Unearthing Prehistory: Port Island’s Dinosaur Fossils
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In October 2024, Hong Kong made headlines with a groundbreaking discovery: the first dinosaur fossils ever found in the region, unearthed on the remote, uninhabited Port Island (赤洲). Nestled within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, this finding not only rewrites the territory’s paleontological history but also highlights the island’s unique geological legacy. Let’s delve into the story behind these ancient relics and the rocks that preserved them.
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A Geological Time Capsule
Port Island’s landscape is a tapestry of Cretaceous-era sedimentary rocks formed approximately 100 million years ago. These reddish-brown conglomerates and sandstones belong to the Port Island Formation, deposited in river channels and floodplains after volcanic activity ceased in the Early Cretaceous. The striking rust-coloured hues stem from iron oxide, a testament to prolonged weathering.
While the island’s foundation includes older Jurassic volcanic rocks (around 142 million years old), the newly discovered fossils originate from the younger Cretaceous layers. This distinction underscores Hong Kong’s dynamic geological past: volcanic eruptions gave way to tranquil river systems where sediments—and eventually dinosaur remains—accumulated.
Key features of Port Island’s geology include:
Conglomerates: Pebble-rich rocks hinting at ancient riverbeds.
Sea Caves and Cliffs: Sculpted by millennia of erosion, with formations like “Cobra Rock” and “Sheep’s Head” attracting geo tourists.
Chek Chau Fault: A tectonic boundary that shaped the island’s basin structure.
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The Discovery: Cretaceous Bones in a Red Rock Sanctuary
The fossils, dating to the Cretaceous period (145–66 million years ago), were identified as belonging to a large, mature dinosaur, possibly part of its hip or shoulder. Their preservation is attributed to a rare sequence of events: the dinosaur’s carcass was buried by flood sediments, later exposed by erosion, and reburied—a process that shielded the bones from complete decay.
This discovery is remarkable because:
Southern China’s Fossil Gap: The region is better known for dinosaur eggs (e.g., in Guangdong) than skeletal remains.
Hong Kong’s Paleoecology: Previously, only plant and fish fossils from the “dinosaur age” had been found locally.
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From Excavation to Exhibition
The find sparked a collaborative effort between Hong Kong’s Development Bureau, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and local experts. By December 2024, 30 fossil-bearing rocks were excavated, though detailed analysis is ongoing to pinpoint the species.
For the public, the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre now hosts a “Dinosaur Parlour” exhibition, allowing visitors to witness fossil preparation and learn about the island’s Jurassic-Cretaceous transition. Port Island itself remains closed for research, emphasizing the delicate balance between scientific inquiry and preservation.
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Why Port Island? The Geological Perfect Storm
The fossils’ survival hinges on Port Island’s unique geology:
Sedimentary Preservation: Cretaceous floodplains provided ideal conditions for fossilisation.
Post-Volcanic Stability: The absence of later volcanic activity prevented rock melting or distortion.
Erosion’s Role: Modern weathering exposed the fossils without destroying them.
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A New Chapter for Hong Kong’s Geopark
This discovery elevates Port Island’s status in the UNESCO Global Geopark, merging its scenic “Sea Danxia” landscapes with prehistoric significance. Future studies aim to:
- Identify the dinosaur species.
- Reconstruct Hong Kong’s Cretaceous ecosystem.
- Explore potential links to mainland China’s fossil record.
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Conclusion: Where Rocks Meet Reptiles
Port Island’s dinosaur fossils are more than ancient bones—they’re a bridge between Hong Kong’s fiery volcanic past and its lush, river-carved Cretaceous habitats. As research continues, each rock layer promises new secrets, reminding us that even in a metropolis like Hong Kong, the echoes of prehistory are just beneath our feet.
For updates on fossil research and Geopark tours, follow the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark’s official channels.
➜Island Hopping Tour: Bluff Head & Port Island
➜Geopark Port Island Encounter Tour
➜Geopark Port Island Hiking Tour