GEOLOGICAL EXCURSION

One of the most distinguished and well-investigated karst systems of Greece is that of Central and Eastern Peloponnesus. It is a complex system comprising every kind of karst phenomena. The mountains of Panachaikon (1925 m), Chelmos (2341 m), Kyllini (2375 m) and Menalon (1980 m) belong to this system, where the polje of Feneos (720 m a.s.l.), Stymfalia (612 m a.s.l.), Hotoussa (630 m a.s.l.), Skotini (590 m a.s.l.), Tripolis and Taka (about 600 m a.s.l.) are developed.

Sinkholes, dolines, polje, coastal karst springs of fresh, brackish and saltwater are typical for this system. The sinkholes of Simiades (623 m a.s.l.), Kapsia (620 m a.s.l.), Nestani (633 m a.s.l.), Taca (662 m a.s.l.) and Plaisia (680 m a.s.l.) are noteworthy. Among the karst springs, those of Planitero, Ladon, Feneos, Stymfalia, Sintzi, Kefalari, Lerni, Kiveri are the most important.

It is subdivided in many smaller subsystems, hydrodynamically connected to each other: The Arcadic mountainous plain is connected to the north with Mt. Ziria and the Stymfalia – Skotini – Alea Polje, thus providing water to the karst springs of Kefalari, Lerni and Amynoni.

The northern and central part of the Tripolis polje provides water to the Kiveri brackish spring, while its southern part is connected with the nearshore spring of Anavalos.

This excursion aims at showing of some characteristic sites of this system. The natural beauty of the landscape is of course an additional motivation to this visit.

The post congress excursion will include visits to the cave of the lakes, the polje of Loussoi, but also in Ladon and Aroanios springs. Moreover the participants will have the opportunity to visit Plesia sinkhole and Kiveri submarine springs.

The cost of the excursion (incl. lunch) is 30 € per person. In case that you are intending to participate in the post congress excursion, please register till September 16, 2011 as only 50 seats are available.

ACCOMPANYING PERSONS

For accompanying persons, visits to historical sites and sites of exceptional beauty of Chelmos - Vouraikos Geopark are planned on October 6 and 7. The cost (incl. lunch) is 30 € per person for each day. Early registration is requested.