Cyprus is mainly made of igneous and sedimentary rocks, including ophiolite complexes, limestone, and sandstone.
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Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, is primarily composed of igneous and sedimentary rocks. According to geologists, the rocks on the island are quite diverse and have a complex geological history. The most widespread rocks on the island are ophiolite complexes, which are known to contain a wide range of minerals, including chromium, copper, gold, and silver. Additionally, these rocks are usually deeply weathered, and this natural process has played an important role in shaping the landscape of the island.
Another common rock found in Cyprus is limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate. It covers about 2/3 of the island and is responsible for the impressive rock formations like the sea caves, which are found throughout the island. Sandstone is another sedimentary rock present in Cyprus, though it is relatively less abundant compared to limestone.
Ophite complexes, limestone, and sandstone are not just rocks found in Cyprus. They have significant importance and have been a topic of discussion in the scientific community and among archeologists. Archaeological findings suggest that these rocks have been used throughout the history of the island, from ancient tombs and temples to traditional houses.
As geologists point out, Cyprus’s geological makeup has important implications for the region’s economy. Minerals such as copper, and zinc, are found in abundance in the ophiolites, and mining activities have been taking place on the island since ancient times. Cyprus was in fact once a major producer of copper.
Famous geologist Charles Lyell wrote, “Geology is the science which investigates the successive changes that have taken place in the organic and inorganic kingdoms of nature; it enquires into the causes of these changes, and the influence which they have exerted in modifying the surface and external structure of our planet.” Indeed, the geological makeup of Cyprus and its consequent impact on the environment, economy, and human history is a testament to the truth of Lyell’s statement.
Table:
| Rock Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Ophiolite complex | Includes minerals such as copper, gold, silver, and chromium. Now deeply weathered which helps in shaping the landscape. |
| Limestone | Sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate and covers around two-thirds of the Island. Forms impressive rocks like sea caves. |
| Sandstone | Sedimentary rock but is much less abundant compared to limestone. |
Interesting Facts:
- According to legend, Cyprus was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. She is said to have emerged from the sea foam near the island’s shores.
- The history of copper mining on the island goes back more than 4,000 years. The ancient Cypriots were known for their skill in mining copper.
- The Troodos mountains in Cyprus are home to many rare plant species, including the Cyprus cedar, which is found only on the island.
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Cyprus became divided after tensions rose between the Greek and Turkish populations following the country’s independence from Britain, leading to a Greek-backed coup in 1974. Turkey intervened unilaterally to protect the Turkish minority, which embarrassed the military government in Greece and led to international condemnation when Turkey continued to push further across the island. The Turkish Cypriot administration was created, and many people were forced out of their homes and cleared from the north. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot government declared independence, which was only supported by Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Despite international condemnation, the island remains divided today.
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It consists of a series of allochthonous volcanic, sedimentary and in smaller proportion metamorphic rocks that were formed 230-75 Ma and it includes the following: I. Volcanic (lavas) and sedimentary rocks (recrystallised limestones) of the Diarizos Group.
Troodos ophiolite rocks
Since the 1970s and the development of the theory of plate tectonics it has been realised that the Troodos ophiolite rocks represent a piece of ocean crust and mantle which has been uplifted in some way and formed the core of the island of Cyprus.
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Also to know is, Was Cyprus formed by a volcano?
The Cyprus volcaniclastic sediments were derived from a late Cretaceous volcanic pile which was probably a volcanic arc generated by a period of late Cretaceous subduction of an area of oceanic crust of which the Troodos Massif now forms one surviving fragment.
Simply so, How is Cyprus made? Response to this: Cyprus lies on the southern border of the Eurasian Plate and on the southern margin of the Anatolian Plate. The southern margin of the Anatolian Plate is in collision with the African Plate, which has created the uplift of the Cyprus arc and Cyprus itself.
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How old is Cyprus geologically?
Answer to this: About 90 million years ago, Cyprus was part of the bottom of a deep ocean, called Tethys. Tectonic movements at that time resulted in the collision of the African with the Eurasian plate, ultimately giving birth to the island.
Considering this, What are the mineral deposits in Cyprus?
Chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, bornite and cuprite represent the main copper minerals. The origin of the pyrite ore bodies is associated with the formation of new oceanic crust through seafloor spreading. The production of copper from sulphide deposits in Cyprus goes back to the Bronze Age.
How was Cyprus formed? In reply to that: The genesis of Cyprus took place through a series of complex tectonic processes in the broader context of the subduction of the African plate under the Eurasian plate. Thus, about 90 Ma, a new oceanic crust was created, part of which was cut off and later formed the Troodos ophiolite. Was Cyprus a volcano?
How many bedrock units are there in Cyprus? Cyprus is commonly divided into four bedrock units, which are illustrated in the small inset map at the right. From north to south they are: Troodos Ophiolite (red), surrounded by the Circum Troodos Sedimentary Succession (orange)
Furthermore, Which sediments are autochthonous to Cyprus?
The response is: The sediments that are autochthonous to Cyprus are called the Circum Troodos unit because they surround the Troodos. They were deposited between the Upper Cretaceous to the Pleistocene. Outcrops cover most of the island, with the exception of the Troodos mountains, which rise free.
Why is Cyprus a bedrock arc? The southern margin of the Anatolian Plate is in collision with the African Plate, which has created the uplift of the Cyprus arc and Cyprus itself. Cyprus is commonly divided into four bedrock units, which are illustrated in the small inset map at the right.
How was Cyprus formed?
The genesis of Cyprus took place through a series of complex tectonic processes in the broader context of the subduction of the African plate under the Eurasian plate. Thus, about 90 Ma, a new oceanic crust was created, part of which was cut off and later formed the Troodos ophiolite. Was Cyprus a volcano?
In this way, How many bedrock units are there in Cyprus?
Response: Cyprus is commonly divided into four bedrock units, which are illustrated in the small inset map at the right. From north to south they are: Troodos Ophiolite (red), surrounded by the Circum Troodos Sedimentary Succession (orange)
In respect to this, What does Cyprus look like?
In reply to that: A “golden-green leaf thrown into the Sea” and a land of “wild weather and volcanoes,” in the words of the Greek Cypriot poet Leonidas Malenis, Cyprus comprises tall mountains, fertile valleys, and wide beaches. Settled for more than 10 millennia, Cyprus stands at a cultural, linguistic, and historic crossroads between Europe and Asia.
Why is Cyprus a bedrock arc?
Answer: The southern margin of the Anatolian Plate is in collision with the African Plate, which has created the uplift of the Cyprus arc and Cyprus itself. Cyprus is commonly divided into four bedrock units, which are illustrated in the small inset map at the right.