Sunset in the Dead Sea

The Lisan Formation is a lacustrine record that existed ~80 ka t o17 ka in the Dead Sea area. Lake Lisan occupied the tectonic depressions along the Dead Sea Transform. The sediments that were deposited in the lake consist mainly of alternating varves of primary aragonite precipitated from the lake water in response to a supply of bicarbonate by freshwater runoff with silty-detritus deposits, composed of aeolian and washed surface materials. The Lisan Formation is shown in the foreground, while the Roman Fortress of Masada is standing in the background.