Interesting Geological Terminology: Khao Roop Ito or Khao Cuesta

When the word 'Mountain' is mentioned, everyone will think of a triangular horn with a pointed peak, as is commonly found. However, geology still classifies many mountain shapes, such as hills with a steep front. At the end, the slope slopes along the level of the rock layer. It looks similar to the "Eto" knife, the trusted weapon of Kaew Na Ma, the main character in the famous Thai novel. Therefore, this mountain shape is called 'Khao Ito.' The word 'Cuesta' comes from a Spanish root, which means a sloping area.

In the Korat Geopark area, there is an outstanding location of the Khao Questa topography in an area called 'Korat Plateau' or the northeastern region of Thailand in the middle to lower Lam Takong Basin area. This makes the Korat Geopark unique and different from other areas. In the southwestern area, near the edge of the Korat plateau, the sandstones of the Phra Wihan Formation and the Phu Phan Formation are more resistant to decay than other rock formations, resulting in the formation of Khao Questa or Khao Ito, two parallel formations in more significant numbers. More than 20s of them are in Sikhio District and Sung Noen District, with a height of approximately 400-800 meters above sea level, such as Khao Yai Thiang, Khao Khanchit, Khao Kradon, Khao Sadao, etc. These hills are formed from Lam Ta Khong flowing through sedimentary water. Gravel, sand, silt, and clay were deposited in the plains or lowlands up to Chaloem Phra Kiat District. This creates a landscape of mountains alternating with valleys in the northwest-southeast direction.

Public Relations Media: Department of Mineral Resources