El Ouahabi et al. (2018) identify E3 at ~330 cm depth as a distinct sedimentary horizon characterized by sand pillows within a clay matrix, along with plastic deformation structures indicative of soft-sediment disturbance (El Ouahabi et al., 2018:5). These features reflect localized fluidization and deformation of saturated sediments, suggesting a sudden high-energy event interrupting otherwise low-energy lacustrine deposition.

The presence of sand pillows and plastic deformation is consistent with liquefaction, supporting interpretation of E3 as an earthquake-triggered deposit rather than the result of normal hydrological processes. Given its occurrence within the Amik basin, adjacent to active strands of the Dead Sea Fault, the event likely reflects moderate to strong shaking capable of inducing widespread soft-sediment deformation.

Chronologically, E3 is not directly tied to a specific historical earthquake in the study. Instead, its age is inferred from the authors’ age–depth model, which integrates radiocarbon dating of micro-charcoal, sedimentation rates, and environmental tie points. Based on its stratigraphic position within unit 2, E3 likely dates to the Iron Age, approximately 500 BCE, though this estimate remains model-dependent rather than directly dated.

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)