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Methods for characterization of sediment along the hypersaline Nahal Ha’Arava

G. Katz(1,2), I.Sirota(1), NG.Lensky(1,2)-

(1) Geological Survey of Israel, 32 Yesha'ayahu Leibowitz, Jerusalem 9692100, Israel

(2) The Fredy and Nadine Herrmann Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Nahal HaArava hosts a permanent flow of hypersaline end brine derived from industrial activities in the southern basin of the Dead Sea. This stream has incised into the sedimentary basin fill as a response to the ongoing fall of the Dead Sea water level. As part of the Salt Harvest project, this research investigates the stream's potential to transport salt harvested from the evaporation ponds to the Northern basin of the Dead Sea. The two primary objectives of this study are, (1) To develop a field sampling system for suspended and bedload sediments, (2) to characterize the grain size distribution of transported sediments, to determine suspended sediment concentrations, and to evaluate bedload flux. Methodology The study developed specialized sampling techniques and laboratory procedures designed to withstand the harsh conditions of a hypersaline environment. The sampling system utilized BLSH-48 Sampler for capturing bedload sediments,US-DH-48 Sampler for capturing suspended sediments.Than Samples were collected in the field, tagged, and weighed in the lab. Analysis included dehydrating samples to calculate solvent/water fractions, determining sediment/brine ratios, and separating volumes into grain size fractions.The investigation successfully quantified the sediment transport dynamics within the flowing brine of Nahal HaArava. Key findings include:Low Detritus Concentration,High Salt Transport Potential, and proved System Efficacy

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