proposals were made to boost the development of Danxia Landform resources in the South Sichuan by excavating its historic, cultural, natural and scientific connotation in the form of educational tourism.

江西丹霞地貌演化阶段与分布及其构造控制探讨

晚白垩世至古近纪期间,江西省内沿区域性断裂构造发育30余个断陷盆地,沉积了巨厚的红色陆相碎屑岩,为丹霞地貌的形成提供了物质基础。已发现的228处丹霞地貌点主要分布于江西东部武夷山北麓和西麓的红层盆地内。利用面积—高程积分法,对江西省9个盆地的丹霞地貌演化阶段进行了定量分析,结果表明省内丹霞地貌景区的面积—高程HI为0.17~0.52,平均为0.38,即其演化阶段处于壮年晚期至老年早期,在空间分布上具有由南向北,由壮年期转为老年期的趋势。该趋势可能与武夷山的构造隆升有关。构造分析显示,节理与武夷山的隆升对江西丹霞地貌演化起控制作用,具体表现为:(1)龙虎山、九仙湖、仙岩、蛤蟆坞、赭亭山、龟峰等地发育的崖壁、一线天、巷谷、石墙、石寨、峰丛、峰林等丹霞典型景观均与节理有关。(2)流水侵蚀等外营力的作用对丹霞地貌的剥露、削平起重要作用,统计表明距离武夷山越近,丹霞地貌山峰越密集、崖壁越陡峻,指示武夷山的隆升与丹霞地貌的发育有直接关系。总体来看,江西省内的红层为丹霞地貌的发育提供了物质基础,武夷山的隆升控制了丹霞地貌的分布。值得注意的是,丹霞地貌区的节理构造是否与武夷山的隆升存在直接因果关系还需进一步研究。

韶关丹霞地貌铁皮石斛野生资源调查与生境分析

目的:调查广东韶关丹霞地貌现存铁皮石斛野生资源的生存现状,为野生铁皮石斛就地保护、回归保育及仿野生栽培提供参考。方法:对国内铁皮石斛野生资源情况进行整理,基于本课题组近10年来对广东韶关丹霞地貌野生铁皮石斛资源分布和生境开展的跟踪调查,对11个调查地点的海拔、朝向、铁皮石斛数量、坡位、坡向进行分析,探讨丹霞地貌野生铁皮石斛植物形态和生境特点。结果:调查记录了广东韶关丹霞地貌中的野生铁皮石斛300余丛,约3000 g,处于极度濒危状态;实地观察发现,野生铁皮石斛茎多呈紫红色,长5~10 cm,有“形似蚱蜢髀”的茎条,叶铁锈色斑点明显;丹霞地貌的野生铁皮石斛大多生长在海拔100~500 m的丹霞崖壁中部或近坡顶处,常与苔藓和地衣伴生,一般生长在东南至西南朝向、通风良好、傍水潮湿的丹霞岩壁上,且半阳偏阴、温凉高湿环境下长势较好。结论:野外考察证实,《本草经集注》中记载的“今用石斛出始兴”的石斛为铁皮石斛,其药用历史在1500年以上;丹霞地貌的铁皮石斛为目前国内铁皮石斛的主要种源之一;野生丹霞铁皮石斛因自身繁殖率低、人为长期采摘等原因,现已极度濒危,亟须开展铁皮石斛野生资源的调查与保护工作。

延安典型丹霞地貌景观特征及发育演化研究

本文是在延安典型丹霞地貌景观特征分析的基础上,采用宇宙成因核素^(10)Be和^(26)Al技术获得暴露年龄和侵蚀速率,研究“黄土覆盖型沟谷丹霞”地貌景观的演化历史。研究结果显示:延安典型丹霞地貌的类型有狭缝式、石蘑菇式、天生桥式,其中狭缝式丹霞的景观特征为“窄狭、多弯、韵律、多彩”,同时也是典型的“黄土覆盖型沟谷丹霞”,石蘑菇式丹霞造型奇特,天生桥式丹霞地貌整体规模宏大,这两者发育都严格受控于垂直节理和外力作用的侵蚀;运用宇宙成因核素^(10)Be和^(26)Al技术,计算获得志丹猫巷狭缝式丹霞地貌的暴露年代有两期,分别为(0.75±18)~(0.83±0.14)ka和(1.14±13)~(1.29±0.30)ka,安塞王家湾石蘑菇式丹霞地貌暴露年代为(1.76±0.45)~(1.77±0.15)ka,这两处丹霞地貌暴露地表的年代都在全新世(Qh),前者晚于后者,地貌较年青;运用宇宙成因核素^(10)Be-^(26)Al计算获得两处典型丹霞地貌侵蚀速率为(39±3.3)~(104±24.4)cm·ka~(-1),与目前国内外学者研究地表和基岩得到的侵蚀速率对比,这两处典型丹霞地貌的侵蚀速率较大,结果还有待进一步研究;延安典型丹霞地貌景观发育的演化始于白垩纪红层的堆积,大致都经历了四个演化阶段,初步揭示了地质构造、上覆黄土盖层以及流水等多种因素共同控制和影响延安典型丹霞地貌的形成,演化阶段总体都处于青年晚期。

