Geology

Differing geologic features, landforms, and climate cause significant differences in hydrologic conditions from one part of the region to another. A geologic map showing rock units, their age, lithology, and water-bearing properties is shown. The map shows the upper- most rock unit in a given area; several rock units may actually exist with depth at a given location.

Generalized geologic units and water-bearing properties. Top: Sedimentary rocks. Bottom: Igneous and metamorphic rocks.

A schematic cross section shows the arrangement of rock units along a vertical slice through the earth’s surface from the Mediterranean Sea to east of the Jordan River and illustrates the relative vertical positions of the rock units. In general, rock units thicken west of the Jordan River and continue to thicken toward the Mediterranean Sea. Rock units have been faulted and folded. Volcanic deposits occur as surficial flows and as volcanic necks in subsurface areas. (Local names are in parentheses.)

Volcanic plug rising through eroded sand- stone of geologic unit Kk, near Wadi Hasa