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XXX. — On the Geology of the Neighbourhood of Smyrna. 

 By HUGH EDWIN STRICKLAND, Esq., F.G.S. 



[Read April 5th, 1837.] 



XHE vicinity of Smyrna presents g-eological phaenomena of considerable in- 

 terest, and of a more complicated kind than is usual in Asia Minor. A resi- 

 dence there during the winter of 1835-36 enabled Mr. Hamilton and myself 

 to investigate this district with greater attention, than we could bestow upon 

 the other parts of Asia Minor, which we visited ; and its geology may, there- 

 fore, deserve to be laid before the Society in a separate communication. 



The details of the paper can be understood only by reference to the accom- 

 panying map, PI. XXXH., and by a general description of the geographical 

 features of the district. 



The Bay of Smyrna and the alluvial plain at its upper end lie between two 

 parallel ridges of high land, ranging from east to west. That on the north 

 commences with the lofty hill of Sipylus, rising abruptly from the plain of 

 Sardis ; and this ridge, which separates the waters of the Hermus from the 

 Bay of Smyrna, terminates at Menimen near the estuary of that river, the 

 western part being known by the name of Cordileon. Its total length is about 

 thirty-two miles. 



The ridge on the south side of Smyrna Bay, begins with Mount Tartali, 

 the ancient Mastusia, which is the western termination of the Tmolus range. 

 Descending towards the west it passes into the table-land which overhangs 

 Smyrna on the south. Further west the country again rises and forms the 

 group of conical mountains, anciently called Corax, which terminates at the 

 Isthmus of Vourla. The distance from Mount Tartali to Vourla is about 

 twenty-four miles. 



These two lofty ranges are united at the Pass of Cavakludere by a trans- 

 verse ridge, which separates the Vale of Nimphi from that of Smyrna, and 

 completely isolates the latter. 



The rocks in the vicinity of Smyrna belong to the following formations : — 



1. Micaceous schist and marble. 



2. Hippiirite limestone and greenish schist. 



3. Tertiary lacustrine limestone and marl. 



4. Trachytic rocks. 



