Morphotectonic indices of the Eastern Wadi Araba (Dead Sea Rift, Jordan)

Abstract

Two morphotectonic indices, i,e, mountain front sinuosity (Smf), valley width to height ratio (Vf) were measured along the eastern rim of Wadi Araba, which represents the southern segment of the Dead Sea transform in Jordan. The area can be divided into three mountain fronts based on trend and continuity of the escarpment. The southern two fronts are controlled by two eroded boundary normal faults, while the northern front is controlled by the Dead Sea transform fault. Generally the values of these indices are low and characteristic to active mountain fronts with high uplift rate. The effect of rock type variations on the index values is clear on rocks of the same front; highly resistant igneous rocks show very low Smf and Vf values, whereas low resistant Lower Cretaceous sandstone show high index values.