UNDER THE ΕΥΕ OF GODDESS ARTEMIS
Areas like Loussoi, dominated by limestone, are characterized by impressive karst landforms, such as polje. The Lousoi polje and the surrounding area relate to archeological data as in this place the Ancient Lousoi are found, which used to be a city of the ancient Arcadian Azania where the sanctuary of Artemis was built in honor of the Goddess. Ruins and archeological finds of the Lousoi ancient city and the sanctuary of Artemis have been discovered in the area.
GEODIVERSITY
In Loussoi area, limestones prevail, which are rocks that are easily dissolved by the action of water. Rainwater enriched with carbon dioxide (CO2) (from the atmosphere and the soil) reacts with the carbonates of the limestone, dissolves parts of the rock and expands existing cracks creating cavities (openings). The dissolution of limestone by the action of water is called karstification and leads to the formation of geomorphs, which are called karstic forms. Sucha geomorph is the Loussoi polje.
Poljes are large closed karstic flat valleys, surrounded by mountains. Their area varies from a few to hundreds of square kilometers while they are found at different altitudes from sea level up to over 1000 m.
Other karstic forms found within the polge of Loussoi are sinkholes (conduit-shaped karst openings that extend almost vertically into the carbonate rocks to form complex conduit systems that reach the ground surface) and limestone hums (karst formations, residual limestone rocks that form small hills within the polje).
The polje at winter is covered by stagnant water, while in the summer it turns into a fertile plain. Moreover, a small river called Mana runs through the polje.
BIODIVERSITY
The Lousoi valley with its fertile loamy soil is traditionally used for cereal cultivation, while its slopes are dominated by macchia vegetation with Quercus coccifera. In the north-eastern part of the valley, Abies cephalonica forests dominate, while in the south of the valley there are deciduous forests with the Quercus frainetto oaks.
