A three-dimensional interpretation of the newly compiled Bouguer anomaly map of the Dead Sea Transform (DST) is presented. A high-resolution 3-D model constrained with the seismic results reveals a possible crustal thickness and density distribution beneath the Rift. The negative Bouguer anomalies (-130 mGal) along the axial portion of the Rift floor, as deduced from the modelling results, are mainly caused by deep seated basins of light sediments (≥10 km). The inferred zone of intrusion coincides with the maximum gravity anomaly over the eastern flank of the Rift. The intrusion is displaced at different sectors along the NW-SE direction. The zone of the maximum crustal thinning (≤30 km) is attained in the western sector at the Mediterranean. The southeastern plateau, on the other hand, shows by far the largest crustal thickness in the region (38-42 km). Linked to the left lateral movement of ~ 107 km at the boundary between the African and Arabian plates, and constrained with recent seismic data, a small asymmetric topography of the Moho beneath the DST was modelled. The thickness and densities of the crust ranging from 2650-2900 kg/m suggest that the DST underlain by a continental crust. The deep basins, the relatively large nature of the intrusion and the asymmetric topography of the Moho, lead to the conclusion that a small-scale asthenospheric upwelling(?) might be responsible for the thinning of the crust and subsequent rifting of the DST during the left lateral movement.

An-Najah University Journal for Research - Natural Sciences (A) ISSN: 1727-2114
Volume 19 , 2005, Pages: 185-207