El Ouahabi et al. (2018) identify E2 between ~165 and 195 cm as a complex interval composed of two sandy layers with visible micro-sand pockets, sand dikes, and additional thin disturbed layers below. These features are accompanied by increased grain size and elevated magnetic susceptibility, indicating a high-energy disturbance within an otherwise low-energy lacustrine setting (El Ouahabi et al., 2018:5).

The presence of sand dikes and micro-sand pockets is particularly diagnostic of liquefaction, strongly suggesting seismic shaking as the triggering mechanism rather than purely hydrological processes. In their age–depth model, the authors correlate E2 with the 859 CE Syrian Coast Eearthquake, a known rupture of the nearby Hacipasa Fault segment (El Ouahabi et al., 2018:9). Given the proximity of the fault and the presence of liquefaction structures, E2 is very likely to represent an earthquake-triggered deposit, recording moderate to strong shaking in the Amik basin.

Chronologically, E2 is constrained through a composite framework combining radiocarbon dating of micro-charcoal, sedimentation rate estimates, and correlation with regional environmental and archaeological markers.

Fig. 3b - Age–depth diagram for Amik Lake based on calibrated ¹⁴C age results obtained from micro-charcoal remains, ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁵Cs activities, correlation with other dated sedimentary sections in the Amik Basin, and historical earthquake tie point - click on image to open in a new tab - El Ouahabi et al. (2018)