SW Greece Research Articles

Assessing site-specific water footprint on dry vine products: the case of PDO Vostizza Corinthian currants

Abstract Environmental performance of food and beverages is inextricably linked to the sustainable management of water resources. Water consumption is thoroughly analysed by calculating direct and indirect water usage through the water footprint model, particularly for products that are meant for export. Whilst the water-intensive grape growing industry has been extensively studied for wine production, the water use for grapes intended for drying has not been evaluated. PDO Vostizza Corinthian currants primarily export raisins that are derived from grape varieties in SW Greece that have a long history of economic, cultural, and social importance. Despite studies on the water consumption of grapevines for wine production, there is a gap in research for raisin vineyards. The water footprint model was utilised to comprehensively calculate the water usage in food production, considering direct and indirect consumption through blue, green, and grey components. This study specifically focussed on assessing the water footprint in 1 kg of currants produced on semi-mountainous and mountainous fields over a 3-year period with varying precipitation patterns. The study uses precision agriculture techniques with field-level data and modelling a site-specific water footprint estimation. Actual local and field data were used to calculate the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) using CROPWAT 8.0. The water footprints of five scenarios were calculated to encompass common practises and soil-climatic differences in the cultivation area. The Water Footprints (WFs) of vineyards under water stress ranged from 567 to 1,182 m3tn−1 for dry grapes and from 178 to 346 m3tn−1 for fresh grapes depending on the scenario and year of production due to fluctuations in yield and precipitation. The significant climatic adaptation of Vitis vinifera L. sp. black Corinth, var. Apyrena resulted in low WFs in consistent with its overall environmental performance.

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for the Broader Messinia (SW Greece) Region

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for the Broader Messinia (SW Greece) Region

Triassic evaporites and the structural architecture of the External Hellenides and Albanides (SE Europe): controls on the petroleum and geoenergy systems of Greece and Albania

A combination of well data, seismic information on thrusting and tectonic shortening, plus analyses of the nature and depth of the Mesozoic units related to main detachment horizons (Triassic evaporites, flysch), are used to review, and further update the complex structural styles of the External Hellenides and Albanides Orogenic Belts, SE Europe. In the study area, the late Alpine orogenic evolution resulted in a structural architecture characterised by the successive westward thrusting of tectonic nappes (Gavrovo/Kruja, Ionian), with an imbricate tectonic style prevailing in all external zones. In the internal and central Ionian zone, imbricate thrusts and duplex structures are recorded, especially where about 24 km of stacked Mesozoic–Tertiary successions have been formed in Albania. Triassic evaporites, up to 3.5 km thick, acted as a detachment horizon for the internal deformation of the Ionian and Pre-Apulia zones (1.7–1.8 km thick in Greece), whereas the flysch unit of Upper Eocene–Oligocene (External Hellenides) and Oligocene–Aquitanian (Albanides) contributed to the deformation of the Ionian zone. In the Ionian zone, Triassic evaporites are laterally continuous and act as an effective seal unit when thrusted above Mesozoic carbonate/Tertiary units. Most of the oil and gas fields, oil shows and surface seeps have been developed in association with the relative more complex structure styles in the internal and the central Ionian zone of Albania and Greece. The Triassic evaporite detachment is detected at depths of 8–22 km in Albania, and about 5 km to 12–13 km in Greece. Thin and probably combination of thin- and thick-skinned deformation (SW Greece) of the Meso-Cenozoic succession above the Triassic evaporite and Permian sequences better depicts the complex structural architecture of the External Hellenides and Albanides, later affected by strike-slip tectonics and extensional deformation active since the Early Pliocene times. The main source rock levels, Lower Cretaceous shale/carbonate, Toarcian Posidonia and Triassic shales, are common in the Albanides and the Hellenides forelands. The thickness and Total Organic Carbon of these levels significantly increase in Albania, whereas trapping mechanism is almost the same and the Triassic evaporites play a significant role in both forelands. The hydrocarbon migration primarily followed developed thrust faults and important halokinesis, to charge fractured Cretaceous–Eocene carbonate reservoirs in the overthrust unit (Ionian zone), likely beneath the thrusted anticlinal belts. These sub-thrust structural models are related to the evaporites. Sub-thrust plays, referred to the autochthonous units (Apulia, Pre-Apulia/Paxos, Sazani zones), may also present reservoir potential in Albania and Western Greece. Upper Miocene and Pliocene deposits (sands) record reservoir potential in stratigraphic traps and good caprock characteristics in the Peri-Adriatic depression (Albania), whereas Messinian evaporites and clays may document seal potential for Upper Miocene sands in the southern areas of the Ionian Sea (Kyparissiakos Gulf, SW Kythira).

