## 5 Results--Discussion  
### Geological Models Review  
Based on the various approaches concerning the geology of the Samaria Gorge, and the theoretical background improvement, different geological models were proposed, highlighting the geological regime of the wider area. Particularly, three geological models have been proposed by: (a) [PERSON] and [PERSON] [3; 4]--1 st model, (b) [PERSON] and [PERSON] [5]--2 nd model, (c) [PERSON] et al. [6; 7]--3 rd model. Regarding the 1 st model [3; 4] shown in Figure 4, the underlying bed system of Plattenkalk (after Chalikipopoulos [35]) is characterized by the following lithological formations (stratigraphyally from the upper to the lower one): (a) Phyllites, (b) Gray-white grayish, massive carbonates with sparse chert nodules, (c) Gray limestones with a cellular texture (in some locations), (d) Thin-bedded limestones with marl intercalations, (e) Dark, massive limestones with chert nodules and phyllite intercalations, (f) Calcitic phyllites and dark, crystalline limestones alternations, (g) Crystalline limestones, (h) Calcitic phyllites and dark, crystalline limestone alternations and (i) Calcitic phyllites. According to this model, the Plattenkalk system consists of thin-bedded, crystalline limestones, including nodules and/or thin chert intercalations and thin phyllite intercalations. These limestones are locally documented in a thick-bedded form, without chert occurrences, maintaining the crystallization. Moreover, the transition of these formations to calcitic phyllites is observed. The formations system, overlying Plattenkalk, includes a lower sequence of limestones and dolomites (Madara-Kalke), and an upper sequence consisting of phyllites, quartzites, rauwhavakes, gypsum, limestones, eruptive formations and iron ores. According to [PERSON] and [PERSON] [5], the 2 nd model (shown in Figure 5) suggests that the underlying system of the Plattenkalk includes: (a) Thin-bedded alternations of clay phyllites and (meta)sandstones with low-grade metamorphism, marls, as well as sparse thin-bedded limestones and chert occurrences. This sequence is also known as \"Gigilos beds\"; (b) A carbonate system, subjected to different tectonic phases of folding and uplift. It is characterized by significant thickness in the greatest part of the White Mountains region, and it is divided into (a) White-gravish-whitish marbles, locally cracked, showing karstic  
Figure 4: The geological model for the wider Samaria Gorge modified from [PERSON] and [PERSON] [3] —1 st geological model: (a) Lithological map of the study area; (b) Description of the geological formations. features, (b) Stromatolitic dolomites and (c) Black dolomites, showing a cellular texture, strongly cracked with karstic features. Regarding the Plattenkalk series, the upper members consist of thick-bedded carbonate formations, alternating with green, calcite phyllites, while brown-black slates are locally documented (White Mountains metaflysch). The lower members consist of thin-bedded and strongly recrystallized gray-black limestones and dolomites, forming beds with thin chert intercalations and nodules. Finally, the overlying Trypali unit, strongly karstified and tectonically affected, includes (meta)carbonate formations, which locally show a conglomerate-breccia formation. In particular, the upper horizons consist of coarse carbonate conglomerate-breccia formations and recrystallized limestones-dolomitic limestones, while the corresponding lower ones include strongly recrystallized, white-grayish, thick-bedded and cracked limestones, as well as dark dolomites. According to [PERSON] et al. [6; 7], the 3 rd model (Figure 6), which considers the study of [PERSON] et al.