Application

Application
to Extend the area of the
LESVOS PETRIFIED FOREST ‐ EUROPEAN and GLOBAL GEOPARK
and the recognition of the LESVOS ISLAND GEOPARK
for membership in the European Geoparks Network
EARTH HERITAGE SITES
LESVOS – GREECE
2011

List of the geological and geomorphological sites
within the proposed Lesvos Geopark
Petrified Forest Parks
1. Petrified Forest Park (Main Park)
2. Sigri Petrified Forest Park
3. Plaka Petrified Forest Park
4. Chamandroula Petrified Forest Park
5. Skamiouda Petrified Forest Park
6. Nisiopi Petrified Forest Park
Fossil sites (plant fossil sites)
7. Antissa
8. Gavathas
9. Mesotopos
10. Eresos
11. Vatousa
12. Rougada
13. Lapsarna
14. Agra
15. Sarakina
16. Mythimna
Fossil sites (mammal fossil sites)
17. Vatera vertebrate fossil sites
18. Gavathas Dinotherium fossil site
19. Lapsarna micromammal site
Volcanic sites
20. Vatousa Caldera
21. Agra Caldera
22. Anemotia Volcano
23. Lepetymnos Volcano
24. Mesotopos Volcano
25. Petra Volcanic Neck
26. Pithariou Dome
27. Ipsilou Dome ‐ Columnar Lavas
28. Eresos Dome
29. Mythimna Dome – Castle Columnar Lavas
30. Eresos Laccolith
31. Pelopi Columnar Lavas
32. Alifada Dyke
33. Filia Dyke
34. Eresos Dyke
35. Avlaki Dyke (Petra)
36. Volcanic Structure of Panagia Gorgona (Skala Sikamineas)
37. Achladeri Ignimbrite
38. Skamiouda Ignimbrite
39. Parakila Volcanic Rocks Alteration Structures
40. Vatoussa Spheroidal Erosional landforms
41. Pterounda Volcanic Conglomerate
42. Voulgaris Volcanic Conglomerate
43. Panagia Islet Columnar Lavas (Tokmakia)
44. Mparmpalias Islet Ignimbrite
Thermal Springs
45. Polichnitos
46. Lisvori
47. Argenos
48. Eftalou
49. Thermi
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50. Gera – Therma
51. Panagia Krifti
Ancient Quarries – Mines
52. Moria Ancient Quarry
53. Mine galleries of Northern Lesvos
54. Polichnitos Magnesite Mines
55. Ancient quarries of Skala Loutron
56. Lignite Mine galleries (Lapsarna)
57. S. Lesvos Ancient Mines (Tarti, Τsaf)
58. Eressos Ancient quarry
Caves & Karstic structures
59. Alifada Cave
60. Agios Vartholomaios Taxiarhis Cave
61. Mihos Cave
Caves & Karstic structures
62. Antissa Cave
63. Panagia Krifti (Plomari)
64. Asomatos Cave
Waterfalls
65. Pessa Waterfall
66. Mankatsa Waterfall Mantamados
67. Eresos Waterfall
Gorges
68. Voulgaris Gorge (Vatousa)
69. Tsiknias Gorge
Erosional Structures
70. Candles Volcanic Erosional Structures
71. “Dragon’s Jump” Volcanic Erosional Structure (Napi)
72. Lapsarna Erosional Structures – Orfikia
73. Fikiotrypa
74. Sigri Tafoni
River delta
75. Evergetoula Delta
76. Kalloni Wetlands – Tsiknias Delta
Springs
77. Agiasos Water Springs
Tectonic Structures
78. Larsos Fault – Gera Gulf Fault
79. Agia Paraskevi Fault
80. Amali Faults
81. Olympos Tectonic Window
82. Nisiopi Graben
83. Lambou Miloi Nappe
84. Ancient Pyrra Fault
85. Taxiarhis Tectonic Structures
86. Antissa Fault
Geological – Geomorphological Sites
87. Ophiolite nape – Ampeliko
88. Ophiolite ‐ Amali
89. Gera Schists
90. Plomari beach‐rock formation
91. Megali Limni
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The Petrified Forest Parks
Description of the characteristic geosites
in the proposed Lesvos Geopark
The Petrified Forest Park (Bali Alonia area)
The region in which the Park was established in 1987 has been referred to as “Kiria Apolithomeni’’ (Main
Fossil site) since the 18th century. This site is the first visiting park of the Petrified Forest, covering an area
of 286 hectares. Integrated interventions for the protection and preservation of the fossils have been
conducted over the years.
