Thera Volcano

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Introduction
1.1 The Aegean Region 2
1.2 The Eruption of Thera 2
1.3 Volcanic Consequences 3
1.4 Minoan Civilization Demise 4
1.5 Statement Aim 4
2. References 5

Introduction
1.1 The Aegean Region

During the second millennium B.C, around 1650, there was an eruption of the Thera volcano. Located in Greece, the volcano is in modern-day Santorini an island in the south of the Aegean Sea (Fig 1). Thera is part of the South Aegean Volcanic arc, which a consequence of the subduction of the African Tectonic plate beneath the Eurasian Tectonic plate.8,9 The convergence of the two plates formed a chain which consists of many active dormant volcanoes9, Thera being the most notable of them. Prior to the eruption, the Minoan civilization inhabited this area, and the island of Crete, which is situated about 110 kilometres south of the volcano.4 The Minoans were renowned for their successful sea trades, palaces and their art.4 There is a large debate on whether the explosion and the tsunami which followed caused the eventual downfall of the civilization.4

1.2 The Eruption of Thera
The eruption released an
1.5 Statement of aim The aim of this report is to examine the eruption of Thera, and the severity of the environmental, health and societal impact it had on the area and nearby