Deformed Layer 9
Deformation Layer 9 at Nahal Darga occurs in unit 11 and is dated by
Enzel et al. (2000) to ca. 50 BCE
(ca. 2000 yr B.P.). The deformed bed is
~40-75 cm thick and consists of very fine sand
and coarse silt deposited in a near-shore
fan-delta environment. Deformation features consist of convoluted
laminations, reflecting disturbance of
water-saturated sediment interpreted as
earthquake-induced
liquefaction.
Dating is based on
radiocarbon dating and
stratigraphic correlation within the fan-delta
sequence;
Bayesian modeling was not used in
the age determinations. A plausible candidate for Deformed Layer 9 is the
31 BCE Josephus Quake.
