Abstract
Syros Island, Cyclades complex, central Aegean Sea, Greece, is a prime locality for the study of processes active in deep levels of orogens and is world famous for its exceptionally well preserved glaucophane schist-to eclogite-facies lithologies. Glaucophane schists and eclogites are witnesses of one of the fundamental tectonic processes operating on planet Earth. Results of geological research on Syros have contributed a lot to our present understanding of why and how these processes work that make oceans disappear, how mountain ranges can start to form, how magma chambers form to feed volcanoes, how subduction mechanisms can trigger earthquakes and lead to tsunamis, and a series of other spectacular or very impressive phenomena which have been observed and studied throughout the earth’s window offered in that particular place of the world. The description, interpretation, and evaluation of the important geological heritage of Syros, in combination with a SWOT analysis, showed the geotourism potential of the region. The results of this paper are intended to constitute a valuable tool for enhancing and raising awareness of the geological heritage of the island of Syros, regarding to the added value activities to be developed on a sustainable basis.
Highlights
Greece, due to its position along the convergence zone between two tectonic plates (African and Aegean microplate), presents a variety of geoforms and formations worthy of conservation for world science and research
The present paper focuses on the promotion of the geological wealth of the island of Syros, central Aegean Sea, with the aim of integrating the island in the international environment of Geoparks, in the near future
Research geologists from all over the world keep coming to Syros for their studies because the rocks exposed on the island were formed in such a subduction zone
Summary
Due to its position along the convergence zone between two tectonic plates (African and Aegean microplate), presents a variety of geoforms and formations worthy of conservation for world science and research. For this reason, Greece is well known to the world geological community as a “natural geological laboratory”, which provides valuable information concerning global geodynamic processes as it is characterized by intense earthquake activity, volcanoes, variable sediment processes, coastal dynamics, and others. Greece represents a great geo-museum hosting “moments” of the complicated evolution of our planet, from Proterozoic until today These “moments” are represented by the geosites and geomorphosites which, according to Reynard [1], are “portions of the geosphere that present a particular importance for the comprehension of Earth history.”. Geosites have not gained autonomous recognition as important elements for protection and management [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
