Geology of the Corinth Canal Zone

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Volume 13 Annual Issue Article 23

1906

Charles R. Keyes

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Recommended Citation Keyes, Charles R. (1906) "Geology of the Corinth Canal Zone," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 13(1), 195-195. Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol13/iss1/23

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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 Te-rtiary 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. XV 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 four 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 s1.ones chiefiy. Near tile center there is reached beneath these deposits a very hard rock which is exposed for a distance of a mile. This is p'rob ably of Cretaceous age. The extreme induration is characteristic of the Cretaceous rocks of the neighborhood. (195)

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