HKDSE Geography/E1/Hong Kong's Landscape

In this chapter, we will look at how various factors shape Hong Kong's landscape. Let's look at Hong Kong's general landscape first. ReliefHilly SlopesSteep Highest pointTai Mo Shan RidgesNE to SW; disjointed with abrupt height changes Points of high altitudeEast NT, central Lantau Natural lowlandsRare; found as narrow coastal plains and river valleys FloodplainsLargest extent of lowland: Yuen Long, Kam Tin, Faling, all floodplains Coastal plainsIn bay areas and reclaimed lowlands (both sides of Victoria Harbour) RiversNumerous Longest riverSham Chun River Other riversShort and lack a middle course GradientSteep until they reach lowlands Section before lowlandsUpper course After thatLower course RiversStraight Rivers drain intoSmall lowland basins like Sha Tin Valley, Mui Wo Stream order3 to 4 Most common drainage patternsDendritic is the most common, followed by radial and rectangular CoastlineLong and indented LandformsBays, headlands, peninsulas, offshore islands Largest islandLantau Submerged landscapeIn East NT; created in the last glacial age when the sea level rose* *Hills became islands. Spurs and ridges became headlands. Valleys became water inlets like Tolo Channel. In later parts, we will discuss how Hong Kong's landscape is affected by rock type, internal and external processes, and human activities.