GEOLOGY OF THE CORINTH CANAL ZONE. 
BY CHARLES R. KEYES. 
Plates XIV-XV. 
(Abstract.) 
At the present time when we are hearing so much about the Panama 
canal we almost forget that there are other important constructions of 
this kind in other parts of the world. Of the famous canals there is 
one about which little mention appears to be made. This is the Corinth 
ship canal in Greece. It is of special geological interest on account of 
the fact that it gives a superb cross-section of a sea-beach dating from 
middle Tertiary times, and continuing to the present time. 
The location of the Corinthian canal is shown on the cut; Plate XIV. 
A view of this canal is given in PL XY taken from the Athens and Cor- 
inth railroad bridge which spans the canal at a height of 170 feet. 
Although open only within the last decade and a half the Corinth canal 
is a very old project. The first proposal for this canal was made 600 
years B. C. by Periander, Tyrant of Corinth. The Roman emperors 
Julius Caesar and Caligula became greatly interested in the scheme; but 
it remained for the emperor Nero to prosecute the -work in earnest. 
Since his time many persons have continued the work. 
The canal is about tour miles long. The cut is 280 feet deep at the 
highest point;* and about 260 feet wide at the top and 70 feet at the bot- 
tom. The water is 26 feet deep. 
The old beach deposits appear to be Middle or Late Tertiary sand- 
stones chiefly. Near the center there is reached beneath these deposits a 
very hard rock which is exposed for a distance of a mile. This is prob- 
ably of Cretaceous age. The extreme induration is characteristic of the 
Cretaceous rocks of the neighborhood. 
( 196 ) 
