Sarakiniko Beach, Greece

December 12, 2011

Sarakiniko Beach

Photographer: Attila Csernatoni
Summary Author: Attila Csernatoni

The photo above features Sarakiniko Beach on the island of Milos in the Aegean Sea. It’s one of the most bizarre beaches of the Cyclades island group. Milos is volcanic in origin. Volcanic activity in the southern Aegean area began some 2-3 million years ago -- Milos was active until approximately 90,000 years ago. Two extinct volcanoes are found on the island, one near Firiplaka on the south coast, and one near Trachylas in the northwest. Obsidian that resulted from rhyolitic volcanism has been exploited here since Neolithic age (70,000 years ago). Sarakiniko Beach was partially formed from numerous episodes of fossil layering -- of both sea and land organisms. The contrasting fossil layers, the wind and wave sculpted volcanic rock forms and the absence of vegetation gives the beach the look of a lunar landscape. Photo taken on June 18, 2011.

Photo Details: Nikon D90 camera; focal length 24 mm; aperture f/8; exposure time 1/200 second.

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