Special program: One week of educational discovery in Earth Sciences in Lesvos
On the Greek Island of Lesvos, petrified trunks scattered over an area of 15.000 hectares constitute the famed ''Petrified Forest'', one of the most important natural heritage monument in the world.
Scientists researching and studying the Petrified Forest repeatedly emphasize the uniqueness of the site. The forest is of particular scientific value as it is not just a group of trees but an entire ecosystem fossilized in site.
The large number of petrified trunks preserved standing with their root systems intact in a full stage of development attest to the fact that these trees were petrified in their natural location. In other words, here we have an autochthonous petrified forest. Aside from the petrified trunks, fruits, branches and leaves have also been preserved.
In the Petrified Forest we can gather information regarding the plant species, which constituted the island's flora and the climatic conditions, which prevailed in the Aegean during Miocene. In other words, the Petrified Forest constitutes a unique ''testimonial'' of the geological history of the Aegean basin.
Twenty million years ago the northern Aegean region was characterized by intense volcanic activity. Major craters are located in central Lesvos.
In the course of these eruptions, huge amounts of lava, ash and other material were spewed into the atmosphere thereby covering extensive areas. The volcanic ash and heavy rainfall following the volcanic eruptions resulted in huge mudflows of pyroclastic material, which moved from east to west covering a dense rich forest, which existed on the western part of the island. With considerable speed, these pyroclastic materials covered the trunks, branches, fruits and foliage of the forest trees. The isolation of the plant tissue from external conditions and intense hydrothermal circulation of fluids rich in silica, allowed for perfect petrification of plant tissue under optimal conditions.
In the course of this process, organic plant material was replaced molecule by molecule with the inorganic material of the hydrothermal fluids. Thus, the morphological characteristics of the trees such as the bark, annual rings and wood internal structures were excellently preserved.
Today, natural erosion of volcanic rocks has revealed impressive standing and lying tree trunks measuring up to 20 meters in length. Trunk diameters measure up to 3 meters.
Remains of the volcanism can be seen today in the form of craters, columnar lavas, volcanic dykes, volcanic necks, domes and hot springs spread out along the island.
Recognizing the major environmental, geological and palaeontological importance of the Petrified Forest, the Greek State has declared the area an officially Protected Natural Monument.
In 1994 marked the foundation of the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest in the town of Sigri on the western edge of the island. Objectives of the museum are the study, research, promotion, preservation and protection of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos.
The Museum is floored in a new building with two major exibition halls, providing facilities such as conference hall, library, laboratories and guest rooms and has great experience in organizing educational programs and symposiums.
Educational Value
The area of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos combines a variety of different educational subjects on geology and environmental education. Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest collaborates with university departments from Greece and abroad and is continually updated with the latest studies on the fields it covers.
Aims of the programme
The educational programme "The Petrified Forest of Lesvos" is applied to pupils and students of all categories and is always adjusted to their knowledge.
The main aim of the programme is the acquaintance with the Petrified Forest of Lesvos and the geological, natural and cultural monuments of Lesvos.
Educational trips, activities in the field, educational games and experiments offer the acquaintance with the natural European heritage. New experiences of knowledge and information is given.
During the trip:
There is guidance by a geologist who will inform about the Greek volcanic arc, the volcanic creation, the volcano anatomy, volcano eruptions and volcanic rocks of Lesvos
Indicative programme
Arrival in Lesvos Island
Staying overnight in Mytilene
1st Day
2nd Day
Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest
Sigri Geopark
3rd Day
Lesvos Petrified Forest Park
Guided tour to the Petrified Forest Park and observing the petrified tree trunks and their internal and external structure. Recognition of the volcanic rocks found within the petrified tree trunks and the fossilised leaves.
Information about the cleaning and conservation methods of the petrified tree trunks.
Participation in petrified tree trunk cleaning and conservation under the instructions of the museum preservers.
Staying overnight in Sigri
4th Day
Lesvos Petrified Forest Park
5th Day
Trip Sigri - Petra - Molyvos
6th Day
Trip Sigri - Gera - Polychnitos
Meeting with geothermy
Information about geothermy and its applications (production of electricity, green house effect, hot springs)
Gerasí gulf - Creation of the gulf
Ntipi
Polychnitos: the hottest springs in Europe
Vrisa: Paleontological founds
Moria: The Roman aqueductStaying overnight in Mytilini7th Day
Museums and Archaeological sites
Archaeological Museum
Theofilosí Museum and Terriade Museum.
Folklore Museum
Mytilini Castle
Ancient Theatre of Mytilini
Sightseeing in the town of Mytilene
Departure from Mytilene
The programme can be adjusted to last for as long as the group wishes and is flexible to changes.
The Petrified Forest Museum
Lesvos island concentrates almost 300 million years of regional geology and illustrates features conected with the closure of Tethys ocean and the emplacement of the ophiolitic ocean crust on the Eurasian passive margin.
It also illustrates features associated with the intence Miocene volcanic activity in the Northern Aegean area. Four major volcanic centers, a variety of volcanic structures and associated mineralizations, geothermal fields and several hot springs are of special interest.
Neotectonic structures connected with the recent geological evolution, that caused the submerge of Aegis and Lesvos isolation from the mainland, and the major stucture of the North Anatolian fault, are wide spread all over the island.
Paleobotanic and paleontological finds include a unique Miocene forest ecosystem and mammals.
Lesvos Island has one of the most noteworthy concentrations of different plants and birds. So it is the perfect place for environmental excursions. The educational programs offered by the Museum combine all the above-mentioned fields.
You are welcome to ask for information as well as for cooperation partners.
RECOMMEND THIS PAGE