Basin with strike-slip deformation ： The northern edge of the Gulf of Elat

Liu Chih-Yu

Abstract

Sedimentary basins generally form by localized extension along strike-slip fault system which itself may be related to either divergent, convergent, or oblique relative plate motion. The plate boundary can subdivide into three types: divergent, convergent and transform setting. The different mechanism causes a dissimilarity result. For example, the strike-slip motions cause the transform setting and the pull-apart basin is because of strike-slip deformation cause. The Gulf of Aqaba is located at the southern of the Dead Sea transform. The multichannel seismic and bathymetric data are presented, which clarify the Plio-Quaternary evolution of the northern Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea Transform (DST). The seismic data reveal two main seismic sequences, a lower (pre-tectonic) and an upper (syn-tectonic) unit, separated by a prominent unconformity. These units are each linked to a distinct tectonic phase in the history of the DST. The stepover of the main strand of the DST from the eastern side of the Elat Deep to the western side of the northern Gulf of Aqaba was mapped in detail for the first time. Comparisons of the new geophysical findings with analog model support this assertion.

 

References

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