Datong Volcano Park (大同火山群国家地质公园), located in Shanxi Province, China, is renowned for its significant Quaternary volcanic formations. This volcanic field comprises over 30 volcanoes, scattered across the Yuzhou District and Yanggao County within Datong City. Geographically, the volcanoes are categorized into four main regions: East, West, South, and North.
Geological Background and Distribution
The Datong Volcano Group began its activity towards the end of the Pliocene and into the late Pleistocene, coinciding with the initial deposition of the Malan loess in the region. The earliest volcanic activities occurred in the North and East regions, followed by the South region, with the West region being the most recent.
East Region: This area includes locations around Xubao and Shenshuansi. The volcanoes here exhibit characteristic features of early volcanic activity in the Datong region.
West Region: Identified locations such as Zhuayuan and Xipingbei constitute the West region. Notably, Langwo Mountain, with a diameter of approximately 500 meters and a depth averaging 30 to 50 meters, boasts the deepest volcanic crater within the Datong Volcano Group. Another prominent feature is Haotianshan (Haotian Temple Mountain), which forms the most intact natural cone in the western area, serving as a significant natural landmark visible from afar.
South Region: Situated south of Sanggan River, this area showcases volcanic formations that contributed to the geological diversity of the region.
North Region: Located north of Datong City, this region encompasses various volcanic mountains that played a crucial role in shaping the local landscape.
Prominent Volcanic Cones in Datong Volcano Park
Langwo Mountain (狼窝山): Known for its expansive crater, Langwo Mountain’s nearly circular shape and significant depth highlight its geological importance within the Datong Volcano Group. The crater’s formation dates back to ancient volcanic activities that have shaped the region’s terrain over millennia.
Haotianshan (昊天寺山): Haotianshan stands out as a prominent volcanic cone in the western area, named after the Haotian Temple situated at its summit. This mountain’s cone shape and the surrounding landscape reflect the enduring geological processes that have sculpted the Datong volcanic landscape.
Jinshan Volcanic Cone (金山火山锥): Located about two kilometers west of Heishan, Jinshan Volcanic Cone resembles a bright comet burning in the summer night sky. Its distinctive “comet tail,” formed by the outflow of lava during volcanic eruptions, adds to its visual allure.
Gelao Mountain (阁老山): This volcanic cone, known for its unique shape resembling a golden heart, derives its name from the radial erosional patterns surrounding its base. Over time, these erosional features have enhanced the mountain’s aesthetic appeal, making it a captivating sight from above.
Dongping Mountain (东坪山): Situated east of the densely populated volcanic area, Dongping Mountain exhibits a horseshoe-shaped summit, reminiscent of a giant horseshoe. This distinct feature has earned it the nickname “Mahti Mountain,” reflecting its unique geological profile.
