Hidden Earth 2017

Atlantis Subterranean landscapes 2017. A Cardiff University Expedition in Santorini, Greece.

30 minute Lecture|Mr Konstantinos Trimmis

Abstract

In July 2017 a joined team of Cardiff University, the Hellenic Speleological Society and the Greek Archaeological Service visited Santorini island in Greece with the aim to locate, explore, survey and study the caves of the island. Four members of Cardiff University caving club, four students of Cardiff University SHARE, two Archaeologists from the Greek Archaeological Service and 3 cavers from the Hellenic Speleological Society comprised the team. 24 days spent on the island exploring 11 caves in three different fields.
Santorini is a volcanic island in the complex of Cyclades in southern Greece. The island is mainly consisted by volcanic material – lava flows, puff, pumice – a limestone core also exists in the areas of mesa Vouno and Profitis Elias.
Eleven caves have been recorded during the expedition. 4 lava and 7 limestone cavities have been explored and we are positive that that we have locate the first lave tubes in Eastern Mediterranean. We collected rock samples form the lava caves’ walls for further analysis in the lab. Structures like chapels and megalithic walls that existed inside the caves have been recorded using 3D photogrammetry but also traditionally hand drawing methods.