nGeochemistry and Stable Isotopes of Travertine from Jordan Valley and Dead Sea Areas.

Travertine deposits in Deir Alla, Suwayma and Az Zara areas were investigated. Mineralogy, geochemistry, stable isotopes and age dating indicate the presence of low-Mg calcite, with minor quartz components. The variable isotope (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) signatures indicate dependence on water temperature and water/rock isotopic exchange. In contrast, the high δ¹³C values in some travertine samples reflect ¹²CO₂ degassing processes, increased input of ¹³C-enriched groundwater and the presence of surface and groundwater hydrological systems. The high δ¹⁸O values may be attributed to evaporation effects and low water temperature during the formation of localized travertine. The age of travertine is the Late Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]