TROODOS UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK Antonio Giner Reina Maria

TROODOS UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK Antonio Giner Reina Maria Christou Alexandros Kallinakis Rodoula Theoti

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GEOPARK • The mountainous Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark area is in the central part of the island with its highest peak, Olympos, at 1952 m and 57 km from the capital, Nicosia. It has an area of 1. 147 km 2 and its boundary is roughly delineated by the extent of the ophiolite complex. The mountains are covered by natural forests and agricultural fields, vineyards and orchards. The uplift of the ophiolite fragmented its rocks, with radial drainage patterns creating varied and impressive landscapes.

• At first, we were divided into two equal teams. Each team was at different stations. While the first group was watching a film which provided information about the Troodos Geopark, the other group was given a guided tour of the museum.

THE GUIDED TOUR The guided tour was divided into four stations. In the first one, there was a 3 D maquet of the Troodos mountain. There were some led lights and each one of them was representing a specific area of it. We were also able to see the borders of the Geopark as well as some mines.

THE SECOND STATION • In the second station, there was an earthquake machine, where all the students could jump and see if they can create a strong earthquake. Moreover, there was a wall which had the Stratigraphy of the Troodos Ophiolite.

THE THIRD STATION • As for the third station, there was an exhibition with a variety of stones and rocks that was found at Troodos Mountain. There were different kinds of stone like chromites, which were used to give colours in our religion’s pictures.

THE FINAL STATION • In the final station, there was a recreation of a mine. There, students could see how mines used to be years ago. They could also find information about the history of Asbestos’ Mine and some tools that was found in the nearest hospital. .

• After the two groups had finished their tour, the tour guide gave them some queries in order to see what they’ve learnt.