In the Taybeh Trench, excavated across the Arava Fault, Lefevre et al. (2018) identify Event E2 as a well-expressed rupture within the upper laminated sandy sequence, particularly concentrated in the main zone of deformation between M18 and M16. The event horizon corresponds to the top of layer L, a sandy unit containing cobbles and small gravel lenses, where deformation is clearly visible across multiple layers. Event E2 is characterized by a coherent set of cracks and measurable vertical displacement. Between M17 and M16, the event produced a significant downward displacement of approximately 6–9 cm, which is clearly observable in layers I, K, and L. This consistent offset across several stratigraphic units provides strong evidence for a distinct surface-rupturing earthquake.

The structural expression of E2 is therefore clear and diagnostic. The combination of well-defined fracture networks and measurable vertical displacement distinguishes this event from adjacent ruptures and allows confident identification of its event horizon. As in other trench observations across strike-slip fault systems, lateral displacement is not directly observable, but the magnitude and distribution of vertical deformation indicate significant strain release along the fault. From a tectonic perspective, E2 represents a substantial episode of slip within the upper part of the sequence. The concentration of deformation within the main fault zone suggests localized strain accumulation and release, consistent with repeated activity along a dominantly strike-slip system. The magnitude of vertical offset implies a moderate to large earthquake relative to other events preserved in the trench, reflecting a significant rupture affecting the near-surface sedimentary record.

Chronologically, E2 is moderately to poorly constrained. Based on Bayesian modeling of radiocarbon dating of detrital charcoal samples from bounding units, Lefevre et al. (2018) place the event between approximately 1448 and 1714 CE ( 2σ) and associate it with the 1458 CE Earthquake.

Figure 1 - (a) Detailed log of the southern wall of the trench. Units are differentiated according to facies. White dots indicate locations of ¹⁴C samples collected from both walls (the samples collected from the northern wall are represented at a stratigraphically and structurally equivalent location on the southern wall log). - Click on image to open in a new tab - LeFevre et al (2018)