The Gulf of Corinth in central Greece is a superb natural laboratory for the study of processes and hazards close to an active plate boundary. Moreover, it is a part of a landscape that cradled the moral and artistic core of European civilization, thereby providing a rich diversity of features to engage not only geologists but also archaeologists and non-specialist travelling companions. The Gulf of Corinth will be essential reading for geologists visiting this part of the Aegean. The area addressed in the guide presents a combination of extremely rapid active faulting and recently inactive faults and uplifted rift sediments that enable continental extension to be viewed within a context of changing Quaternary climate and sea level. Thus, there are active tectonics and related earthquakes, instability and failure of steep tectonic slopes, water-supply problems, soil erosion in badland landscapes, and past and future climate and sea-level change.
The area is a key locality for understanding rift geological processes and it is ideal for research and training because of the excellent exposures afforded by rapid uplift and incision, not least by the excavation of the Corinth Canal. Many lessons learned here are relevant to the understanding of more ancient continental rift zones across the Earth, notably those, such as the North Sea, which contain vast hydrocarbon reserves. The visitor can also enjoy the scenery of rugged mountains, picturesque gorges, small coastal resorts and Peloponnesian villages. But the menace and imprint of Earth’s forces are never far away, witness the record of the many earthquakes in historical times, the effects of which are highlighted in this guide.
The Gulf of Corinth provides student and amateur geologists with an accessible introduction to a key area. Fully illustrated and complete with up-to-date bibliographical references, it will be an essential part of the traveller’s field kit.
Mike Leeder (U. of East Anglia – UEA) researches physical sedimentary
processes and active tectonics. Julian Andrews (UEA) works on the sedimentology
and geochemistry of palaeoenvironmental records. Lisa McNeill (U. of Southampton)
is interested in active tectonics, palaeoseismology and marine geophysical
studies.
Richard Collier (U. of Leeds) researches tectono-sedimentary processes and
palaeoseismology. Rob Gawthorpe (U. of Manchester) studies tectono-sedimentary
processes and rift-basin modelling. Clive Portman (PhD from UEA) works on
the Quaternary geology of the Perachora Peninsula, Gulf of Corinth. Pete
Rowe (UEA) runs the U-series laboratory and researches Quaternary chronology
and palaeoclimatic records.
Preface; Acknowledgements
Safety in the field; Travel and accommodation; Sampling, permissions, map coverage
The Aegean arc; General morphology and structure; Research history and current issues; Current research issues; Further reading
Key objectives; Itinerary; Further reading
Key objectives; Itinerary; Further reading
Key objectives; Itinerary; Further reading
Key objectives; Itinerary; Further reading
Key objectives; Historical earthquakes; Geomorphology and palaeoseismology; Geodesy and rates of extension; Offshore fault systems; The Corinth Rift Laboratory; Logistics; Further reading
Glossary; Bibliography; Index
SERIES: Classic Geology in Europe 11
216×138mm 176pp. Lline drawings and photographs
ISBN-13: 978-1-903544-23-5-1 PB £15.95
September 2007
Subject: Regional geology; sedimentation and tectonics
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