The exposure of Škėvonys

The exposure of Škėvonys is a geological object of natural heritage, recognized to be a geological monument of nature in 1984. It is one of the most valuable geological objects in Norther Europe, formed at the end of the Ice Age. The cliff of the exposure which stretches for more than half a kilometre reaches a height of up to 33 meters at its highest point. A 1.6 km long cognitive path can be found at the top of it. The exposure is located on the right bank of Nemunas River in Birštonas municipality, halfway between Prienai and Birštonas, in Nemunas Loops Regional Park. The exposure is best seen from Nemunas River or from the other side of the river, at Giraitiškės resort.

The unique ridge of Škėvonys and its surrounding area, the exposure of Škėvonys and the pronounced erosive spur of Birštonas are protected in Škėvonys geomorphological reserve.

Škėvonys ridge is formed from good quality gravel, therefore it has been excavated for a long time. Its destruction began before the World War II. At the time, excavated gravel was still transported with horses. During the post-war period, a gravel quarry was established here, and a large part of the ridge was irrevocably destroyed. The quarry was expanding frighteningly close to Birštonas. Thanks to the efforts of supporters of the values of the Great Nemunas Loops landscape, these harmful activities have been stopped.

For geologists, this area is particularly valuable for its different rocks revealing landscape formation processes that are more than 100 thousand years old, while for travellers this is a wonderful place to admire the panorama of Nemunas River and its banks. The exposure of Škėvonys is one of the most well-known rock outcrops of the Quaternary Age found on the slopes of Nemunas valley. It is included in the list of the most valuable geological objects of the Northwest Europe. The exposure which stretches for more than half a kilometre and reaches a height of up to 33 meters is a unique section of Škėvonys ridge, with pronounced layers of the last two ice ages and interglacial sediments. Ridge width at its narrowest point is less than 100 m, and more than 400 m – at its widest point. The middle part of the exposure has a deep and wide erosive trench (where the slope is more inclined). The lower part of the exposure is wet is some parts due to seeping groundwater.

Sources:

1. https://www.visitbirstonas.lt