Because this area's layer of marble is extremely thick and hard, the Liwu River continues to slice downward, and both sides of the river's flow tend to resist crumbling or collapse. The more the river cuts, the deeper its bed is carved. The effect is sheer cliffs which form the scenic wonder that is today's gorge.
由於這個地區的塊狀大理岩層深厚堅硬，當立霧溪進行切割作用時，河流兩側較不易崩塌，以致愈切愈深，形成陡直的岩壁，才會有今日的峽谷景觀。