贵州省丹霞地貌区工程边坡变形机制模拟分析

贵州省仁赤高速在修建时,对沿线丹霞工程边坡采取主动防护网的支护措施。经过几年的风化剥蚀,此段工程边坡岩体出现了卸荷松动、剥落掉块的现象,影响公路安全运营。为掌握丹霞工程边坡的变形机制,以旺隆匝道边坡为例,采用野外地质调查和底摩擦试验的方法开展贵州省丹霞地貌区工程边坡变形模拟分析。研究结果表明,贵州省丹霞地貌区的边坡岩层属于典型的泥岩和砂岩相间组合的红层边坡,由于泥岩和砂岩的岩性不同,造成了泥岩多发育成凹岩腔,而砂岩则会形成危岩体。新开挖的边坡坡面在卸荷裂隙、风化的单独作用或共同作用下发生浅层破坏。

陕西省丹霞地貌景观特征、空间分布与形成机理初探

陕西省共有丹霞地貌54处,分布在鄂尔多斯盆地渭北隆起和伊陕斜坡。正、负丹霞地貌兼具,沿西南—东北方向呈现明显的区域分异规律;风成沙漠相砂岩丹霞分布面积最广,以狭缝型沟谷丹霞、波浪型丹霞、彩色丘陵为特色,多数处于发育青年期。运用最邻近点指数法、核密度分析法研究得出,陕西省丹霞地貌分布的空间结构类型为凝聚型,出现2个高密度区(延安甘泉—志丹—安塞—富县丹霞片区和榆林靖边丹霞片区)、1个中密度区(照金—旬邑—彬县丹霞片区)和2个低密度区(宝鸡九龙山片区、神木公格沟—府谷莲花辿片区)。从形成机理看,鄂尔多斯盆地中生代沉积奠定了丹霞地貌的物质基础,燕山晚期以来的地势格局控制着正、负地貌的分布,节理和裂隙特征对丹霞地貌景观格局起关键性作用,水蚀、风蚀等为主导营力塑造出丹霞地貌景观形态。

青海化隆县独特的峡谷丹山地貌景观及其科学价值

“峡谷丹山”是内外地质营力共同作用而形成的多成因地貌组合,不仅具有非常高的景观价值,而且具有重要的科学价值。青海省化隆县拉木峡为黄河一级支流,发育典型的角度不整合和丹霞地貌,因而成为青藏高原隆升和黄河形成演化研究的良好区域。以该地貌组合类型的形态特征、成因机制及形成年代研究为目标,采用野外地质调查等方法,对组成峡谷的岩石及地层、构造背景开展研究,系统总结与分析拉木峡地貌景观的形成动力和演化过程,进而探讨其对青藏高原隆升及黄河演化的指示意义。拉木峡由约900 Ma前的新元古代化隆岩群片麻岩及角度不整合于其上的约54 Ma前的新生代古近纪西宁群红色砂砾岩层组成。约8 Ma前青藏高原快速隆升,丹霞地貌雏形开始形成。自1.1 Ma黄河贯通化隆盆地后,受拉木峡流水强烈侵蚀下切和重力崩塌的持续作用,发育“峡谷丹山”地貌组合景观。峡谷险峻幽深、丹霞栩栩如生,成为极具典型性、独特性和稀有性的国家级地质遗迹,对青藏高原隆升、黄河形成演化和新生代气候环境的研究具有重要价值。

