Lake Elji and a geological perspective on the evolution of Petra, Jordan

摘要: Abstract The draining of the herein introduced ancient Lake Elji, and subsequent erosion its lacustrine sediments, were necessary precursors to Late Epipalaeolithic (Natufian) later settlement Petra. This study investigates this geological history relates it human occupation broader region. Widespread carbonates consisting algal mat deposits, beach rocks, rhizoliths are consistently present at 1060 m contour line what is believed be shoreline Elji in Petra basin. Well sorted siliciclastic fluvio-lacustrine sediments lower elevations patterns all indicate that a standing body water once existed area. Stable isotopes carbon oxygen, as well fossil assemblages textures carbonate suggest was an open lake with regular outflows. A sill has been identified Ras Btahi, indicating southward outflow direction, opposed current drainage pattern towards west. lack basin closure west time, evidenced by thick, low energy sediment accumulations, tectonic movements responsible for breaching establishing hydrological pattern. Results obtained from optical stimulated luminiscence (OSL) palaeolake closed least 100 Ka up approximately 9 Ky. timeline also supported distribution archaeological sites area previously documented massive erosional event end period. Subsequent gradual denudation allowed center during Early Nabatean