Ancestral form of Sequoia – The largest standing tree trunk so far in Europe
Visitors to the park can tour an entire mountainside along specially constructed trails. During the tour
visitors can view the unique displays of Protopinaceae, ancestors of the modern‐day pine tree, grouped in
small clusters. Most of the fossilized trunks belong to the Taxodiaceae, a forerunner of the present‐day
Sequoia which grows on the west coast of the United States. The largest lying coniferous trunk (longer than
20 meters) and the large standing Sequoia trunks belong to this family.
In the Petrified Forest Park, the systematic excavation and research carried out by the Natural History
Museum have brought to light many plant fossils, among which is the largest known standing petrified tree
trunk, not only on Lesvos but certainly in all of Europe. This trunk measures 7.02 m in height with an 8.58 m
circumference. It consists of the lower part of the tree and has remained in excellent condition. The trunk
belongs to the species Taxodioxylon albertense, an ancestor of the modern day Sequoia.
Furthermore, standing fossilized coniferous trunks which belong to the Protopinaceae family have been
excavated and these are characterized by the excellent preservation of the internal and external structure
of the wood. They belong to a new species, Pinoxylon paradoxum and are widespread throughout the
Petrified Forest. The excavations have also uncovered many pieces of fossilized plants (seeds, leaves,
branches, roots) which are displayed in the museum.
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Ancestral form of cypress The longest petrified tree trunk – 22,5 m
Pinoxylon paradoxum‐ Ancestral form of pine in its growing position and a lying cypress trunk
The park offers three circular theme trails designed to facilitate and familiarize visitors with the petrified
remains. All three trails share an initial first stretch called trail one, entitled “Discovering the Petrified
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Forest’’, and along it visitors make their first encounter with examples of representative fossils. At the end
of the trail, visitors can choose between 3 trails which lead to the major petrified trunks in the park
Along trail two, visitors encounter major excavation sites with truly impressive fossil remains which reveal
interesting information regarding the stratification of volcanic rock covering the forest that existed in the
area 20 million years ago. Trail two is entitled “The History of the Petrified Coniferous Forest’’ and is
essentially the history of the creation of the petrified forest.
A cluster of confer tree trunks at the Bali Alonia Park
Trail three constitutes the longest walk through the park. It includes the tallest standing trunks, the
majority of which belong to the Taxodioxylon family. The Sequoia, the tallest tree on earth, pertains to this
same family. These trees were part of a mixed coniferous forest which existed in the region about 20
million years ago. Trail three leads us through the area where this forest once grew.
Trail four is of particular scientific interest as it runs through the location of the petrified remains of
Protopinaceae, predecessor of today’s pine tree.
From the composition of the paleoflora scientists can conclude that in the extended area of the Aegean 20
million years ago there were mixed conifer forests and that the broadleaves and palms predominated at
lower elevations. This knowledge also helps in determining the palaeomorphology which once existed in
the region of the Petrified Forest.
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Sigri Petrified Forest Park
Impressive root systems and standing petrified trunks in excellent condition reveal the history of the
Petrified Forest to visitors at the Sigri Park. Created by the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified
Forest, the 30‐hectare Sigri Park is located immediately adjacent to the Museum building.
The park is an excellent example of a “geoconcervation site” because of its rarity and the great scientific
worth of its plant fossils.
An exceptional cluster of conifer tree root systems
While walking along the pathways which have been carved out of the hillside, visitors can admire the most
valuable finds within the park which are the petrified tree root systems. Root systems of numerous trees
have been uncovered well‐preserved and in a full stage of development. These roots serve as proof that the
trees were petrified in situ. Impressive standing coniferous and angiosperm trunks (Pinoxylon paradoxum,
Pinoxylon sp., Pinus sp.) emerging from the layers of volcanic ash and displaying their varied coloration can
also be viewed. Sections of a number of fallen petrified trunks have been transferred to the park facilities.
Fossils in the Sigri Park are found in two visible layers of volcanic rock. The upper layer (or horizon),
approximately 20 meters thick, is a pyroclastic flow with large stones, mainly irregularly shaped lava
fragments. Nine fossilized trunks were uncovered in this horizon during the excavations, with
circumferences varying form 1.20 m to 3.20m. These fossilized trunks are characterized by intense brown‐
red colours on the inside and white–green colours on the outer surfaces, and the interior wood structure is
also clearly visible. Secondary layers of silica minerals are frequently found on the outer surface of the
trunks or in small cracks which originated from the dissolution of the initial petrified material.