陕北甘泉丹霞峡谷群地质遗迹景观特征与保护利用

甘泉丹霞峡谷群位于陕北丹霞地质遗迹景观带的中部,地处鄂尔多斯盆地伊陕斜坡,为典型的狭缝式丹霞景观。通过野外调查、实测和研究发现:甘泉丹霞峡谷群地质遗迹景观的造景地层为下白垩统洛河组风成相紫红色碎屑沉积岩,岩石呈厚-巨厚层状;垂向节理较为密集,NE-NEE向、近SN向和NW向节理控制了峡谷群的发育。景观类型以负地形的波浪谷(波浪状凹槽与凸起间或分布)为主,辅以丹霞崖壁、一线天、壶穴、象形石等;景观类别与众不同,为具有国际对比研究价值的黄土覆盖型,主要沿洛河支流展布;景观美学上呈现“窄狭、多弯、纵高、陡峻”+“巨厚、均一、韵律、多彩”特征;景观价值上具有科学研究、科考探险、旅游休闲、科普教育等复合多元的多种功能。由于甘泉丹霞峡谷群地处生态环境脆弱区和经济欠发达区,未来应加大地质遗迹科研力度,划定地质遗迹保护区,明确地质遗迹保护措施,推进地质遗迹科普教育,开展地质文化村建设,以达到持续保护利用的目的。

中国西北地区丹霞地貌景观特征、空间分布及保护利用初探

笔者等选取中国西北地区90处重点丹霞地貌(广义)地质遗迹为研究对象,对选取的遗迹进行景观特征分析,并采用Arc GIS进一步探讨其空间分布特征。我国西北地区丹霞地貌(广义)的整体空间分布,呈西北—东南方向“L形”分布,笔者等运用最邻近指数法和核密度分析法,得出其空间结构类型为集聚型,并形成5个高密度区。目前,研究区存在保护利用家底不清、顶层设计匮乏等问题,未来应通过建立丹霞地貌脆弱性评价和措施体系,推进世界丹霞地质遗迹品牌和IP建设等途径,探讨西北地区丹霞地貌(广义)保护利用的具体方式。

丹霞山不同土地利用方式土壤磷组分特征及其有效性

磷是亚热带地区土壤重要的限制性营养元素,在维持生态系统功能稳定性中发挥着重要作用。丹霞地貌作为亚热带地区典型的生态退化区,阐明土地利用方式对丹霞地貌土壤磷组分的影响,对丹霞地貌土地的合理利用和地力提升具有重要意义。选择韶关仁化丹霞山典型地貌区4种土地利用方式(乔木林AF、灌木林SL、撂荒草地AG和农田CL)为对象,采用Tiessen磷素分级方法,研究其土壤磷组分特征及有效性的驱动因素。结果表明,丹霞地貌土壤磷组分及其有效性受土地利用方式影响显著。与CL相比,林地土壤(AF和SL)有机磷和无机磷总量显著增加,增幅为71.0%-319.9%和70.5%-346.7%,土壤磷素总水平提高,而CL和AG之间无显著差异。与SL、AG和CL相比,AF土壤速效磷、易分解态磷和中等易分解态磷含量显著增加,土壤磷有效性显著提高。AF土壤难利用态磷也表现出最高的含量,但其占总磷比例显著降低,说明土地利用方式向AF转变有利于难利用磷的分解利用。此外,土地利用方式对土壤微生物量磷和磷酸酶活性(酸性磷酸酶和碱性磷酸酶)亦有显著影响,微生物量磷和碱性磷酸酶均表现为AF>SL>AG>CL,而AF土壤酸性磷酸酶活性显著高于AG和CL,增幅为46.8%和54.8%。相关性结果表明,土壤微生物量磷和磷酸酶活性主要与pH、容重、有机碳含量呈极显著相关,而与土壤铁氧化物含量关系不显著。冗余分析表明,无定型铁和矿质氮是引起丹霞地貌土壤磷组分变化的重要因子,其中无定型铁解释度为86.3%。总之,农田向林地的转化,能有效提高土壤磷水平和生物有效性,其中铁循环系统在维持丹霞地貌土壤高磷活性起到关键作用。

