The sacred island of Delos is sinking by one centimeter (0.39 in) every year, according to alarming findings from the island’s newly established Climate Observatory.
The data, originally reported by the Greek newspaper Eleftheros Typos, was presented by Professor Costas Synolakis during the announcement of the results from the “Delos Marine Parameter Monitoring Network.”
The sinking of Delos
According to Professor Synolakis, the phenomenon is driven by a double threat: rising sea levels triggered by climate change, combined with local geodynamic processes that cause the coastline to subside.
The study’s projections offer a grim outlook for the historic island:
- By 2050: Local sea levels are projected to rise by 21 centimeters under an optimistic scenario, and up to 28 centimeters under a worst-case scenario.
- By 2100: Those estimates jump drastically to 48 centimeters and 87 centimeters, respectively.
The data was collected by the Delos Climate Observatory, which was established in early 2024 specifically to protect the island—a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with traces of human habitation dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.
A pioneering monitoring network on Delos
For the past two years, a pioneering network of atmospheric, oceanographic, and seismological instruments has been operating on the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
The network records real-time environmental data impacting the island’s monuments. It is directly linked to the supercomputing infrastructure of the Academy of Athens, allowing researchers to systematically track the footprint of the climate crisis in real time.
The initiative was implemented by the Academy of Athens’ Research Center for Atmospheric Physics and Climatology (KEFAK), with support from the “21” Initiative, and in collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens and the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades.
Geodynamic risks and the threat of “salt spray”
The monitoring project also focuses heavily on seismic and environmental wear. Dr. Nikolaos Melis, Research Director of the Geodynamic Institute, outlined the seismic risks facing the island, explaining that measuring ground acceleration during tremors is vital to understanding how ancient structures withstand seismic stress.
Meanwhile, Professor Synolakis raised urgent concerns regarding “salt spray” (sea spray aerosols), identifying it as one of the most destructive factors causing the rapid deterioration of the ancient ruins.
Warning that global warming may be accelerating faster than current models predict, Synolakis stressed that the island’s new monitoring system is crucial. By delivering highly accurate, real-time measurements, it gives scientists the data needed to draft precise defense plans to safeguard this irreplaceable piece of world heritage.
Related: Delos: The Greek Island Where Mythology and History Come Alive
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