For sixth consecutive yearstudents of the University of Beijing and the University of Qinghai did outdoor training In the Petrified Forest of Lesvos and the Lesvos Geopark. The field training program It was implemented in collaboration with the University of the Aegean and the Museum of Natural History of Petrified Forest Lesvos.

The weekly educational action was based on the Museum’s Antissa Educational Center. Professor Nikos Zouros informed students about Lesvos geological structure and the Aegean, the volcanoes of Lesvos, the active rifts, the geothermal fields and the geopark. In addition, participants attended the report “MEMORIES GAIA” And they discussed the operation of the World Geoparks Network and the position of the Lesvos Geopark in this context.

Field exercises began in the protected area of ​​the Petrified Forest, where students came into contact with the High Volcano Volcano and the stratigraphy of the Sigiri Fireproof Formations. Also important was the information on excavations, conservative and protective work on the fossils, especially along the new Kalloni-Sigriou road axis.

Exploration of fossils and geological monuments

In the Petrified Forest Park, students studied fossilized ecosystemsthey were informed of the development of flora over the centuries, while toured the museum, where planting fossils from all over the world were experienced. Impressive were the findings around volcania and seismic activity in Greek space.

In Sigri Park, the impressive radical fossilized systems were studied. They also visited the Islands Petrified Forest Park, traveling by boat with a glass bottom, where they explored the marine and land geological features of the area, the contribution of geological cracks and volcania to landscape shaping.

Geological and Cultural Routes in Lesvos

A visit to the Lighthouse Estate in Sigri followed, where students became familiar with organic olive groves, geological significance and innovative processes of producing excellent quality olive oil in the once barren western Lesvos place.

The exercises continued in Antissa, with references to her impressive cave and her “Myth of Orpheus”underlining the connection of mythology and geology. Students also visited Gavatha, Liotas and other areas of significant geological value, analyzing the relationship between fossils with volcanic formations.

As Professor Nikos Zouros underlined, speaking to RES-EIA, the students participated in a demanding field program, where they explored active faults, geothermal fields and important volcanic geotopes of the island, such as the formations of Agios Dimitrios Agiassos. Particular reference was made to the hot springs of Hippocrates and a visit to the earthquake -stricken areas of Vrissa and Ancient Pyrra.

Sustainability, ecosystems and scientific observation

Significant was the visit to the wetlands of the Gulf of Kalloni, where the active geodynamic processes that contribute to the development of this unique ecosystem, important to the ornithopanes were recorded. Students also participated in ornithoparamity in Alykes Kalloni with the cooperation of the Environmental Information Center.

In Agia Paraskevi and Napa, they studied the historical rift and the consequences of the 1867 earthquake, while exploring volcanic structures in Leptimnos, Kapi, Pelopi, Molyvos and Petra. Particularly impressive were the high -ending lavs and geothermal events in erection.

Educational exercise was completed with the study of geological formations in Moria, fossils Megalodon which help to determine ages, but also with the analysis of Mytilene’s geomnhemus, such as Limena sediments in Kara Tepe, the volcanic vein in Paganis and the area of ​​Algaitrope.