Earthquake risk and slope stability in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is located 25 km from the active Dead Sea fault, which is a part of the Dead Sea Rift System Despite its proximity to the fault, the city has escaped past seismic events relatively undamaged. In contrast to the rest of the city, the Mount of Olives did suffer damage as a result of landslides, as evidenced by a large landslide scarp found in the western slope The unstable slopes in Jerusalem are located on soft Senonian chalk. In the past, these areas were left undeveloped and as a result, damage from earthquakes was relatively slight However, during the past 15 years, with the expansion of Jerusalem, construction has been taking place on unstable slopes as well This could result in heavy damage during future earthquakes A map showing the areas of highest risk is presented. It is recommended that the unstable slopes be reserved as green areas.