The Mount of Olives Is Opening? What Science Says

The Mount of Olives is one of the most sacred and theologically significant places in the entire Bible. Located east of Jerusalem, separated from the Holy City only by the Kidron Valley, it is the stage for decisive events in the Scriptures: the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:9-12), prophetic discourses (Matthew 24), the future return of the Messiah (Zechariah 14:4), and countless scenes from the history of Israel.

In recent years, videos, reports, and news have emerged claiming that the Mount of Olives is "opening," "cracking," or showing fissures — some suggesting that this would be a direct prophetic fulfillment of Zechariah 14, which announces that the mountain will split in two on the Day of the Lord.

Among these contents is the widely shared video by missionary Aline in Israel (see video), in which she shows structures, openings, and geological formations that seem to indicate movement in the ground.

But after all: is the Mount of Olives really opening? Is there scientific basis for this? Is it prophetic fulfillment? Or is there a natural and historical explanation for what is being observed?

To answer in depth, this study combines:

• biblical and theological data,
• archaeological research,
• academic geological studies, including the report Earthquake Risk and Slope Stability in Jerusalem, by Wachs and Levitte^[1],
• current evidence present in videos and local reports,
• the documented seismic history of the Jerusalem region.

The goal is not to speculate, but to provide the best possible encyclopedic analysis based on Scripture, science, and observable facts.

Where is the Mount of Olives?

The Mount of Olives forms a ridge of hills east of Jerusalem, reaching about 820 meters above sea level. It borders:

• to the west: the Kidron Valley,
• to the east: the region of Bethany,
• to the south: Mount Zion and Hinnom,
• to the north: Mount Scopus.

Its geological formation is primarily composed of layers of limestone and dolomite — relatively porous and fracturable rocks, which over the centuries have undergone natural erosion, seismic activity, and human intervention. This mineral characteristic will be fundamental to understanding if it is "opening."

The Biblical Importance of the Mount of Olives

The Bible mentions the Mount of Olives continuously throughout different periods:

• Davidic Period: David ascends the mountain while fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:30).
• Prophets: Zechariah announces that the mountain will split on the Day of the Lord (Zechariah 14:4).
• Jesus: place of the Prophetic Sermon (Matthew 24–25).
• Gethsemane: place of prayer before the crucifixion.
• Ascension: Jesus ascends to heaven from the mountain (Acts 1:9-12).

Zechariah 14:4 is the most important passage for this debate:

"On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives... and the Mount of Olives will be split in two, from east to west, forming a very large valley."

Here arises the modern question: if the prophecy says that the mountain will open, do the current cracks or movements indicate that this is beginning now?

What is Shown in Aline's Video (Israel)?

In the video recorded by Aline, we can observe:

• superficial cracks in the ground,
• steps and displaced ancient structures,
• openings and holes on the slope,
• apparent erosion in limestone layers,
• possible exposed internal cavities.

The video has a significant visual impact and immediately suggests to many viewers that something prophetic may be occurring. However, to correctly interpret what is seen, it is necessary to understand the geological and historical structure of the Mount of Olives.

And this is where science comes in — especially the geological study by Wachs & Levitte^[1], which directly analyzed:

• the structural stability of the Mount of Olives,
• the presence of geological faults,
• the real seismic risk of the region,
• the behavior of the limestone layers under stress,
• the risk of landslides and ruptures.

The Prophecy of Zechariah 14: Physical or Symbolic Opening?

The most natural and direct interpretation of Zechariah 14 is literal: the Mount of Olives will physically open on the Day of the Lord.

The language of the text does not indicate metaphor, but a concrete geographical event:

• occurs in a specific location,
• has a defined direction (east-west),
• produces a valley,
• changes the topography of the region.

At the same time, the Bible does not teach that previous fissures would be "preparation" for the prophecy. It describes a sudden, cataclysmic, supernatural act — not a gradual process.

But this does not prevent existing geological factors today, such as tectonic faults, from one day being the physical stage for the fulfillment of the prophecy. In fact, this is exactly what many experts suggest.

What Does Real Geology Say About the Mount of Olives?

The academic study Earthquake Risk and Slope Stability in Jerusalem demonstrates that the subsoil of the Mount of Olives presents:

• fragile layers of limestone and dolomite,
• the presence of geological fault zones,
• a history of significant seismic activity,
• instability of slopes,
• risk of sudden ruptures in the event of an earthquake.

This information is extremely relevant because:

• it explains why there are visible cracks and displacements on the mountain,
• confirms that the ground is naturally unstable,
• shows that a large rupture is scientifically possible,
• although it does not mean that it is happening now.

In other words: there is real geological basis that allows for the opening of the mountain — but there is no scientific evidence that this is occurring at this moment.

Geology confirms the possibility, but not the occurrence.

The prophecy announces the final event, but does not foresee "previous cracks."

To understand if the current visible changes may be part of a larger process, we need to deepen the geological and historical analysis — which we will do in the next part.

The debate over whether the Mount of Olives is opening requires a serious integration between Bible and science. Aline's video shows real structures and genuine geological phenomena, but its interpretation depends on understanding:

• the natural characteristics of the mountain,
• the seismic history of the region,
• the nature of the prophecy of Zechariah,
• the scientific studies on soil instability.

