Tonpan Island Lotus Seat Introduction
The southwestern coast of Dongyin Island features a marine erosion platform, also known as the wave-cut platform or wave-cut shelf. As the name suggests, ocean waves continuously erode the sea cliffs, causing them to gradually retreat and forming a flat rock platform that is nearly at the same height as the sea level. On this marine erosion platform, there is a structure called the "Lotus Seat," which is actually a caldera of an underwater volcano. Due to constant erosion by sea water, it has sunken around the edges, leaving only a small hill rising in the center, which resembles a lotus seat from a distance, hence its name. Locally, it is also referred to as "Lotus Platform." The outer circle of the Lotus Seat is surrounded by basalt, while the center contains the seawater left behind during high tide and traces of eroded basalt. When the tide recedes, the entire Lotus Seat emerges, resembling a lotus rising from the water. Coupled with the colorful hues of dusk, it creates an illusion of being in a fairyland.
