Danxia landform, Zhangye National Geopark, Gansu, China

Earth's story in stripes. International Geodiversity Day

What if a mountain range could show you its geological history in stripes? At Zhangye National Geopark in China, the rocks do exactly that. Ridges roll across the landscape in bands of red, orange, yellow, brown and other earthy tones. Known as the Danxia landform, this striking landscape was shaped by layers of sedimentary rock deposited over geological time. Tectonic forces later lifted and folded the rocks, while weathering and erosion carved them into ridges, cliffs, gullies and peaks.

The name Danxia literally translates to rosy clouds. The colours come from the rocks themselves, with minerals and chemical processes contributing to the different shades. Iron oxides, for instance, are responsible for much of its characteristic red colouring, while variations in minerals and sediment create its broader palette.

Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2020, Zhangye is located in Gansu, a region linked to the ancient Silk Road. For International Geodiversity Day, it is a colourful reminder that Earth's best artwork is rock-solid.