Kurkar Ridge along Seashore Coastal Plain

The coast of northern Israel, between Tel Aviv and Haifa, is characterized by “kurkar” ridges. The term “kurkar” refers to sea-sand that has hardened into rock. This results from a mineral reaction between the sea water and shore sediments producing a carbonate cement. This naturally occurring phenomenon has preserved this part of the coast from development because the cement-like ridges posed an obstacle to the construction of sea ports.