In the Qatar Trench, oriented perpendicular to the Arava Fault within the Yotvata Playa and just south of the Yotvata extensional step, Klinger et al. (2015) identify Event E2 as a widespread but relatively low-displacement rupture affecting both the western and eastern fault zones. Evidence is expressed as a distinct group of numerous cracks that cut through unit C but are consistently capped by unit B, defining a clear event horizon at the base of unit B. These cracks are observed across the trench, indicating that the rupture affected a broader portion of the deformation field than several earlier events. The deformation associated with E2 is characterized primarily by brittle fracturing rather than large vertical displacement. The cracks branch from and reuse pre-existing fractures formed during earlier events, especially in the western fault zone, producing a complex network of intersecting rupture traces. Despite their abundance, these fractures show little associated vertical offset, suggesting that the earthquake either involved limited vertical motion or that the trench site was located near the initiation or termination of rupture, where slip is reduced..

Stratigraphically, E2 is tightly constrained by the presence of unit B, a fine-grained, laminated layer that provides an excellent marker horizon. Because unit B is composed of thin, easily deformable sediments, any rupture penetrating it would be readily visible. The absence of cracks within unit B and their consistent termination at its base confirm that deposition of unit B postdates the earthquake. This sharp stratigraphic relationship allows E2 to be identified with high confidence despite the absence of large offsets. The continuity of unit C beneath the cracks further supports the interpretation that E2 represents a single, discrete rupture event rather than a series of smaller disturbances.

Chronologically, E2 is one of the best-constrained events in the Qatar trench sequence. Klinger et al. (2015) place it between 1155 CE and 1269 CE based on a Bayesian model of radiocarbon dates derived from detrital charcoal. Klinger et al. (2015) correlated Event E2 with the 1212 CE earthquake.

Figure 5 - Trench log of the southern wall. The full resolution photomosaic of the wall is available in Fig. S1. The different stratigraphic units are indicated by letters A to H located in the synthetic stratigraphic section. Conservative position of event horizons are indicated with a dashed line, including for event Esuppl unambiguously visible in the eastern fault zone only. E8 is indicated for reference, although the dashed line corresponds to E7 event horizon (see discussion in text). Esupp2, between E8 and E9 is not indicated. Meter Marks (MM) are indicated above the trench. Dated ¹⁴C samples are indicated by star. To the west, a few samples have been collected up to 2 m outside the gridded wall, where the layers could be traced horizontally. Samples are indicated at the corresponding depth and stratigraphic position. - Click on Image to open in a new tab - Klinger et al (2015)

Figure 5 - Trench log of the southern wall. The full resolution photomosaic of the wall is available in Fig. S1. The different stratigraphic units are indicated by letters A to H located in the synthetic stratigraphic section. Conservative position of event horizons are indicated with a dashed line, including for event Esuppl unambiguously visible in the eastern fault zone only. E8 is indicated for reference, although the dashed line corresponds to E7 event horizon (see discussion in text). Esupp2, between E8 and E9 is not indicated. Meter Marks (MM) are indicated above the trench. Dated ¹⁴C samples are indicated by star. To the west, a few samples have been collected up to 2 m outside the gridded wall, where the layers could be traced horizontally. Samples are indicated at the corresponding depth and stratigraphic position. - Click on Image to open in a new tab - Klinger et al (2015)