The lower horizon consists of fine‐grained volcanic material, mainly volcanic ash. Five petrified coniferous
gymnosperm trunks were found in their initial location within this horizon. The systematic excavation fully
revealed the root systems of these trunks, proving beyond doubt the indigenous nature of the Petrified
Forest. These fossilized trunks are mainly characterized by brown and red colours. The fine‐grained volcanic
material contributed to the preservation of fragile parts of the plants like small branches, leaves from
angiosperm trees, specifically various types from the Lauraceae family such as the leaves of the cinnamon
(Cinnamomum polymorphum), seeds, and parts of root systems. In this horizon, a grassy layer full of
branches, needles, and pine cones (Pinus sp.) was also discovered.
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A conifer tree embedded in pyroclastic layers in Sigri park
Protection shelters in Sigri park
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Plaka Petrified Forest Park
An important protected fossil bearing area is located in Plaka approximately 800 meters south of the village
of Sigri. The park covers an area of 7 hectares, and consists of two sections, a marine and a coastal section.
In both sections, interesting petrified remains will intrigue the visitor. Numerous standing trunks with intact
root systems and lower trunk parts have been found on the site.
In the Plaka Park, pines and a large variety of fruit bearing plants (angiosperms), which do not appear with
such diversity in any other inland site, compose the vegetation of Lesvos 20 million years ago. More
specifically, fossilized plants that correspond to modern pine (Pinoxylon and Pinus), laurel and cinnamon
plants (Daphnogene polymorpha, Cinnamonum polymorphum, Laurinoxylon), cottonwood (Populoxylon),
plane tree (Platanoxylon) and Palmae (Palmoxylon) were found. It is a different forest vegetation zone
compared to the Petrified forest at the Main Petrified Forest Park site in which there is almost exclusively
coniferous trees (sequoias and protopinaceae).
Today, 46 excavation sites are accessible to visitors. Most of the fossilized trunks are still standing in their
original location. Among the finds is the giant petrified trunk (No 1) with a circumference of 13.7 meters
which, according to the international literature, is the largest standing fossilized trunk in the world. This
tree belongs to the laurel family. An impressive root system at the lower end of the trunk proves that the
trunk is in its original place of growth prior to fossilization. In the marine area the visitor can also find an
impressive lying trunk with a length of 14 meters.
Fossilized tree trunk with length of 14 m. submersed in the sea
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A huge standing petrified trunk of a cinnamon tree with 14,5 m circumference. According to the international
bibliography, this fossil is the broadest standing petrified trunk in the world
Protection shelters in Plaka park
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Chamandroula Petrified Forest Park
The Chamandroula Park is another fenced area of the Petrified Forest with a large concentration of
fossilized tree trunks.
The park has petrified remains, tens of standing and lying fossilized conifer and angiosperm trunks with
impressive colouring and preservation of their morphological characteristics of the wood.
Standing and laying petrified trunks at Chamandroula Park
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Skamiouda Petrified Forest Park
The Skamiouda Park is located outside of the protected region of the Petrified Forest, near Antissa, proving
that the Petrified Forest is much larger than the Petrified Forest protected area.
Excavation work has uncovered standing and lying fossilized trunks in an excellent state of preservation,
and of special scientific value.
The most impressive find is a gigantic lying petrified conifer trunk, length 15 m and circumference ca. 2m
with excellently preserved morphological identifiers. This new find belongs to the conifers, an example of
the species Taxodioxylon gypsaceum which is an ancestral form of the sequoia tree.
A long lying petrified conifer tree trunk with length 15 m at Skamiouda Park
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Nisiopi Petrified Forest Park
At Nisiopi or Megalonisi islet which encircles the bay of Sigri to the west, have been discovered hundreds of
petrified logs with vibrant colours, either laying or standing, throughout the islet. On the west side of the
island the actions of the waves have revealed giant conifers (ancestors of today’s Sequoias) and
angiosperms. In the sea, visitors can identify tens of petrified logs just below the surface with their brilliant
colours. The density of petrified logs on this island makes it a unique geoptope.
