Variety of volcanic landscapes in the eastern Mediterranean area (Golan plateau as an example)

Abstract

The Golan Heights - the basaltic plateau at the NE flank of the Dead Sea rift - is one of the areas where interaction between tectonics, volcanism and relief takes place. During the active period of the rift history (Middle Miocene - Upper Pleistocene) various volcanic landscapes were formed at the Golan plateau and at d1e neighbouring volcanic field El-Shamma. Different types of volcanic relief-forming processes in this area were controlled by tectonics. In the post-eruption stage climate became the main factor of landforms development Different volcanic landforms (such as basaltic plateaux, cinder and lava cones etc.) are analysed and classified in this article.