< HKDSE Geography < E1

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.

Relief Hilly
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)
Rivers Numerous
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
Coastline Long 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.

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