
Structure and seismicity of the Dead Sea Fault and the Galilee revealed by 3D earthquake tomography
Ben-Dor G. (1,2); Kurzon I. (2); Aizenshtat-Soffer E. (2,3); Wetzler N. (2); Weinberger R. (1,2); Tape C. (4); Tsesarsky M. (1,5)
(1) Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105
(2) Geological Survey of Israel, 32 Yesha'ayahu Leibowitz, Jerusalem 9692100, Israel
(3) The Fredy and Nadine Herrmann Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
(5) Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
We present 3D velocity models for P-waves (Vp), S-waves (Vs), their ratio (Vp/Vs), and a catalog of relocated seismicity for the central Dead Sea Fault (DSF) system and its branches across the Galilee, including the Carmel-Gilboa-Faria Fault (CGFF) system. The models utilize the recently upgraded Israel Seismic Network and a dataset of ~1,500 local earthquakes (1.5<MW). Along the DSF, shallow differences are observed between a high-velocity western side and a low-velocity eastern side. Along the CGFF system, low velocities are observed within its major sedimentary basins relative to the surrounding area. Vp/Vs ratio exhibits elevated values at the intersection of the DSF and the CGFF and at the northern part of the Kinneret basin (the Sea of Galilee), suggesting that significant rock damage due to complex tectonic activity is present in those areas. An increase in mean Vp/Vs values and a rise in seismic activity below 15 km indicate the existence of a transition zone at this depth, possibly related to a shift in the mechanical properties of the crust. Relocated seismicity is generally confined to vertical fault segments along the DSF, with activity alternating between the border faults of the system. Beneath the Kinneret basin, shallow seismicity indicates a high-angle eastward-dipping fault surface on the western side of the basin, consistent with findings from previous studies. The observations presented here offer valuable insights into the crustal structure of this tectonically complex region, uncovering key structural features related to the DSF and CGFF systems.