A 2600-year high-resolution climate record from Lake Trichonida (SW Greece)

Abstract. This paper aims at reconstructing the palaeoclimatic changes during the last 2600 years in southern Greece based on a proxy record from Lake Trichonida. For the first time, we provide a reliable age-depth model and continuous geochemical data for the largest and deepest lake in Greece. We use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) geochemical data supported by discrete mineral analysis based on X-ray diffraction (XRD), grain size distribution, and organic matter content to investigate changes in the lake sedimentary system and identify the major forcing mechanisms. A principal component analysis based on the XRF geochemical composition identifies the variation between carbonate-rich material, precipitating predominantly under drier and/or warmer conditions, and terrigenous sediment input, with it being more prominent during wetter and/or colder conditions. The first principal component (PC1) shows a very strong correlation with the weathering proxy log (Rb∕Sr), and we interpret both proxies as depicting fluctuations in the hydrological conditions. A cluster analysis, conducted on the continuous geochemical and colour parameters, highlights the similarities in the sediment characteristics deposited during wetter phases, notably during 1850–1750, 1500–1400, ca. 1100, and ca. 100 cal BP. When comparing the PC1 Trichonida record to independent records from the Balkans, we find generally concurring patterns on a multi-decadal to centennial scale. We show that phases with wetter conditions at Lake Trichonida coincide with a more negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, suggesting that the precipitation variability in southern Greece is linked to changes in the NAO atmospheric pattern, as one major driving force. The 2600-year-long sedimentary record of Lake Trichonida contributes to a better understanding of Late Holocene palaeohydrological changes in an important climatic transitional zone in the eastern Mediterranean.

Climate changes in the Eastern Mediterranean over the last 5000 years and their links to the high-latitude atmospheric patterns and Asian monsoons

Abstract This research aims to improve the knowledge of the mid to late Holocene climate changes and the underlying drivers in the eastern Mediterranean. We focus on the Peloponnese peninsula, SW Greece, characterized by a W-E rainfall/temperature gradient and a strong climate-sensitivity to shifts in the large-scale atmospheric patterns. A radiocarbon-dated sediment core, taken from the ancient Lake Lerna, a former lake in NE Peloponnese, was analyzed for distribution and hydrogen isotope (δD) composition of n-alkanes and bulk organic geochemistry (δ13C, TOC). The predominantly macrophyte (submerged/floating)-derived δD23 profile exhibits the largest long-term fluctuation in the record and co-varies with δD of long-chain n-alkanes providing evidence for precipitation and temperature changes over the last 5000 years. The Lerna δD23 signal is sometimes in agreement with other n-alkane δD records from SW Peloponnese indicating wetter conditions in the peninsula at ca 5000–4600, ca 4500–4100, ca 3000–2600 (more unstable in SW) and after ca 700 cal BP with drier periods at ca 4100–3900 and ca 1000–700 cal BP. Conversely, a NE-SW climate see-saw is revealed at ca 4600–4500, ca 3200, ca 2600–1800, and ca 1200–1000 cal BP when the δD23 Lerna exhibits more positive trends (drier in NE) with a reversal at ca 3900–3300, ca 3200–3000 and ca 1800–1300 cal BP. These opposing and sometimes similar signals between NE and SW Peloponnese can be explained by the relative dominance of high-latitude atmospheric patterns over the peninsula. A similar signal would be expected when the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) exerts the main control with NAO (+) creating conditions of reduced moisture. The dipole pattern is likely driven by shifts in North Sea–Caspian Atmospheric pattern (NCP), which account for the present-day regional climate variability with NCP (+) leading to wetter and colder conditions in NE Peloponnese. The Asian monsoonal system likely has an additional impact on the δD variabilities through influencing the summer temperatures. There is a consistency between the Peloponnesian δD signals and monsoonal records after ca 4000 cal BP confirming the actualistic models. Strong monsoonal periods coincide with cooler summers (lower δD values) in Lerna, due to the northerly winds, the Etesians. On the contrary, SW Peloponnese is dominated by warmer conditions during the same periods as the area is located on the lee side of the mountain and highly influenced by the adiabatic warming associated with the subsidence over the Eastern Mediterranean.

