Hula Valley Live Cam

Geological Foundations and Ancient Landscapes

The Hula Valley’s geological story stretches back millions of years, when tectonic forces shaped the Levantine Rift. Layers of sediment accumulated in a shallow basin, creating rich alluvial soils that would later nurture diverse ecosystems. The valley’s floor, once a large freshwater lake, gradually became a swamp as inflows and outflows shifted over millennia. This transformation was driven by climatic fluctuations—periods of wetter conditions fostered lacustrine environments, while drier epochs led to marsh expansion. The interplay of basaltic outcrops from the Golan Heights to the east and limestone ridges to the west channeled water and sediments, giving the valley its distinct topography. Understanding these geological underpinnings is essential for appreciating the valley’s biodiversity and the human interventions that followed.