Volcanic rocks found on top of Phu Quy Island

A unique complex of sedimentary rocks formed from eruptive volcanoes 12 million years ago was found on the highest point of Phu Quy Island, southern Vietnam, according to experts from Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources.
May 03, 2020 | 16:43
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Volcanic rocks on top of Cao Cat mountain, Phu Quy islands come in various shapes and sizes (Photo: VNS)

“Many rocks in hemispherical form dotted the mountain. The surface of rocks would be flattened by strong wind and rain a long, long time ago,” VNS quoted Nam as saying. The volcanic rocks were discovered during field trips last year on Cao Cat Mountain – the highest point of Phu Quoc island, off the coast of central south Binh Thuan province, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Nam told VNS, adding that the complex which was created by volcanic ash during eruptions, which then weathered over millions of years.

“The volcano in the area would erupt in different periods, but we could see the latest vestige from the Holocene (approximately thousands of years ago),” he added.

volcanic rocks found on top of phu quy island

A big volcanic rocks complex in Cao Cat mountain (Photo: trip hunter)

volcanic rocks found on top of phu quy island

(Photo: Zing News)

volcanic rocks found on top of phu quy island

Cao Cat mountain boasts wide range of volcanic rocks (Photo: Zing News)

The terrain naturally was well preserved with rich geological value. The complex would be promoted as a global geo-park site, boosting biodiversity and geological heritage value for eco-tourism and field studies.

Experts said more surveys and studies should be conducted to unveil unknown values of geology, culture, history and nature of the island.

volcanic rocks found on top of phu quy island

(Photo: VNS)

volcanic rocks found on top of phu quy island

(Photo: Trip hunter)

volcanic rocks found on top of phu quy island

(Photo: Thanh Nien)

volcanic rocks found on top of phu quy island

(Photo: Trip hunter)

Crater traces in Phu Quy Island

The 17sq.km Phu Quy Island, situated 120km from Phan Thiet City, was hailed as one of the most beautiful islands in the East Sea by readers of US news site CNN in 2018.

Experts from the institute in 2018 also discovered a complex of fossilized coral blocks – believed to date from 4,000 to 6,000 years ago – on the coast of Ly Son Island, 30km off Quang Ngai Province.

There are 5 ancient craters visible on Phu Quy island at present, of which Cam Mountain and Ong Dun Mountain are the two most typical volcanic peaks, which still retain their original shape. Other craters scatter along the island and only visible when the seawater reaches low tide. The volcanic activities are still kept quite well in different corners on the island, according to Du lich Binh Thuan.

What's more about Cao Cat mountain?

Cao Cat Mountain is made up of stacks of strangely-shaped rocks beautified with spiral patterns that are weathered over time. Besides stunningly formed volcanic rocks, the mountain also offers an overwhelming bird-eye view of Phu Quy islands. The Linh Son pagoda dating back over 100 years ago, rises some 106m above the sea level, will bring a tranquil, sacred atmosphere after hours of climbing the mountain, Thanh Nien reported.

volcanic rocks found on top of phu quy island

Bodhisattva statue next to stunningly-shaped volcanic rocks on Cao Cat mountain (Photo: Thanh Nien)

volcanic rocks found on top of phu quy island

(Photo: Puolotrip)

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