Eastern Mediterranean hydroclimate reconstruction over the last 3600 years based on sedimentary n-alkanes, their carbon and hydrogen isotope composition and XRF data from the Gialova Lagoon, SW Greece

Understanding past hydroclimate variability and related drivers is essential to improve climate forecasting capabilities especially in areas with high climatic sensitivity, such as the Mediterranean. This can be achieved by using a broad spectrum of high resolution, multiple proxy records which can also allow us to assess linkages between regional hydroclimate variability and shifts in the large-scale atmospheric patterns. Here, we present a multiproxy reconstruction of the central-eastern Mediterranean hydroclimate changes over the last 3600 years based on a sediment core from the Gialova Lagoon, a shallow coastal ecosystem in SW Peloponnese, Greece. Our combined dataset consists of the distribution and compound-specific carbon and hydrogen isotope (δ13C and δD) composition of n-alkanes, bulk organic matter properties and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) core scanning data. This approach was complemented with a semi-quantitative analysis of plant remains in the core. The results indicate a high contribution of local aquatic vegetation to organic matter. Large δ13C variations in predominantly aquatic plant-derived mid-chain alkanes (C23-25) mainly reflect changes in the aquatic plant abundance and their carbon source. Our data suggest that higher δ13C23-25 values (up to −19‰) largely correspond to expansion of aquatic vegetation during wet and/or cold periods causing carbon-limiting conditions in the water and assimilation of isotopically-enriched bicarbonate by the plants. The δD records of the individual n-alkanes (C17 to C31) exhibit a nearly identical pattern to each other, which implies that they all reflect changes in the source water isotope composition, driven by hydroclimate variability. In addition, the δD profiles are consistent with the XRF data with both proxies being driven by a common hydroclimate signal. We observe two major shifts from dry and/or warm periods at ca 3600-3000 cal BP and ca 1700-1300 cal BP to wet and/or cold episodes at ca 3000-2700 cal BP and ca 1300-900 cal BP. The period ca 700-200 cal BP is the wettest and/or coldest in our record and coeval with the Little Ice Age. The climatic fluctuation reported in this study can be explained by the relative dominance of high-latitude (e.g. North Atlantic Oscillation during winters) and the low-latitude atmospheric patterns (Intertropical convergence zone, Subtropical High and the effects of Asian monsoons during summers) which suggests an Atlantic-Mediterranean-Monsoon climate link in this area for the late Holocene.

