Reversal of the palaeodrainage system in the Sea of Galilee area as an indicator of the formation timing of the Dead Sea Rift valley base level in northern Israel

Abstract

The 'Amud Stream in eastern Galilee, Israel, drains southeastwards to the Sea of Galilee base level, which is part of the Dead Sea Rift. Conglomerates of Neogene age, exposed close to the stream, show a WNW palaeodrainage direction. Young basalt flows, 2.5-2.2 Ma (±0.2 Ma) old, along the 'Amud Stream slope northwards towards a younger conglomerate which fills the 'Amud valley. This conglomerate, which also slopes to the WNW, contains basalt pebbles derived from the basalt flows [yielding a KAr age of 2.7-2.3 Ma (±0.5 Ma)]. Based on the relationship between the different conglomerates, the basalt flows and the physiography of the 'Amud Stream, it is concluded that at least until 2 m.y. ago this region, which is close to the present eastern base level, was drained to the WNW towards the Mediterranean. Thus, the Sea of Galilee area did not constitute a base level, at least for the 'Amud Stream catchment area, prior to at the most 2 m.y. ago.