Wadi Mujib is one of the deepest and most geologically complex valleys in Jordan. Modern studies have traditionally linked its formation solely to the Ghor Rift. However, field evidence from the rocks and strata of Wadi Mujib, rich in well-preserved marine fossils, proves that the valley's origins are much older, dating back to the Tethys Sea era, tens of millions of years before the formation of the Ghor Rift.
اضافة اعلان
This article presents a new scientific interpretation based on field evidence, the work of Dr. Omar Al-Hakim in his book "Landforms," and field observations conducted with Dr. Elias Salameh.
First: Wadi Mujib in the Tethys Sea Era – Over 100 Million Years Ago :During the Cretaceous Period, the Mujib region and its surroundings were completely submerged beneath the waters of the Tethys Sea. This is confirmed by the layers rich in: Coral, Sea urchins, Starfish, Biblical slugs, and Marine crustacean shells. Coral layers were observed at an altitude of approximately 900 meters above sea level during fieldwork, providing conclusive evidence that this area was once a seafloor before its uplift.
Second: The Alpine-Cenomanian Uplift (100 million years ago) : During the Cenomanian period, the region experienced significant tectonic uplift associated with the Alpine movement that formed the Alps. The effects of this uplift extended to Jordan, resulting in:
- The gradual raising of the Mujib region to significant elevations.
- The westward retreat of the Tethys Sea by more than 150 km.
- The preservation of marine fossils suspended on the highest cliffs.
This gradual uplift caused the initial formation of the Wadi Mujib through marine erosion. The receding sea carved an initial valley reaching depths of 400 meters, widening its sides under the influence of waves and tides.
Third: The Subsequent Tectonic Phase – The Ghor Rift (20 million years ago) : Millions of years later, at the end of the Miocene and the beginning of the Pliocene, the Ghor-Dead Sea Transform Rift, one of the largest active rifts in the region, was formed. Omar Al-Hakim stated in his book that: “There is a fault that cuts through Wadi Mujib, and this fault rejuvenated the valley and deepened it”. This fault gave the valley a new tectonic impetus that increased the slope of its course. Torrential rains and flash floods began to deepen it over millions of years, until it reached its current depth, exceeding 600 meters in some sections.
Fourth: Riverine Deepening and Recent Landslides: After the formation of the Great Depression of the Dead Sea, the valley continued to deepen due to: Surface runoff and flash floods, Legal landslides, and Continuous river erosion. This resulted in the modern valley, which combines vertical rock cliffs with a deep watercourse.
Conclusion of the Research
Wadi Mujib was formed in two main phases:
1) An ancient marine phase – the Tethys period (100 million years ago): During this phase, the “Wadi Awel” was carved by marine erosion during the sea's retreat following the Cenomanian uplift.
2) A recent tectonic phase – The Ghor Rift (20 million years): During this period, the rift renewed its erosion and deepening, and rain and flash floods completed its shaping into its current form.
This explanation combines geological and geographical insights, and integrates fossils with tectonic structure, demonstrating that Wadi Mujib is not merely a recent river valley, but a geological record spanning over 100 million years.
