LOON UPLIFTED MARINE TERRACE AND CORAL GARDEN
One of the shoreline areas uplifted during the earthquake of October 15, 2013 is the presently named Loon Coastal Geomorphic Conservation Park which covers an area of 417 hectares. This former intertidal zone, where the tide sometimes submerged or exposed the land, is now an uplifted terrace and completely on dry land. It was raised approximately 1.5 meters vertically and the shoreline shifted 50 meters seawards. The former barren land right after the earthquake is now teeming with sea purslane, a creeping succulent seagrass plant of the family Aizoaceae, that covers the land with a mat of red and orange color during sunny days, and a luxurious green color during rainy days. The locals call the area the Coral Garden, a popular new destination for tourists and residents alike.