Estimating Sinkhole Hazard in the Dead Sea Coastal Area Using P-wave Velocities and Magnetic Resonance Soundings

We propose a geophysical tool for estimating sinkhole hazard in the Dead Sea coastal area in Israel and Jordan. This tool is based on joint use of seismic refraction and Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS) methods. Application of this approach in Nahal Hever south (Israel) and Ghor al Haditha (Jordan) reveals its efficiency. Obtained results are in a good agreement with other data available. It has been found that after sinkhole development subsurface caverns are refilled by rocks both in Israel and Jordan. Development of new caverns was not observed. Our results suggest that areas actually exposed to sinkholes disaster could be safely used in the future.