Aghia Kyriaki Geoarchaeology
Aghia Kyriaki Geoarchaeology
Simplified geological map of Melos based on IGME Survey map of M.D. Fytikas 1977. Locality of Aghia Kyriaki shown.
The geology of Melos was investigated and mapped by M.D. Fytikas for the Greek Geological Survey and is typical of many Aegean islands - Mesozoic and younger sedimentary and volcanic rocks on a basement of metamorphic rocks. However, the surface outcrops of Melos are dominated by rocks representing magmatic intrusions and volcanic activity. Hydrothermal activity has produced many types of altered rock and mineral deposits. Although the youngest volcano is long extinct (about 100,000 years old) there are still sulphurous fumaroles and near-shore submarine warm springs but the archaeological evidence suggests that the geothermal activity is waning.
The "green lahar" of Fytikas is an enigmatic thick layer of debris containing many fragments of metamorphic rocks; it probably formerly blanketed much of the island and is of uncertain origin but the rock fragments were probably blasted out from the underlying schists during an enormous volcanic gas or steam explosion. Small phreatic craters, common in SE Melos, were produced by small explosive emissions of superheated steam. The "lahar" has been eroded and has provided much of the youngest alluvial sediment on Melos, probably including the exceptional thickness of sediment with which the archaeological remains at Aghia Kyriaki are associated.
N-S cross-section showing topography at time of major occupation about 2000 years ago. As well as active geothermal activity (widespread fumaroles) there would have been period earthquakes and associated tsunamis that would have contributed to Aghia Kyraki being a precarious environment for human occupation.
geological map of Aghia Kyriaki.
geological cross-section along line of telegraph poles (see geological map above).
Reference
Photos-Jones, E., Hall, A.J., Atkinson, J.A., Tompsett, G., Cottier, A. and Sanders, G.D.R. 1999. The Aghia Kyriaki, Melos, Survey: prospecting for the elusive earths in the Roman period in the Aegean. The Annual of the British School at Athens. 94. 377-413.
----------------------------