Seismic Activity in Jordan (Analytical Geographical Study)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the factors which are responsible for the seismic events in Jordan to relate to changes in plate tectonics which happen as a result of plate movement in the Arab area and their collision with adjacent plates with the formation factors in the area. It also aims to locate the active seismological zones along the Dead Sea rift valley and its minor faults. In order to achieve the previously and goals, the study uses the following methodological approaches : 1) Analyzing historical earthquake records obtained from (10) seismic stations in Jordan for the time period (1983 – 2003). 2) Calculating coefficient values of seismic activities for each year in the (10) stations in order to show the spatial variation in seismic activities. 3) Examining diagrams which show seismic activity for the period (1983 – 2006). The results showed noticeable differences in seismic activities and strength along the rift valley in Jordan, where the coefficient of variation varies between (155%) in Gulf of Aqaba station and (83.78%) in Al-Lesan station. The results show an increase in the seismic activity strength for the period (1995 – 2000) caused by the geotectonic internal processes along the rift valley.