The intense fault activity in the area during recent geologic history is revealed by the tens of faults in the
surface and steep cliffs of the island, witness to its recent separation from the rest of Lesvos.
View of the Nisiopi Park The information point at Nisiopi Park
Petrified tree trunks of conifer trees at Nisiopi coast
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Petrified Forest Fossil sites
In the area of Antissa were identified by the research of the Natural History Museum significant
concentrations of plant fossils. In particular along the northern coast of the island were identified key
positions of fossilized palms. These clusters of logs make up a petrified palm forest.
Petrified trees in Akrohiras area
In Gavathas have also been found gigantic standing fossilized trees of angiosperms showing excellent
preservation of the internal and external structure of the wood. Visible are the growth rings.
In Orphikia, east of the settlement of Lapsarna appear important plant fossils. Fossilized tree trunks and
leaf fossil horizons have been identified in the region deriving from conifers and angiosperm trees. Plenty
of petrified logs were recorded by the research of the Natural history Museum of the Lesvos Petrified
Forest in Sarakina. These conifers and angiosperms were identified in pyroclastic rocks.
In Mesotopos a rare flora of fossilized logs was identified. It is a rare subtropical flora consisting of
angiosperms ‐ broadleaf trees characteristic of the subtropical zone. The wide dispersion of fossilized tree
trunks on farms and pastures of the regions of Mesotopos ‐ Tavares ‐ Chrousos is evidence that this is a
new interesting part of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos. In the area Chrousos Mesotopos was also revealed
the presence of in situ petrified trunks of large dimensions with excellent preservation of the bark and the
internal structure of the wood.
In Eressos rare fossils of coniferous trees were identified. Important findings in the area are the fossilized
twigs and leaves of the tree Cunnighamia miocenica. It is a coniferous tree of the subtropical zone, which
was first discovered in Lesvos and is one of the best appearances of its kind in Europe. The Cunnighamia
along with the sequoia and Protopinaceae participated in the composition of the forest of conifers in
western Lesvos 20,000,000 years ago. The discovery gives great prestige to the fossil flora of the Petrified
Forest of Lesvos. In the area of Vatoussa were identified important findings of fossils in layers of volcanic
ash. These are important findings which were first discovered near the volcano. Another new fossiliferous
site was found in the area of Agra.
In the area of Rougkada Plomari have been identified rare fossils of coniferous trees. These coniferous
trees, ancestral forms of Sequoia were identified in pyroclastic rocks similar to those of the region Sigri. The
significance of the findings is that they show that the expansion of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos is not
confined to the protected area Sigri‐Eressos‐Antissa.
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Cuninghamia miocenica and Laurel leaf family in pyroclastic rocks from Eresos
In the area of Mythimna (Molyvos) have been identified rare fossils of coniferous trees. The most
important occurrence is the gigantic trunk that belongs to an ancestral form of Sekoia located in a steep
ravine north of Petra‐Molivos road.
The significance of the findings is that they prove once again the vast spread of the Petrified Forest far
beyond the boundaries of the protected area.
Detail of the internal structure of a petrified tree trunk.
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Fossil sites (mammal fossil sites)
Vatera vertebrate fossil sites
In the area of Vatera was recently discovered in sweet water deposits an interesting vertebrate fauna aged
2 million years, which has been identified by Prof. M. Dermitzakis (University of Athens). Among the
findings are included the mandible, the tusks and other parts of the skeleton of the gigantic proboscides
Anancus arvenensis, horse bones of various sizes including a tall horse with welded legs, bones and jaws of
the carnivorous Nyctereutes megamastoides, as well as a bone of an oversized turtle. Of particular interest
are the monkey bones belonging to the genus Paradolichopithecus. The list also includes fossils of giraffes,
rhinos, deers, gazelles, antelopes, etc. These findings indicate a savannah paleoenvironment.
Paradolichopithecus arvernesis
Fossils specimens of Anancus arvernensis
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Gavathas Dinotherium fossil site
In Gavathas‐Antissa, were identified the fossilized bones of animals that lived in the area of the Petrified
Forest in the Lower Miocene, 18 million years ago. More specifically an intact mandible with all teeth and
bones of an animal belonging to Prodeinotherium bavaricum. The animal is similar to today’s elephant, but
it differed in that it had downward curving tusks located in the lower jawbone. The fossil is one of the
oldest fossils of a vertebrate animal in Greece, and proves its migration form Africa (place of origin) to
Europe during the Budigalian Age (Early Miocene). This animal was an inhabitant of the subtropical forest
which once covered western Lesvos and I fed on the leaves and tender branches of plants in the forest.
