The dead sea transform and the volcanism in Northwestern Arabia

Abstract

Volcanism is common along the northern segments of the Dead Sea Transform (DST). In this paper we review its distribution and composition and conclude that this tectono-magmatic association has mainly to do with the magma migration toward the surface and less with magma generation, namely: some volcanic activity concentrated along the DST due to better magma channeling and not due to an enhanced mantle partial melting along this lineament. The volcanism along the DST is clearly part of the western Arabia magmatism, and the early phases of this volcanism probably have to do with Red Sea-related extension during the Early to Middle Miocene. Nevertheless, the DST does play a role in the emplacement of lithospheric mantle domains with different compositions next to each other, which is reflected in the derived lavas.