Geological evolution of the Jordan valley

Abdallah S. Al-Zoubi, and Z.S.H. Abu-Hamatteh
Abstract: 

In the northwestern Arabian Plate, Dead Sea represents one of the most important geological features in the region as its geodynamic setting represents the last significant event that took place in the breaking of the Plate. Integrating the available geological and geophysical data will help to draw a sequence of evaluation of the study area. The tectonic history of Jordan may be divided into three phases: (1) the Gondwana; (2) Syrian Arc, and (3) Rift phase. A strike-slip fault type motion along the Dead Sea Rift was initiated during the Middle Miocene which developed a small component of oblique extension during the post Miocene time leading to opening of several basins along the rift. Subsidence of the rift probably commenced in the Pliocene with the deposition of the evaporite sediments in the Dead Sea basin which was accelerated during the Pleistocene.

DOI: 
10.3809/jvirtex.2009.00248