Geological History of Caves and Conservation Values of the World Nature Heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park harbors some of the world's oldest and most diverse caves, with Khe Ry cave dating back 32 million years. The park's geological history is marked by complex stratigraphic units ranging from Devonian to present-day, including granite, terrigenous rock, thin-bedded limestone, and massive limestone. Tectonic activity has played a pivotal role in shaping the cave systems, with four major fault systems creating deep faults that influence cave formation. Exogenous processes, such as travertine floods, chemical washing, and mechanical abrasion, contribute to the unique landscapes within these caves, including stalactites, stalagmites, spiral mushroom islands, and gem pebbles. This study highlights the intricate interplay between endogenous and exogenous geological activities in forming the park's remarkable cave systems.

Nghi, T., Nam, L., Bui Din, D., Thanh, D. X., Hoa Phuong, T., Van Bao, D., & Trang, N. T. H. (2023). Geological History of Caves and Conservation Values of the World Nature Heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. VNU Journal of Science: Earth and Environmental Sciences, 39(4). https://doi.org/10.25073/2588-1094/vnuees.4971