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 E3 as a well-defined rupture in the upper part of the trench sequence, younger than E4 and Esupp1 and older than E2. Evidence is expressed primarily within the sedimentary fill in the western fault zone that accumulated after E4, where a set of cracks affects cross-bedded layers onlapping unit D between MM6 and MM7, as well as additional cracks that terminate just below a major channel visible between MM7 and MM9. Further west, at MM5, cracks offset unit D and can be traced upward a few centimetres to end at a level consistent with the terminations observed farther east. In the eastern part of the trench, between MM18 and MM23, numerous cracks occur at a similar level, although their association with E3 is less certain and some of these may instead belong to a poorly constrained intervening event (Esupp1). The stratigraphic context of E3 is complicated by the heterogeneous nature of the post-E4 deposits. The sedimentary fill consists of discontinuous, channel- dominated layers with limited lateral continuity, which makes correlation across the trench difficult. Nevertheless, the clustering of crack terminations at a consistent level provides a reliable basis for defining the E3 event horizon.

The rupture associated with E3 is characterized by numerous cracks without large vertical offsets rather than large-scale tilting or major subsidence. According to Klinger et al. (2015), this indicates that it is likely that E3 was created by a fault rupture that terminated at the Yotvata extensional step. Some of the cracks appear to reuse earlier fracture paths, indicating that pre-existing weaknesses in the sedimentary pile continued to influence rupture propagation.

Chronologically, E3 is well constrained relative to many other events in the sequence. Klinger et al. (2015) place E3 between 1003 CE and 1138 CE based on a Bayesian model of radiocarbon dates derived from detrital charcoal. Within this interval, they correlate E3 with the 1068 CE seismic crisis, specifically favoring the 18 March 1068 earthquake, which is thought to have ruptured the southern Wadi Araba. Historical reports describe extensive destruction at Ayla, strong shaking across a broad region, and effects extending into Egypt and Arabia.

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)