Slot canyon Ecosystem

　　Danxiashan features numerous deep and narrow slot canyons. These canyons are formed due to the immense pressure exerted on rock layers by tectonic movements and other forces. This pressure causes cracks (referred to as joints in geology) to form, running through the entire rock layer. Once these joints form, weathering and water erosion quickly degrade the rock layers along the joints, creating these deep slot canyons that can be several hundred meters high but only tens of meters or even just a few meters wide. The slot canyons are characterized by their darkness and humidity, often supporting the growth of many moisture-loving tall trees. The ecosystem within the slot canyons is distributed in long, narrow strips. Similar to the summit ecosystems, the dominant plant species in different slot canyons vary. For example, the area near Sengmaofeng Peak is mainly covered by mixed Masson pine forests, the area near Lazhuzhai peak is primarily black oak or Fujian oak forests, and the area near Baizhai peak is mainly elegant needle fir or sweet chestnut forests.