DISCOVERY OF MICRODIAMONDS AND ASSOCIATED MINERALS IN THE MAKHTESH RAMON CANYON (NEGEV DESERT, ISRAEL)

Abstract

The Makhtesh Ramon erosional–tectonic depression (canyon), 40 km long and approximately 8 km wide, is situated in the Negev Desert (southern Israel), 65 km southwest of the Dead Sea. The canyon rim and center are located at an altitude of 800–1000 and 400–600 m, respectively. In terms of tectonics, this structure represents the southern margin of the Syrian-Sinai block–fold belt. A comprehensive analysis of the available regional geophysical data revealed a collision-related origin of the belt.