Biomarker hydrogen isotope composition (δD) as proxy for Holocene hydroclimatic change and seismic activity in SW Peloponnese, Greece

ABSTRACTWe present a 6000‐year‐long record tracing hydroclimate changes in SW Greece, based on hydrogen isotope composition of aquatic plant‐derived n‐C23 alkanes (δDC23) in a sediment core from the Messenian plain, Peloponnese. The δDC23 record co‐varies with other eastern Mediterranean records, suggesting relatively wetter conditions c. 6–4.5 ka, followed by progressively drier conditions leading up to maximum aridity c. 2.8 ka. This arid phase was interrupted by a shift in δDC23 between 3.3 and 3.1 ka inferring wetter conditions and/or tentative responses to anthropogenic water regulating activities during the Late Bronze Age. After 2.7 ka, a return to more humid conditions was followed by increased dryness and stronger seasonality contrasts from c. 2.0 ka. The δDC23 record shows three short‐lived excursions (5.7, 5.3, 2.8 ka), where isotope values dropped by >20‰ and immediately stabilized again. The events were paralleled by abrupt increases in sedimentation rates. We hypothesize that the isotopic shifts represent a response to mixing of ground water systems during tectonic events, followed by sealing of seismically derived cracks in the active fault. The outcome of the study is promising for future expansion of isotope‐based proxies on sediments in the region, to reconstruct both hydroclimate and past seismic activity.

The 2008 Methoni earthquake sequence: the relationship between the earthquake cycle on the subduction interface and coastal uplift in SW Greece

AH is supported by a Shell Exploration studentship. This study forms part of the NERC- and ESRC-funded project “Earthquakes Without Frontiers” under grant NEJ02001X/1, and was partly funded by the NERC grant “Looking inside the Continents from Space”.

Deformation of the ancient mole of Palairos (Western Greece) by faulting and liquefaction

A submerged 2300years-old mole or breakwater with a sigmoidal shape has been identified at the Palairos harbor (Akarnania, SW Greece mainland). Different possible scenarios could be proposed to explain this enigmatic shape for an ancient breakwater, such as selective erosion of the original structure, construction above existing shoals or reefs, gravity sliding and post-construction offset due to strike-slip faulting, but all these scenarios seem rather weak. Inspired by a large scale lateral offset of a retaining wall of a quay at the Barcelona harbor due to static liquefaction, by evidence of strike-slip earthquakes and of liquefaction potential in the study area, as well as by recent evidence for long-duration steady, nearly uni-directional dynamic displacements in the near-field of strike-slip faults, we propose an alternative scenario for this mole. An earthquake associated with strike-slip faulting and high acceleration produced liquefaction of the mole foundations and long duration, nearly unidirectional tectonic slip, while the later part of the steady slip produced additional secondary (surficial) slip on liquefied layers.

The geodynamic evolution of Pindos foreland basin in SW Greece

The distribution of Eocene-Oligocene turbidite facies in the Pindos foreland and the paleocurrent directions of submarine fan deposits, of the Peloponnesus area, document the proximal part of an underfilled foreland basin. The definition of Pindos foreland basin attributes sediment accommodation solely to flexural subsidence driven by topographic load of the thrust belt and sediment loads in the foreland basin. The restriction of the coarse grained deposits and the basin underfilled conditions are related to the Pindos foreland evolution, and especially to the internal thrusting and produced intrabasinal highs. The presence of strike-slip faults can affect the geometry of a basin by causing changes in depth and width, resulting in the transformation from a uniform to non-uniform configuration. This change has an intensive impact on depositional environments along the basin axis. Strike-slip faults that cross-cut intrabasinal highs produce pathways for the sediment distribution on both sides of the highs. Distributary channels that discharge into the basin are perpendicular to its axis and shift axially at the basin floor. The strike-slip and thrust faulting operated contemporaneously for much of their active periods, although it appears that thrust faulting, initiated slightly earlier than strike-slip faulting.