浙江省丹霞地貌岩生灌木种群的生态位研究

【目的】探究浙江省丹霞地貌岩生灌木种群间的相互关系,为岩生植被的修复和生态保护提供参考依据。【方法】在样方调查的基础上,应用Shannon-Wiener公式、Schoener公式和Pianka公式,对14个岩生灌木种群的生态位进行了测算和分析。【结果】牡荆(1.710)的生态位宽度最大,其他依次为紫弹树(1.454)、杭子梢(1.449)、小蜡(1.398)、紫薇(1.389)、石岩枫(1.365)、胡枝子(1.275)、榔榆(1.199)、盐肤木(1.110)、白马骨(0.917)、绣球绣线菊(0.893)、山合欢(0.879)、檵木(0.874)、肉花卫矛(0.636);C_(ih)在0.5及以上的种对仅有12个,占总对数的13.19%。O_(ih)在0.5及以上的种对仅有22个,占总对数的24.18%。优势种牡荆与其他种的C_(ih)在0.10~0.66之间,O_(ih)在0.09~0.76之间。【结论】种群之间对资源的需求趋同性不高,存在对资源的偏向性和生态位分化趋势。牡荆在岩生植物群落中的优势明显,其他物种对其尚不构成竞争威胁。

HSE管理在丹霞地貌资源保护中的应用研究

我国丹霞地貌类型多样,独特性强,丹崖文化等资源丰富,已成为一种重要的旅游资源。但随着经济高速发展及管理上存在的不足,很多文化遗产,正遭受或者已经遭受人为及各种自然灾害破坏;同时,在开发、运营过程中,对景观的健康、安全、环保研究欠缺,造成了一系列的潜在破坏。为此,文章将HSE(Health、Safety、Environment)管理理念、安全保护措施及做法,应用到丹霞地貌(丹崖文化遗产)景观、景区管理中,以便为相关旅游企业制定出适合保护红层丹霞地貌资源和文化景观管理办法及应急处理措施等提供参考,同时也为已开发和将开发的红层丹霞地貌文化景观的保护提供有效保障措施。

江西贡水流域水系格局与丹霞地貌关系研究

贡水流域广泛分布有各类强烈褶皱、断裂构造、丹霞地貌并具有独特的水系格局,红层分布广泛,是我国东南部丹霞地貌集中分布区之一。构造地貌能够记录构造运动长期积累的地表变形,而水系是对构造作用反映最敏感的地貌之一,可以用来研究丹霞地貌。以贡水流域水系格局特征为研究对象,基于遥感手段与GIS空间分析功能及Python批量处理数据功能,通过对贡水流域内小流域中丹霞地貌点特征与河流平均长度比值、河流平均分支比比值,水系密度、河流分形维数及水系方位角研究,分析其对流域内构造地貌的影响,探讨研究区水系格局与丹霞地貌的关系。结果表明:贡水流域内小流域中丹霞地貌点与河流平均长度比值及河流平均分支比比值成反比,与水系密度及河流分形维数成正比,即在贡水流域上白垩统红层区,水系密度值较高、水系发育较完善的地区丹霞地貌分布更为密集;贡水流域受北东向的屯溪-鹰潭-安远大断裂,北东东向的崇安-河源断裂及宜黄-宁都断裂带影响,研究区内1级水系、2级水系与3级水系的方位角主要走向为北北东方向,其对研究区1、2、3级水系发育起主要控制作用;4级水系主要走向为北东方向,5级与6级水系主要走向为北北东方向,次要走向为北西方向,可能是受崇安-河源断裂带、宜山-全南断裂带共同影响形成。贡水流域内丹霞地貌线性构造特征空间分布走向主要方向为北东方向,与流域内主要断裂带方向以及流域内水系主要走向一致。研究结果对保护和利用丹霞地貌提供科学依据具有参考意义。

大别山嵩寮岩园区地貌景观的形成及其旅游开发

嵩寮岩位于我国丹霞地貌东南集中分布区的北缘,是大别山(六安)国家地质公园唯一的丹霞地貌园区,以发育老年晚期孤峰、残丘类地貌景观为特征。园区内出露的中生代地层为侏罗纪三尖铺组、凤凰台组和毛坦厂组,白垩纪地层有戚家桥组。按照丹霞地貌景观的形成作用,可分为水流冲刷侵蚀型、崩塌残余型、风化剥蚀型、溶蚀风化型等四种类型。同时,园区还孕育和沉淀了丰富的人类文化遗产,石窟艺术和宗教文化积淀等人文旅游资源较为丰富,具有较高的旅游开发价值和潜力。加强地质遗迹景观的保护,深掘其文化内涵,是嵩寮岩园区旅游实现可持续发展的必然选择。