Geology field trip May 8th 09

[jema...@gmail.com]

U3A Larnaca – Geology Group

The next meeting of the Geology Group will be on Friday May 8th and
will take the form of a field trip to the copper mines at Sia.
The geological process by which Copper ores (together with traces of
Gold and Silver) were concentrated in Cyprus is highly unusual. In
fact, the process only occurred here and in Japan. I will give a
brief explanation of the process and an overview of the geology of the
area before we set off for the mines.
Copper was being extracted from these mines since earliest recorded
history (Herod sent slaves from Jerusalem to work a mine that he
rented in the area) but other lens of ore were being found in the late
1920’s and were worked by the ‘opencast method’ as late as 1970.
The resulting pit offers us an overview of the geology of the area.
We shall look at this before we take some time looking at the spoil
heaps for examples of a range of crystals and minerals. We shall then
move one of the ancient mines.
Sensible shoes, a hat and a supply of water will allow attendees to
explore at leisure.
We shall meet at the roundabout at the intersection ofE104 and B1
outside Mosfiloti at 10.00.
All Larnaca U3A members will be most welcome to join us. Please let
me know if you plan to attend so that I can ensure we wait for anyone
delayed. Thanks.
Contact Details:- John Lawley
Email – jema...@gmail.com
Tel: 24 333 335. Mob 99187622