Mesozoic unconformities in Israel: Characteristics, mode of origin and implications for the development of the Tethys

Nine breaks in the Mesozoic stratigraphic column of Israel are described in terms of their hiatus, type of contact, residual deposits and areal extent. Using these criteria, and by reference to published global eustatic sea level curves, three of the stratigraphic breaks are correlated with global eustatic sea level lowstands (Triassic/Jurassic boundary; Toarcian/ Aalenian; Late Turonian/Coniacian); one probably represents a condensed sequence resulting from a rapid sea level rise (Middle Callovian); four are related primarily to rifting and extension tectonics of the incipient (Anisian; Carnian; Pliensbachian-Sinemurian) or evolving (Early Neocomian) Tethys; and, one reflects a folding phase of the Syrian Arc fold system, related to the early closure stages of the Tethys (Campanian/Maastrichtian). By careful scrutiny of stratigraphic breaks on the margins of the Arabian Craton and by recognition of eustacy-related events, important stages in the tectonic evolution of the Tethys can be reconstructed.