The Contribution of Geophysical Data for Investigations of the Hatrurim Complex, Israel

Unusual rocks of the Mottled Zone (MZ) are known in Israel and Jordan in the vicinity of the Dead Sea Transform. The genesis of the complex is problematic. The recent studies suggested the deep inflow and surface combustion of hydrocarbon gases that provided the heat for pyrometamorphism. MZ rocks are characterized by high differentiation in magnetic properties and density. Integrated geophysical studies of MZ areas included ground magnetic measurements, study of physical properties and reprocessing and reinterpretation of available aeromagnetic and gravity data. MZ outcrops are correlated with residual gravity minima, showing zones of disintegration and possible hydrocarbon accumulations. One of the several MZ outcrops, the Nabi Musa area, located in the Judean Desert, northwestern of the Dead Sea gives an exclusive possibility for the study of cross cut section, rock types, and near-surfaces processes. Obtained geophysical results produce information on remarkable features of MZ complex and allow us to outline areas with hydrocarbon potential.