Provenance analysis of Eocene–Oligocene turbidite deposits in Pindos Foreland Basin, fold and thrust belt of SW Greece: constraints from framework petrography and bulk-rock geochemistry

The provenance of Eocene–Oligocene turbidites from the Pindos Foreland Basin, SW Greece, has been constrained using petrographical and geochemical techniques. Modal petrographic analysis of the studied sandstones shows that the source area comprises sedimentary, metamorphic, and plutonic igneous rocks deposited in a recycled orogenic environment and in magmatic arc province. The relative proportions of the detrital components indicate that the Late Eocene–Early Oligocene sandstones of West Peloponnesus are quartz-rich and were primarily derived from granitic and metamorphic basement rocks typically of a tectonically active area. Major, trace, and rare earth element (REE) concentrations in both sandstones and mudstones complement the petrographical data indicating an active continental margin/continental island arc signature. All the samples are light REE, enriched relative to heavy REE (HREE), with flat HREE pattern and positive Eu anomalies, suggesting that the processes of intra-crustal differentiation (involving plagioclase fractionation) were not of great importance. The results derived from the multi-element diagrams also suggest an active margin character and a mafic/ultramafic source rock composition.

Self-organised critical features in soil radon and MHz electromagnetic disturbances: Results from environmental monitoring in Greece

This paper addresses the issues of self-organised critical behaviour of soil-radon and MHz-electromagnetic disorders during intense seismic activity in SW Greece. A significant radon signal is re-analysed for environmental influences with Fast Fourier Transform and multivariate statistics. Self-organisation of signals is investigated via fractal evolving techniques and detrended fluctuation analysis. New lengthy radon data are presented and analysed accordingly. The data did not show self-similarities. Similar analysis applied to new important concurrent MHz-electromagnetic signals revealed analogous behaviour to radon. The signals precursory value is discussed.

Sedimentation of submarine fan deposits in the Pindos foreland basin, from late Eocene to early Oligocene, west Peloponnesus peninsula, SW Greece

Turbidite facies distribution and palaeocurrent analysis of submarine fan evolution in the Pindos foreland basin of west Peloponnesus peninsula (SW Greece) indicate that this part of the foreland was developed during Late Eocene to Early Oligocene in three linear sub‐basins (Tritea, Hrisovitsi and Finikounda). The basin fill conditions, with a multiple feeder system, which is characterized by axial transport of sediments and asymmetric stratigraphic thickness of the studied sediments, indicate that the Pindos Foreland Basin in this area was an underfilled foreland basin. Sediments are dominated by conglomerates, sandstones and mudstones. The flow types that controlled the depositional processes of the submarine fans were grain flows, debris flows and low‐ and high‐density turbidity currents. The sedimentary model that we propose for the depositional mechanisms and geometrical distribution of the turbidite units in the Tritea sub‐basin is a mixed sand‐mud submarine fan with a sequential interaction of progradation and retrogradation for the submarine fan development and shows a WNW main palaeocurrent direction. The Hrisovitsi sub‐basin turbidite system characterized by small‐scale channels was sediment starved, and the erosion during deposition was greater than the two other studied areas, indicating a more restricted basin topography with a NW main palaeocurrent direction. The Finikounda sub‐basin exhibits sand‐rich submarine fans, is characterized by the presence of distinct, small‐scale, thickening‐upward cycles and by the covering of a distal fan by a proximal fan. It was constructed under the simultaneous interaction of progradation and aggradation, where the main palaeocurrent direction was from NNW to SSE. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Macrobenthic community changes due to dystrophic events and freshwater inflow: Changes in space and time in a Mediterranean lagoon (Gialova lagoon, SW Greece)

This paper considers the hypothesis that changes in community structure through the control of the larvae maintenance and of the biological traits of the species mostly contribute to the spatio-temporal community pattern. This is supported by the results of the study, the changes to the macrobenthic community pattern deriving from two sampling periods in Gialova lagoon (SW Greece), carried out on a seasonal basis for two yearly periods: 1994–95 and 1998–99. Cognetti’s hypothesis that populations of the tolerant species occupying coastal marine habitats may belong to different species is another alternative hypothesis still to be tested. The importance of alternative management plans aiming at the amelioration of the hydrodynamic conditions of the lagoons and supported by continuous scientific monitoring is highlighted. Two canals bringing fresh water were opened at the beginning of the second sampling period, an intervention among others, suggested by the management plan proposed after the end of the first sampling period. The results show considerable variations in the values of the key environmental variables, for instance long periods with negative Redox potential values, decreased salinity and increased concentrations of the particulate organic matter and of the nutrients. The variables were correlated with the spatio-temporal community pattern, characterized during the second sampling period by: (i) greater dissimilarities among stations/seasons; (ii) disruption of the periodic trend observed on the seasonal scale; (iii) larger relative dissimilarities among the patterns stemming from the macrobenthos and the most abundant groups (polychaetes, molluscs, crustaceans); (iv) significant decrease in abundance or even the disappearance of several marine origin species, along with increased abundance in a few brackish-water species. All of the above changes in the community pattern are considered as early warning signals leading towards degradation, which has not yet been registered in the phylogenetic/taxonomic structure of the macrobenthic community.

