Geochemistry, mineralogy and origin of the shallow water sediments collected along the eastern shore of the northern part of the Dead Sea

Sediment samples collected from shallow depths (3-5 m) along the eastern shore of the northern part of the Dead Sea (DS) were analyzed for major and trace element contents, and mineralogical constituents. The aim was to evaluate the sources of sediments and its possible origin. The diverse mineralogy is in agreement with the wide geochemical components. Lower weathering rate of the sediments might be due to interaction with mild acidic DS water (i.e., pH 6). The main minerals are calcite, dolomite, quartz and clay, with some feldspars, halite, hematite, and gypsum. Mineralogy together with enrichment factor and correlation coefficient suggest that the Jordan valley inflow and lithological formations present near the eastern shore of DS are the main sources. Additionally, some elements originated authogenically from the DS water column such as Cl, K, Na, and SO3. The DS trace elements are low, ensuring the safety of DS mud usage in skin treatment. Geochemically; Ds sediments have comparable elemental content of the Eastern Mediterranean sediments.