The bones and teeth of the Prodeinotherium bavaricum
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Lapsarna micromammal site
Significant findings emerged from the research work of the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified
Forest in Lapsarna where a rich fauna of micromammals was found. The fauna as well as the stratigraphic
position of the sediment layer that contains it, suggests that probably this is a very old fauna, perhaps the
oldest mammalian fauna that has been found in Greece, as it is certainly older than 18 million years and its
age could be even 19 to 20 million years. The fauna includes lake snails of the family Planorbidae and
Lymnaeidae that lived in the big lake that covered the area, small lake fish of the family of Cyprinidae
(carps), many representatives of which live today in freshwater, tiny alligator of the genus Diplocynodon,
small mammals belong to different families. Best represented are the rodents.
A B
The Lapsarna micromammal paleofauna
C D
A. Tooth of alligator ‐ B. Molar of insect eating mammal ‐ C. Tooth of rodent ‐ D. Tooth of dormouse
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Volcanic sites
As a result of intense volcanic activity around 21.5 to 16.5 million years ago stunning geological formations
were created on Lesvos island. In Lesvos, eruptions resulted in immense volcanic structures all through the
central and western part of the island. There are impressive volcanic chambers, large dykes, volcanic necks
and numerous exit points of volcanic material. Major craters are located in central Lesvos in the regions of
Vatousa, Agra, Anemotia, Lepetymnos and Mesotopos.
The Mythimna columnar lava formations
Τhe Miocene lavas of Panagia Gorgona in Skala Sykamias.
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Pyroclastic flow near Mesotopos
Layers of pyroclastic flow and mud flow in West Lesvos
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Vatousa volcano
It is a huge crater with diameter of 6 kilometres which was the result of intense volcanic activity in the area
18.5 to 16.5 million years ago. The initial volcano formation lost its shape after extensive downslope
transport that resulted in the collapse of the volcano’s west side. During the period that followed, tectonic
activity and corrosion changed its original shape. Today, the crater can be traced after close observation of
the hills surrounding the Vatousa basin. These hills are actually what are left from the great volcanic
structure. The area of Vatousa has dense, rich vegetation due to the fertile volcanic soil. The centre of the
volcanic structure, from which lava erupted, can be easily spotted as the rocks in this area are softer due to
corrosion from the hot air that emerged.
The caldera of the volcano of Vatousa
Lepetymnos volcano
The volcano of Lepetymnos, in the Northern part of Lesvos is the island’s biggest stratovolcano. During its
activity, about 18 million years ago, a big caldera was formed after violent volcanic eruptions. A calm period
followed, during which big volcanic domes grew, resulting the slow upwards movement and solidification
of magma. These domes formed the big mountain peaks of Prophitis Ilias and Myrivili. On the outskirts of
the Lepetymnos domes there is impressive columnar lava formations created due to the rapid cooling of
magma.
The Lepetymnos impressive columnular lava formations created due to the rapid cooling of magma
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Agra volcano
The village of Agra is built on the interior of a well retained crater that bares the same name. It borders the
Vatousa crater which is older. Natural corrosion has not caused high degradation so that the crater shape is
well retained.
The crater of Agra volcano, the youngest volcano of Lesvos
Eresos lava dome
The lava dome in Eresos is a characteristic structure in the shape of a dome which was created by the
Miocene volcanic activity on the island.
The Eresos Lava dome and lacolite
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Pytharion lava dome
A series of lava domes appear in the area of Eresos and seem to be younger structures of the Miocene
volcanic activity.
The Pytharion lava dome is one of the characteristic volcanic structures at the western Lesvos. It can been
seen on the road Eressos ‐ Mesotopos created by the Miocene volcanic activity.
The Pytharion Lava dome
Ordymnos volcanic dome (Moni Ypsiloy)
The Ordymnos volcanic dome dominates in western Lesvos. On top of the dome is built the monastery
of St. John the Divine. The dome showing beautiful structures of magma intrusion in older pyroclastic
volcanic materials. On the northern part there are impressive andesitic columnar lavas.
