Seismic geomorphology of the Israel slump complex in the Levant Basin (SE Mediterranean)

Abstract

Mass transport complexes (MTCs) are significant constituents of the post-evaporitic overburden in the Levant Basin, offshore Israel. Analysis of a new 3D seismic dataset offshore central Israel reveals that the Israel Slump Complex (ISC) consists of three stacked mass transport deposits (MTDs). The MTDs vary in lateral extent from between ~351 and 752 km2 with thicknesses between ~190 and 325 m, accounting for a remobilised sediment volume of ~35–94 km3. Interestingly, each MTD is unique, exhibiting different geometries, internal architectures, and halokinetic-related imprints. We document a novel palmlike erosional morphology, blocky facies, arcuate facies, mounded structure, syn-depositional thrust systems, and a channelised geometry. These configurations indicate different transport distance, mechanics, and kinematic history for each MTD within the complex, and may suggest different trigger events. The results of this study shed light on the interplay of multiple MTDs within a greater MTC. It also provides new insights into the nature and formation of the ISC in the offshore area of central Israel, which arose from at least three short-timed mass wasting events during the Late Pliocene. Likewise it may serve as an analogue to understand the configurations of MTDs in basins with well-developed evaporite layers.