The crustal structure and evolution of the Dead Sea Rift and its fault(s)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Michael Weber
• Subject Area: Geophysics
• Term: from 1999 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5203528

In an integrated geoscientific project wie plan to study the crustal and upper mantle structure in the Dead Sea Region and to image the Dead Sea Transform Fault. The field experiment consists of several mutually dependent and interlocked geophysical experiments:1. Seismic/Seismology: Wide-Angle Reflection/Refraction, Near-Vertical Reflection, Controlled Source Array, Passive Array; 2. Electromagnetics: Magnetotellurics, Time Domain Electromagnetics; 3. Magnetics and Gravimetry; 4. Integrative Interpretation. By determining the seismic velocities, the anisotropy, the electrical conductivity, and the density of the crust and the upper mantle, together with the same parameters for the fault(s) in the crust, in addition to their depth, shape, and width, we hope to be able to understand the dynamics and geological development of this large transform via an integrative interpretation that will include, if possible, the source mechanisms of local earthquakes. We furthermore expect to contribute to the understanding of the working of shear zones, their seismic risk, and their geodynamic role in Plate Tectonics.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Israel, Jordan, Palestine
• Participating Persons: Dr. Khalil Abu-Ayyash; Professor Dr. Zvi Ben-Avraham; Dr. Radwan El-Kelani; Dr. Stefan Helwig; D. Jaser; Professor Dr. Oliver Ritter