Wind gap of Arkesini - Rachoula

Here you are exactly at the saddle point of the Saddle Valley of Arkesini - Rachoula. This is located on the road to Arkesine, just past the church of Saint Konstantinos and the exit to Rachoula.

The two villages lie on both valley flanks of the wind gap (saddle valley) and enjoy the rich soils formed here by this remarkable topological situation. This is where mathematics and soil science come together.

A saddle valley has the shape of a saddle. You undoubtedly had to study that shape in your math class because the saddle point has a remarkable property. It is the lowest point of a cross-section in one direction and the highest point in the cross-section perpendicular to it. And you could find that point with the second derivative.

Due to this remarkable shape, the soil material collects here near the saddle point. In the other direction the slopes are still very weak and therefore you get little erosion. In the past, terraces were built to prevent limited erosion, because these types of soils are worth agricultural gold. The soil material is mainly clay with gravel from the weathered limestone mountains around. Perfect for retaining nutrients and water. And you will certainly notice the effect of those rich agricultural conditions here.

Pascal Brackman