Sea of Galilee: Comprehensive analysis of magnetic anomalies

A variety of magnetic sources occurring in the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) and around the lake cause a complex pattern of anomalous magnetic field. Positive and negative magnetic anomalies in the Kinneret basin correspond to basalts of normal and reverse magnetization, respectively. Using interpretation methods specially developed for complicated geological conditions (improved versions of characteristic point, tangent, and areal methods), we determined the quantitative parameters of the anomalous bodies and performed their classification. We applied 3-D magnetic field modeling techniques for confirming the data obtained during the quantitative interpretation stage and the effects computing from geological structures. We showed that the paleomagnetic zones identified in the lake basin are in accordance with the western and northern margins of Lake Kinneret, but are incongruent with the eastern and southern margins. Based on radiometric and paleomagnetic data analysis, we can conclude that Early Pliocene basaltic flows cover the western part of Lake Kinneret. A N-S paleomagnetic profile suggests that the western part of the Lake Kinneret depression may be interpreted as an inversion trough formed in the area of Pliocene uplift in the eastern part of the Galilee. We applied combined geophysical, structural, and tectonic analysis to compile a structural map of the Cover Basalt for Lake Kinneret and adjacent areas.