Geology of the Bible Land

Geologically, most of the materials making up these lands are young. Limestone or chalk occupy a large part of the surface. The structure is important in helping us understand the Bible.

There are certain characteristic landscape features wherever limestones occur. Water sinks through them (they are permeable), and there is a little surface drainage. But they usually develop underground streams and the water can be tapped by sinking wells. Limestones contain many caves. And on the surface they often develop a kind of stony pavement which makes cultivation difficult and yields only a patchy soil. All these features are found in the hills of Palestine and all of them figure in the Bible story.

The desert climate also has its effects on the landscape and its structures. In the desert, regardless of rock type, there is usually a surface covering of sand, flintstone or salt. Much of the southern part of the land is covered by these infertile deposits. Wind and water are the forces which shape the desert rock. The wind scours the desert rocks into fantastic shapes. The force of water, made all the more powerful and dramatic because it is so rare, gouges out steep-sided valleys and overhanging crags. Occasional 'flash' floods can fill a dry valley several meters deep with water in a few minutes.

A Hill Country
Geology
The Rift

Structures of the Land Climate of the Land Vegetation of the Land Resources of the Land Regions of the Land