Dynamics of hydrological and geomorphological processes in evaporite karst at the eastern Dead Sea – a multidisciplinary study

Abstract. Karst groundwater systems are characterized by the presence of multiple porosity types. Of these, subsurface conduits that facilitate concentrated, heterogeneous flow challenging to resolve geologically and geophysically. This is especially case in evaporite karst systems, such as those present on shores Dead Sea, where rapid geomorphological changes linked a fall base level over 35 m since 1967. Here we combine field observations, remote-sensing analysis, geophysical surveying methods (shear wave reflection seismics, electrical resistivity tomography, ERT, self-potential, SP, ground-penetrating radar, GPR) investigate nature its interaction with hypersaline Sea water rapidly retreating eastern shoreline, near Ghor Al-Haditha Jordan. Remote-sensing data highlight links between evolution surface stream channels fed springs development subsidence patterns 25-year period. ERT SP from head one groundwater-fed channel adjacent former lakeshore show anomalies point multidirectional located shallow (< 25 depth). surveys further inland coincident axis major depression interpret representing flow. Low-frequency GPR reveal limit unsaturated saturated zones 30 depth) surrounding main area. Shear seismic nearly 1 km buried paleochannels within alluvial fan deposits, which pathways for wadi area towards feeding streams. Finally, simulations density-driven undersaturated groundwaters response base-level perform realistically if they include generation shoreline. The combined approaches lead refined conceptual model hydrological processes developed at this part whereby matrix through superficial aquifer transitions conduit nearer shore deposits encountered. These play key role springs, across study