Petrified Forest of Lesvos - Greece
Posted by: 
polnjumen
N 39° 12.501 E 025° 54.066
35S E 405122 N 4340473
The largest petrified forest in the world is located in the western part of Greek island Lesvos. The fossilised plants are silicified remnants of a sub-tropical forest that existed on the north-west part of the island 20-15 million years ago.
Waymark Code: WMCVZQ
Location: Greece
Date Posted: 10/17/2011
Views: 9
The formation of the petrified forest is directly related to the intense volcanic activity in Lesvos island during late Oligocene - middle Miocene. The volcanic eruptions during this time, produced lavas, pyroclastic materials and volcanic ash, which covered the vegetation of the area. The rapid covering of tree trunks, branches, and leaves led to isolation from atmospheric conditions. Along with the volcanic activity, hot solutions of silicon dioxide penetrated and impregnated the volcanic materials that covered the tree trunks. The silicified tree trunks and their organs - especially the wood - are very well preserved. Furthermore, fossilised leaves, cones and seeds provide the raw data for important scientific studies.
The high proportion of upright petrified tree trunks with well preserved roots in the fossilised soil represents a complete autochthonous (fossilised in situ) ecosystem. It is considered as a unique natural geological monument which offers rare scientific information, like no other analogous monument from this time period and stage of plant development ever existed.
Recognising the major geological and paleontological value of the site, the Greek State has declared the Petrified Forest to be preserved Natural Monument.
The visiting area offers three walking trails (from 0,5 to 2,1 km) among more than 70 standing and lying fossilized trees.