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The Ordymnos volcanic dome
Columnar lava in Ordymnos volcanic dome
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Filia Volcanic dyke
Lesvos has many volcanic dykes running through the volcanic rock. They began to be formed around 18
million years ago when liquid magma entered cracks in the rock. The temperature of the magma was very
high but when it came to the surface of the earth or up to the seabed it cooled and solidified into very hard
rock.
The volcanic dyke of Filia
Volcanic dyke of Alyfanta
Stunning images of volcanic material intrusion, from the latest volcanic activity, through the thick
crystallized limestone appear in the Alyfanta area.
Basaltic dyke intruded in Palaeozoic crystalline limestones near Alifanta, Mytilini
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Avlaki Volcanic dyke
At the area of Petra village appears the impressive Avlaki volcanic dyke which protrude from the
softer pyroclastic rocks.
Volcanic dyke of Avlaki near Petra village
Petra Volcanic neck
Lesvos also has many features known as volcanic necks. These are tube‐like conduits which link a magma
chamber in the interior of a volcano with the surface of the earth. It is through these that the magma is
channelled. The volcanic rock on which the famous Church of the Panagia Glykofilousa in Petra stands is
also classed as a volcanic neck. The volcanic neck in Petra was originally a lateral conduit which connected
the magma chamber with the stratovolcano at Lepetymnos, the biggest volcanic centre on Lesvos. The
rocks surrounding the volcanic neck have now eroded away, while the most resilient of the materials which
filled it, which are andesitic, have remained.
Panagia Glykofilousa in Petra, built on a volcanic neck
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Columnular lavas of Pelopi
Impressive columnar lavas can be seen close to Pelopi along the southern flank of Lepetymnos mt.
Columnular lavas created when magma cooled rapidly close to the surface of the Earth. As the magma
approached the surface it cooled abruptly, resulting in the development of multiple parallel networks of
cracks. Along the length of these cracks, andesitic rocks became separated and formed stunning natural
pentagonal and hexagonal columns.
Columnar lava flow of Pelopi along the southern side of Lepetymnos volcano
Columnar lavas of Panagia Islet (Tokmakia)
Spectacular forms of columnar lavas, formed by the rapid cooling of lava, appear at the islet of Panagia
located east of the coast of Mantamados. It is another intrusion of magma associated with the volcanic
center of Lepetymnos.
Columnar lava of Panagia islet
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Thermal Springs
Not far beneath the surface of Lesvos there are still large
concentrations of hot magma. These act as vast heaters, warming
water which penetrates the crust to a considerable depth. When it
approaches the magma chamber, the meteoric water is heated and
comes up through the surface of the Earth via thermal springs. The
most important thermal springs on Lesvos are at Polichnitos, Lisvori,
Thermi, Therma at Geras gulf, Eftalou and Argenos.
At one of the springs at Polychnitos the temperature of the water
reaches 87.6 degrees centigrade, making it the hottest natural spring in
Europe. The minerals dissolved in the water crystallise as the water
temperature drops when it reaches the surface. This leads to the
occurrence of oxides, the cause of the intense colouration of the rocks
around the springs. The hot water which circulates throughout the rock
below the surface of the earth can reach a temperature of up to 400
centigrade.
Geothermic fields of high enthalpy have been located around
Lepetymnos in the region of Stypsi and also in the Argenos region. The
high temperature makes it possible for the water to dissolve minerals
which are solid on the surface. When this water cools it cannot retain
View of the area of the thermal
springs of Therma
the minerals in solution and so they are redeposited in channels. This is how mineral seams were laid down
in the Molyvos area. In the past there were silver and lead mines in the region and mineshafts can still be
seen today.
Natural hot spring of Polichnitos. The water temperature at the thermal springs of Polichnitos exceeds
87.6 degrees centigrade
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Ancient Quarries – Mines
In Lesvos functioned in the antiquity important quarries and mines, the material of which was used for the
structure of important monuments and artifacts.
In the 4th century BC in the area of Moria was active an ancient quarry of white marble from which the
ancient theater and the church of Pergamum were built. Within the crystalline limestones are remarkably
preserved fossils of invertebrates (Megalodon). Important quarries operated during the antiquity in the SE
coast of the island in the areas of Tarti, Tsaf, Mageiras and St. Isidoros. They were extracting Paleozoic
metamorphic rocks such as schists and crystalline limestones.
