Sources, Timing, Environmental and Tectonic Implications of Epigenetic Mineralization Along the Arabian‐African Plate Boundary

Abstract The formation of divergent plate boundaries involves the opening continental basins and uplift margins accompanied by seawater ingression reorganization surface groundwater drainage systems. These processes drive water‐rock reactions, resulting in deposition epigenetic minerals country rock adjacent to boundary. Here, we study isotopic geochemical record dolomite ferric‐oxide that occur along tectonic lines Negev (southern Israel), which border Cenozoic rift system developed between African Arabian plates. observed ranges new published O, C, Sr, Mo, Fe, Pb isotope compositions indicate mixing rock, deep‐seated source‐solutions. We suggest mineralization occurred as brines migrated from their marine source, mixed with a deep siliciclastic aquifer environment, subsequently upwelled reacted overlying carbonate rocks. Relative U‐Pb dating at 31.4 ± 4.6 Ma central sites 46 12 again 14.5 2.3 northeast Negev. younger two ages overlap timing pre‐ Red Sea Rift doming northeastern Africa Arabia, driven Afar Plume, lateral‐movement Dead Transform (DST), respectively. associate youngest event time‐interval DST already hosted lagoon, while transform's western margin has remained low relief landscape.