Dhahrat Al-Qurain Pressure Ridge Structure of the Dead Sea Transform Fault, NW Jordan

Dhahrat Al-Qurain structure is formed after a restraining bend along the active Jordan Valley sinistral strike-slip fault, which is a part of the Dead Sea Transform Fault separating the Arabian plate from the Sinai subplate. The present study aims to understand the volcano-tectonic relationship in the structure. Detailed measurements of the structural elements are done to compare them with modern sandbox models. Also, this study attempts to deduce the mechanisms that led to the formation of the Dhahrat Al-Qurain structure and basalt eruption. The Pleistocene age of Ghor El-Katar Formation in the structure squeezed and experienced upward movement above the stepover, confined by a sinistral, oblique system with an arcuate shape. Later, left-lateral inclined fault planes formed within the main Jordan Valley Fault, connecting through increased displacement to form the principal displacement zones. The uplift evolved into a rhomboidal shape, marked by outer and internal reverse faults. Increasing displacement led to increased amplitude and deformation. A complex system of dextral and sinistral strike-slip faults fractured the rhomboidal pressure ridge structure. The raised blocks exhibited block rotation, synthetic and antithetic movements. Basalt is strongly pushed upward and uplifted Ghor El-Katar Formation causing its tilt at steep to vertical angles.