A global scientific expedition in earth sciences took place on Lesvos Island, Greece, from September 26 to October 5, 2024, It was organized by the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering at Nanjing University (NJU) in collaboration with the University of the Aegean. Led by Professors Hu Keyi, Shi Yukun, and Li Guangwei, the team constisted 15 undergraduate students from various colleges at Nanjing University, along with one high school student from NJU’s Leap Program.
Lesvos is renowned for its diverse geological monuments and unique landforms. Among these are impressive volcanoes, hot springs, significant fossil sites, extensive geological faults, waterfalls, and coastal formations that provide vital evidence of the geological history of the Aegean basin. Under the guidance of Professor Nickolas Zouros from the University of Aegean, team members examined volcanic structures, hot springs, and faults, visited the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geological Park to study the formation and preservation of silicified woods, and made inferences about ancient environments.
The island also boasts rich biological and cultural resources. The team observed bird activities at the Kallonis Wetland, learned about olive oil production at the Olive Oil Museum, explored ancient Greek architectural styles and their evolution at Mesa, and appreciated exquisite ancient Greek handicrafts at the Mytilene Museum, all of which reflect the island’s diverse cultural heritage.
Coinciding with China’s National Day celebrations, the expedition team extended heartfelt wishes to their motherland in honor of its 75th birthday while in Greece.
Prior to their departure, the 16 members were divided into four groups based on research interests, conducting literature reviews to build foundational knowledge on their topics. The hands-on observations during their time on the island further deepened their understanding. On October 3, the four groups presented their findings at the University of the Aegean, receiving valuable feedback and suggestions from faculty members, which significantly enhanced their research analysis skills and collaborative abilities.
This international scientific expedition provided students with invaluable insights into the unique geological and ecological phenomena of Lesvos Island, broadening their global perspective. The project is expected to foster further collaboration in the future, yielding more valuable scientific contributions.
