Sketch of the Physii-al Nature of Cypr 



the loftiest parts of the mountain-range, from Irka Steratsa west of Kykko to Kionia near the monastery 

 of Makhaeras. From this rule only Chionistra with its nearest environs is an exception, consisting chiefly 

 of serpentines and kindred rocks, which also occur in most of the numerous small eruptive intrusions along 

 the south-western coast of the island. Towards both the eastern and western termination of the Troodos- 

 range, and also along its northern slopes, the rock has chiefly the character of green or brown andesites, 

 the green varieties occurring most frequently. Most of the famous ancient copper-mines were situated 

 within the limits of the latter rocks. 



As already maintained by Gaudry, and confirmed by all subsequent investigators, it is clear, that 

 the eruption of these igneous rocks has taken place after the formation of the Miocene limestones. In the 



E<»3 ^ o* Crti-w.cU 



Fig. 1. The Distrihutiou of the Geological Foriiiatioiis mi C^vprus. (After Bellamy). 



contact-zone the limestones are always more or less metamorphosed, and have often been altered into 

 crystalline marbles. In sevei'al places it can be clearly seen, that the Miocene sti-ata have been penetrated 

 by the serpentines. On the other hand it is evident, that the eruptive action was settled before the deposition 

 of the upper Pliocene layers. 



In the lowlands Pliocene and Quarternary strata have a considerable distribution. They may be 

 classified as sandstones, conglomerates, calcareous tufa and lastly the alluvium. In most cases the cementing 

 matter in these rocks is carbonate of lime, more seldom oxide of iron. While the Pliocene layers chiefly 

 occur in the interior of the plain, ascending between Nikosia and Nisu to 280 m. above the sea (Bergeat), 

 the Quarternary deposits are prevalent in the coast region. 



