Quaternary Stratigraphy Architecture and

Abstract- This study aims to examine the stratigraphy architecture and sedimentology of the Gaza Strip, from the Pleistocene to the Holocene age. The study area is restricted to the Gaza and Middle-to Khan Younis Governorates of the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip is a southwestern part of the Coastal Plain of Palestine. To accomplish these aims, data collected from field observations of outcropping rocks, boreholes, and hydrogeological wells has been used. The logging of selected sections paid attention to genetic facies associations. A generalized stratigraphic cross section has been established. It shows that the Kurkar Group (Gaza Formation) in the study area consists of five informal, descriptive lithostratigraphic units (Unit-A through Unit-E). These units are mainly made of calcareous sandstones (Kurkar) and separated by mudstone (Hamra) subunits. These mudstone subunits are lense-like, and their lateral extensions and thicknesses decrease upwards of the succession. Sedimentologically, four facies associations have been described and interpreted, namely, Kurkar, Hamra, swamp, and alluvial, plus dune sands and recent soils. The Kurkar facies association represented fossil dunes of aeolian origin pushed forward by the sea, whereas, Hamra palaeosols are polygenetic and originated in humid environments