Mine of zinc copper in North Mine of zinc copper in North Lesvos Quartz veins, which host
gold and silver mineralization in North Lesvos
In the volcanic rocks of Northern Lesvos and especially in the areas of Megala Therma Argennos and south
of Eftalou Mithymna has been developed a system of quartz veins, which host gold and silver
mineralization. In these areas took place during the Byzantine period limited mining activity (mainly lead
and zinc and copper), associated with the mineralization of gold and silver. In the region there are now
eight galleries ant two wells, which follow the direction of the quartz veins. Although the galleries are not
prop the are open due to the compact nature of the rock.
Magnesite mineralization occurs in the area of Polichnitos within ultramafic rocks of the ophiolitic cover,
which develops in the form of veins. In the past in this region magnesite was exploited, as justified by the
abandoned tunnels and piles. The veins occupy magnesite zones of ultramafic rocks and derived from the
decomposition of serpentinite during metamorphic phenomena.
Mine galleries at the area of Polichnitos Magnesite mine in Polychmitos
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Caves & Karstic structures
Lesvos has numerous natural obscure caves most of them located on the eastern part of the island. One of
most important caves in Lesvos is the Agios Vartholomeos Cave at the suburb of Mytilini, Kayiani. It has
amazing stalactites and prehistoric pots were found inside. Its length is 60m.
The Alyphanta cave is the cave with the biggest length in Lesvos (about 120m). At its internal were found
antiquities of the Roman and Byzantine era. It hasn't got stalactites' decoration but it has considerable
forks.
The Cave of Ayios Ioannis is at the area of Mychou (Geras Bay). It is 95m long and has two corridors with
marble walls. Inside tombs of the 5th century were found. There aren’t any stalactites but we can admire
wonderful formations on the vault.
The Spilios cave in Antissa the biggest cave in Western Lesvos. 5.000 years old antiquities were found
inside. It was supposed to be the Orpheas’ (a very famous musician of the antiquity who was killed and
dropped to the sea with his lyre and was washed out near this cave, where he then was buried) oracle.
The Antissa Cave Spilios, where It was supposed to be the Orpheas’ oracle
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Waterfalls
Several waterfalls exist along small rivers in different parts of the island. Well‐known are the waterfalls of
Mankatsa near Mandamados in volcanic rocks and Pessa, near Polychnitos in ophiolitic rocks.
The waterfalls of Pessa, near Polychnitos
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The waterfalls of Mankasa formed in the volcanic rocks of the region of Mantamados with a hight of
approximately 20 meters. The name Mankasa means furious flesh. It originated from the legend of
a shepherdess living in the area and pushed down the cliff of the waterfall the young shepherds.
The waterfalls of Mankatsa near Mandamados
Methalia waterfalls near Eresos
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Erosional Structures
Voulgaris Gorge
The Voulgaris gorge is an impressive gorge which is cutting the volcanic formations of the Vatoussa volcano.
It was created along the stream of Voulgaris River and it follows a series of active faults affecting a volcanic
conglomerate which is the result of collapse of the north volcano flank.
The Voulgaris gorge cuts the northern part of the Vatoussa volcano
The “candles” geoform
Characteristic erosion forms are the forms called "Candles", created by erosion of volcanic rocks in the
area of the Monastery Limonos.
The characteristic forms of erosion "Candles"
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Another erosional structure called "Dragon's Jump" in Napi in the area of the Municipal Unit of Aghia
Paraskevi.
The volcanic site “The Drajon’s Jump” in Napi
Tafoni
Cavernous weathering forms have a wide distribution in the warm and partly arid coastal regions
.Impressive tafoni nodular erosion structures were formed at the area of Plaka Sigri. Tafone distribution is
highly variable in Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark coastal area. They develop on the ground rocks, at the
lateral surfaces of bedrocks or overhanging over the cliffs
Honeycomb weathering in pyroclastic rocks in Sigri
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Honeycomb-weathering features, closely spaced pits of centimeter to decimeter size surrounded by raised
lips or walls, have a wide distribution on exposed surfaces on the volcanic formations in West Lesvos coast.
Honeycombs are the dominant cavernous weathering features in Sigri. They exist usually on the andesitic
outcrops but also on the pyroclastic sequence.
Tafone distribution is highly variable. They develop on the lava boulders, at the lateral surfaces of the costal
cliffs or overhanging over the cliffs.
Impressive tafoni structures at the area of Plaka, south of Sigri .