The structure of the Kythira–Antikythira strait, offshore SW Greece (35.7°–36.6°N)

Abstract The Kythira–Antikythira strait, within the SW Hellenic Arc, forms a 100 km long NNW–SSE trending ridge between Peloponnesus and Crete and represents the submarine continuation of the Hellenic Alpine belt. In order to present the shallow as well as the deeper structure of Kythira–Antikythira strait we studied five seismic sections, oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the inner part of the Hellenic Arc. This information was complemented with velocity analyses from a dense network of seismic lines and information concerning the bathymetry. Contractional structures recognized on the seismic profiles indicate that this part of the Gavrovo–Tripolitza geotectonic zone was involved in the Miocene shortening related to the westward propagation of the Hellenic fold-and-thrust system. East-dipping thrust faults which root in the top of the crystalline basement were identified on the seismic profiles. The deepest reflector identified on the profiles corresponds to the crystalline basement. Shallower reflectors include those corresponding to the contacts between the Mesozoic/Miocene, Upper Miocene/Lower Pliocene and Pliocene/Pleistocene sedimentary sequences. The Upper Cenozoic to Quaternary sequence rests unconformably upon Mesozoic carbonates. Messinian intrusions, forming small scale domes, deform the Pliocene–Quaternary sedimentary succession. West- and east-dipping normal faults were also recognised both within the Palaeozoic and Cenozoic successions, and are related to regional extension during sedimentation.

Phenological and ecological aspects of Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Greece

The ecology of the coccid Protopulvinaria pyriformis infesting the laurel Laurus nobilis was studied from October 2003 to September 2005 in SW Greece. The coccid is parthenogenetic and oviparous, producing increased amounts of honeydew throughout the year. It settles mainly on the lower leaf surface. The scale over- winters as egg, 1st and 2nd instar nymph and adult and completes several overlapping generations every year. The life cycle was estimated to last in nature *52 days during winter and 29-33 days during summer. Infestation density ranged between 0.3 and 2.8 live scales per cm 2 of leaf surface. Metaphycus helvolus was the only wasp found to parasitize P. pyriformis. Parasitism rate reached 31.2% during the second year of the study. The scale was able to resist parasitization by encapsulating the parasitoid's eggs. Maximum encapsulation rate was estimated up to 23% of the adult scales. Encapsulated eggs ranged from 1 to 5 eggs per adult scale. Predation rate reached 7% and it was attributed to the coccinellid Chilocorus bipustulatus. The above information could be important for planning a sus- tainable control strategy for this new pest in Greece.

Modelling of the 1986 Kalamata (SW Greece) earthquake faulting using geodetic data

Elastic dislocation modelling of high accuracy repeated levelling data, constrained by seismological and structural data, permits a refinement of the seismic fault model of the 1986, Kalamata (SW Greece mainland), M S = 5.8 destructive earthquake. The authors' preferred solution is a blind normal fault, selected on the basis of minimum misfits between observed and predicted elevation changes. This fault pattern is broadly consistent with seismological and geologic evidence.

