The petrified forest
Location: Located in the village of Raven (Momchilgrad) in a deep gorge, called by locals Gabaz gulch. "The Trees" are among both sides of the gorge with over 120 m length. They represent twenty stumps of trees burned by fire. They are 1 to 1.5 m tall and thickness of 0.4 to 0.6 m. In the cross section of trunks are clearly distinct annual rings. The forest in Raven is unique because the trees are upright. There is no other similar forest found in Bulgaria. Origins: It is believed that the Petrified Forest is about 30 million years olf and is the result of underwater volcanic activity and external ground forces. There are two opinions regarding its forming. According to some, it has no biological origin and is formed from sedimentary rocks composed of tightly cemented fine sand and old rocks. The second view argues that it was forest, located on the coast of ancient Tertiary seas, or off an island. In the ongoing intense volcanic activity, the forest was partially buried and burned by hot material. Some of the trees have been preserved, however, overwhelmed by this huge volcanic material. High temperature was charred whole trees or parts thereof. In some has been preserved skeleton of the tree. In the later stages of volcanic activity through these skeletons are flowing waters carrying with them flint substance and filled the cavities. So that is how are formed the fossil trees. Status: Petrified Forest was declared a protected site, category "landmark" in 1970, occupies an area of 75 acres. It is located in the maintained reserve Borovets, aiming storage formations of Turkish pine and oak. In the past trunks were higher. Unfortunately, the same forces that created the Petrified Forest, are still acting and are destroy it. If no action is taken, the trees will disappear completely. Access: With the car on the main road Momchilgrad - Krumovgrad turn at the plate for Tatul village. It’s at about 2000 meters from the asphalt road. Possible eco routes are in the through the river Nanovishka near the village Gurgulitsa, from village of Tatul and village of Nanovitsa. Along the ravine can be seen many carved into the rocks trapezoidal niches and other facilities. |
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