Tafoni structure on an andesitic boulder in Sigri area
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River delta
One of the biggest river systems of the island is that of Tsiknia, which crosses the central part of the
island and empties into the Gulf of Kalloni. The hydrographic network of the torrent Tsiknias has
contributed greatly to the current terrain of central Lesvos combined with the intense endogenic
phenomena of volcanism and tectonics. Being an important element of the central cluster of wetlands in
the north side of the Gulf of Kalloni, Tsiknias river supports many freshwater
organizations and attracts wading birds.
Evergetoulas river is another big river system of the island. It flows into the wetland area of Ntipi at the
Gera gulf. The name of the river, the springs of which are on the slopes of Mount Olympus, means
benefactor and is indicative for its importance to the region.
Springs
The Evergetoulas river flows into the wetland area of Ntipi at the Gera gulf
Most basins formed within the limits of the "Megali Limni" pine forest transfer depending on the year,
moderate to large quantities of water flowing downstream, forming small‐medium streams with
particular seasonal water flow. The largest of these streams is the stream of "Aghia Sotiras" and the stream
of "Tsingou" that have flow throughout the year. Of particular ecological value is the stream of
“Karkavouras” stemming from the high points of Olympus, passing the site of St. Dimitrios and fueling
Evergetoulas River. Sources "Chtenelli" are inside the stream of Karkavouras at an altitude of 350 meters
above sea level.
in the forest of the area of Agiasos, can be found rich water resources. Most important are those
of "Tsingos" the water of which has curative properties. The springs are close to the “Megali Limni” and
their creation is due to tectonics.
The Roman aqueduct of Mytilini started from “Megali Limni” and the sources of Tsingos, located at the
foot of Mount Olympus in Agiasos. From there began the concentration of water that was transferred with
pipes to the main adequate and finally to the town of Mytilini.
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Active Faults
Lesvos island is affected by significant active faults located both onshore and offshore. Northern of Lesvos
lays the Edremit fault, which shows high seismic potential and it’s one of the most hazardous seismic
sources for the broader area. It defines the south coastline of Biga Peninsula (Turkey), right opposite of the
northern shore of Lesvos, while its synthetic and antithetic faults are possible seismic sources of lower
potential.
Major geological faults can be observed at many places in Lesvos.
The faults in the Gulf of Gera comprise a zone that has particular importance because of the short distance
from the town of Mytilene. The Larsos fault scarp is the most impressive fault scarp on Lesvos island
located at the northern part of the Gulf of Gera. On this fault scarp the channel for the Roman aqueduct of
Lesvos has been carved. The NNE‐SSW Geras fault is responsible for the existence of warm springs in the
area.
The steep slope of the Larsos fault in Geras Gulf
In the region of the Gulf of Kalloni there is a large fault zone. This fault zone is associated with powerful
earthquakes. In 230 BC a quake is linked with the destruction of the ancient city of Pyra, the ruins and
ancient port of which are now beneath the sea in the Gulf of Kalloni.
The same fault zone also appears to be linked to the most powerful earthquake to have taken place in
Lesvos’s more recent history. The quake took place in 1867 with its epicentre in the Agia Paraskevi region.
It registered 6.8 on the Richter scale and caused massive damage.
The right‐lateral Aghia Paraskevi fault (Fytikas et al., 1999) was the one activated when the 1867
earthquake (6.8) occurred. It cuts off the central part of the island from N to S, while its visible length
onshore has earthquake potential 6.7. This means that it continues to the sea, to the Kalloni gulf possibly,
as it arises from the microseismic epicenters distribution
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Near the village of Agia Paraskevi, one of the most impressive faults of Lesvos is visible, with
notable striations caused by the successive seismic events affecting the fault plane
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An active fault near Vatera affecting Pleistocene sediments
The Antissa fault scarp.
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Olympos Mountain Tectonic Window
A significant structure on Lesvos island is the tectonic window of Mountain Olympos at the area of Agiasos.
The large outcrops of the marbles inside the “volcanosedimentary nappe”, are parts of the continental
margin, together with the autochthonous unit of the basement, and they are in tectonic contact with the
metasediments of the metamorphic sole
The tectonic window of Mountain Olympos – Agiasos
Schematic geological cross section in the area of Olympos Mt., showing the tectonic emplacement of the ophiolitic
nappe and the metamorphic sole nappe onto the Triassic carbonate rocks of the autochthonous unit
(Mountrakis et al 2001).
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