Evaluation of commercial traps of various designs for capturing the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The attractiveness of six different traps, one hand-made and five commercially available, on olive fruit fly adults, was compared in the field. Experiments were undertaken at three different localities of Messinia Co., SW Greece, with varying conditions of fruit load and pest population density. The Glass-Plastic Elkofon Trap attracted more adult flies than any other type of trap. Satisfactory catches were also given by the Glass McPhail trap, the Plastic McPhail trap and the Plastic Elkofon trap, whereas low attractiveness was demonstrated by the Bottle trap and the Pouch trap. It is clear from the findings of this study that trap captures of the olive fruit fly are significantly influenced by trap design (e.g. shape, materials, special features), especially during the period of the high population peak (mid-September – early November) as well as in olive orchards with a high pest population density. In olive orchards with a low pest population density no significant differences were recorded among captures of different trap types. We discuss ways of improving the mass-trapping technique as a control method against olive fruit fly.

Active faults, deformation rates and Quaternary paleogeography at Kyparissiakos Gulf (SW Greece) deduced from onshore and offshore data

Kyparissiakos Gulf forms a 45 km long zone located at 70–80 km east from the Hellenic trench with a general direction NNW–SSE. Onshore studies show the existence of several neotectonic horsts and grabens bounded by E–W trending normal faults. Thrust sheets of the underlying Hellenides crop out within the horst areas and younger sediments, mostly Lower Pleistocene, have been deposited in the grabens. The age of the marine sediments is mostly Lower Pleistocene. Throw rate on the normal faults varies between 0.7 and >1.0 mm/yr, accommodating extension in the N–S direction. Subsidence rates during Early Pleistocene are between 0.1 and 0.3 mm/yr, whereas uplift rates during Middle Pleistocene–Present are between 0.18 and 0.50 mm/yr. Offshore data were obtained using bathymetric and air-gun litho-seismic profiles. The shelf has been disrupted by active faults with several meters of throw. Average Holocene throw rates are 0.4–0.6 mm/yr, but in some areas adjacent Filiatra and Olympia values greater than 3 mm/yr are detected. Holocene and Upper Pleistocene marine sediments thicken gradually to the north, as do the marine Lower Pleistocene sediments onshore. A NNW–SSE offshore longitudinal fault parallel to the Kyparissiakos coast with throw rate above 3 mm/yr is the dividing structure between the uplifted coastal area and the present-day gulf. This indicates a major change in paleogeography between Early and Middle Pleistocene. Present-day transition from E–W compression in the Hellenic Trench to E–W extension in the Kyparissiakos Gulf and to N–S extension in Western Peloponnesus is discussed. The development of E–W structures in Western Peloponnesus since Latest Pliocene may be related to the Central Hellenic Shear Zone, which accommodates differential GPS rates between Northern Greece and Southern Peloponnesus.

Rainwater harvesting, quality assessment and utilization in Kefalonia Island, Greece

The quality of harvested rainwater which is used for domestic and drinking purposes in the northern area of Kefalonia Island in SW Greece and the factors affecting it were assessed through 3-year surveillance. In 12 seasonal samplings, 156 rainwater and 144 ground- or mixed water samples were collected from ferroconcrete storage tanks (300–1000 m 3 capacity), which are adjacent to cement-paved catchment areas (600–3000 m 2). Common anions and major cations as well as the metals Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni and Zn were tested. The presence of three major groups of organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochloride pesticides (OCPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), was screened by common analytical techniques. All of the rainwater samples were within the guidelines for chemical parameters established by the 98/93/EU directive. As far as microbiological quality is concerned, total coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci were detected in 80.3%, 40.9% and 28.8% of the rainwater samples, respectively, although they were found in low concentrations. Chemical and microbiological parameters showed seasonal fluctuations. Principal component analysis revealed that microbiological parameters were affected mainly by the cleanness level of catchment areas, while chemical parameters were influenced by the sea proximity and human activities. Disinfection should be applied into the tanker trucks which distribute the water to the consumers and not into the big storage tanks in order to avoid by-products formation. Due to the lack of fluoride in rainwater samples, the consumers must become aware of the fact that the supplementation of this element is needed.