Lower portion clearly transtensional at present. Boundary links spreading in the Red Sea with diffuse and complex convergence in Turkey (Taurus-Zagros mountains).
About 1000 km long, with sinistral motion, total displacement is estimated at 105 km (determined by geologic offsets).
Two major basins: Gulf of Elat (Aqaba) and the Dea Sea.
Earlier transpressive zone in Lebanon formed Palmyra fold belt.
What is direction of associated extension?
References:
Ben-Avraham, Z. & Zoback, M., 1992, Transform-normal extension and asymmetric basins: An alternative to pull-apart models. Geology, v. 20, p. 423-426.
Garfunkel, Z., 1986, Review of oceanic transform activity and development. Journal of geological Society of London, v. 143, 775-784.
Course
materials for Plate Tectonics, GEOL 3700, University of Nebraska
at Omaha. Instructor: H. D. Maher Jr., copyright. This material
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