Mapping of Quaternary units in Makhtesh Ramon, central Negev

This work presents a first attempt in Israel to construct a map of Quaternary units in a genetic-chronological order. The map depicting Quaternary geology in Makhtesh Ramon is presented at the 1:100,000 scale. The major mapping units are genetically related alluvial and colluvial sediments, which are expressed by a series of major colors. Each genetic type of sediment is subdivided according to age, and is assigned a corresponding shade of the main color. Quaternary mapping is based on: (1) development of a morphostratigraphic scheme by construction of geomorphological cross-sections and longitudinal profiles of river beds and terraces; (2) analysis of the alluvial and colluvial sediments and study of paleosols; (3) absolute dating using the radiothermoluminescence (RTL) method; (4) pollen analysis of recent and ancient (terrace) alluvium.