Palea Kameni
Nickname: "Old Burnt Island" | |
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| Geography | |
| Location | Mediterranean Sea |
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Palea Kameni, also known as Palia Kameni, is a volcanic island in the Santorini Caldera. The island was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions that formed large deposits of pumice and Dactite. The island's name translates to "Old Burnt Island".[1]
History
Palea Kameni was formed by a series of eruptions between 197 B.C and 47 A.D.[2] The appearance of the island was first noted in the 47 A.D. journal of Roman scientist Cassius Dio, who wrote "This year a small islet, hitherto unknown, made an appearance close to the island of Thera."[3] The island was gradually built up by further volcanic activity, though outright eruptions ceased by the end of the 1st century A.D. No signs of activity were reported on the island until 726, when the island suffered an explosive eruption of pumice.[2] Volcanic activity then ceased again until the 1500's, when the development of Palea's sister island Nea Kameni caused increased volcanic activity to be reported.[2][1]
The island lays to the southwest of Nea Kameni. Though the island is uninhabited, several structures (including a small church) are located on the island. Due to a lack of good harbors, most recreational watercraft do not stop at the island, though tourists can swim to the island via Nea Kameni. Like the larger island to its east, Palea Kameni is sparsely vegetated with Succulent plants.[1] The island also contains a hot spring.[4]
References
- ^ a b c "Visit the Volcano – Santorini.net". www.santorini.net. Retrieved 2018-07-13.
- ^ a b c "The Kameni Islands". www.decadevolcano.net. Retrieved 2018-07-13.
- ^ "Thera (Cyclades) 2 Santorini - Θήρα". topostext.org. Retrieved 2018-07-13.
- ^ "Volcano and Hot Springs in Santorini island - Greeka.com". Greeka. Retrieved 2018-07-13.