THE DEEP-STRUCTURE OF THE CARMEL FAULT ZONE, NORTHERN ISRAEL, FROM GRAVITY-FIELD ANALYSIS

The Carmel-Yizre'el-Jordan fault system is a major structural feature in the geology of Israel. There is a great difference in topographical features, structural style, seismic activity, crustal structure, and other geological characteristics to the north and south of this fault system. We examine the gravity field of the region around the fault sy stem by combining the techniques of upward continuation and horizontal gradient analysis. The results suggest the existence of a system of d eep seated, N-S trending faults that are probably related to the conti nental breakup of the region in the Triassic-Jurassic. The present com plex deformation of the area is the result of interaction between the older faults system and the younger stresses resuiting from the format ion of the Dead Sea rift.