So far, the evidence indicates that:

The mountain has documented instability, natural fissures, and real seismic risk — but there is still no scientific sign of a catastrophic opening in progress.

In Part 2, we will examine:

• the internal structure of the Mount of Olives,
• detailed geological faults,
• the history of earthquakes that have already affected Jerusalem,
• how this affects the stability of the mountain today.

Understanding the Subsoil of the Mount of Olives: Limestone, Fissures, and Natural Instability

To understand if the Mount of Olives can "open" — and if what we see today is part of that process — we need to examine the geological structure of the region. The Mount of Olives is primarily formed by limestone and dolomite, porous sedimentary rocks that easily develop:

• fissures,
• fractures,
• internal collapses,
• subterranean cavities,
• erosion accelerated by water infiltration.

These features are normal in karst areas and explain why the mountain has natural openings and holes for centuries. The study by Wachs and Levitte^[1] demonstrates that:

"The limestone of the eastern slope of Jerusalem exhibits high fracturing, pronounced permeability, and multiple instability zones that can be activated by seismic activity or continuous erosion."

The statement already indicates that the ground is structurally predisposed to movement — something essential to our theme.

Geological Fault Lines Near the Mount of Olives

Jerusalem is located relatively close to the Jordan Valley Fault, part of the larger tectonic system of the Syrian-African Rift. This fault is one of the largest tectonic structures in the region and has historically produced:

• frequent earthquakes,
• deformations in the subsoil,
• slope instabilities,
• surface ruptures in nearby cities.

The scientific study highlights that Jerusalem, although not situated directly on the main fault, is directly affected by deep seismic waves and regional tectonic stresses^[1].

This is why the Mount of Olives, even without a recent major earthquake, exhibits behavior of:

• microfractures,
• slow movement (creeping),
• internal erosion due to infiltration,
• opening of subterranean cavities.

But none of this indicates — so far — that the mountain is "opening in two parts."

Slope Instability: What Science Shows About the Mount of Olives

The study by Wachs and Levitte provides an alarming yet clear overview: the slopes surrounding Jerusalem, including the Mount of Olives, have significant natural instability.

Among the factors pointed out are:

• deep fractures in the limestone layer,
• steep inclinations favorable to landslides,
• water tables that erode the interior of the rocks,
• accelerated erosion from rain and ancient sewage,
• historical constructions that altered the weight distribution in the soil.

According to the report:

"The combination of natural fracturing, internal erosion, and lateral pressure creates zones susceptible to sudden rupture along the eastern slopes of Jerusalem."

In other words, **the soil of the Mount of Olives is already, by nature, subject to internal movements**, which can generate:

• apparent surface cracks,
• openings in walls and foundations,
• small displacements of layers,
• isolated collapses.

This explains much of what the recent video presents.

Seismic History of Jerusalem: Earthquakes That Have Affected the Mount

The Jerusalem region has a documented seismic history that dates back thousands of years. Biblical, historical, and archaeological sources record several significant earthquakes:

• c. 750 B.C. — Earthquake in the days of Uzziah (Amos 1:1; Zechariah 14:5).
• 31 B.C. — Great earthquake recorded by Josephus.
• 363 A.D. — Earthquake that affected structures throughout Judea.
• 1033 A.D. — Shook the Mount of Olives and affected Jerusalem.
• 1927 — Estimated magnitude of 6.2; one of the strongest in modern times.

Each of these earthquakes produced:

• ruptures in the subsoil,
• displacements of rock layers,
• surface damage still visible today.

The submitted study states:

"Past seismic events have left structural scars that continue to influence the stability of the slopes. These scars can be reactivated by minor factors, such as erosion or excessive moisture."

This means that the fissures seen today may be:

• remnants of ancient earthquakes,
• fissures exposed by modern erosion,
• reactions of the ground to changes in structural load,
• manifestations of internal faults that have been slowly expanding.

But so far, there is no scientific evidence indicating that a massive transverse rupture is underway, as the prophecy describes.

The Role of Internal Cavities and Ancient Tunnels

Another crucial element for understanding the behavior of the Mount of Olives is the presence of:

• tunnels excavated since the Second Temple period,
• Jewish catacombs,
• ancient hydrological systems,
• subterranean drainage channels,
• tombs carved into the rock.

The region is filled with artificial cavities, many of which are located directly beneath areas that today exhibit visible depressions and sinkholes in modern records.

These cavities:

• weaken natural support,
• accelerate the collapse of layers,
• amplify surface fissures.

This explains, for example, why ancient steps, retaining walls, and paths show inclined cracks and longitudinal displacements — exactly as captured in Aline's video.

After analyzing the deep geology, tectonic faults, and the seismic history of the region, we can affirm:

Yes — the Mount of Olives is geologically vulnerable, unstable, and prone to fissures. No — there is no evidence that it is "opening in half" at this moment.

What we see in modern images are:

• normal fissures for the type of rock,
• surface erosion,
• subsidence caused by internal cavities,
• signs of natural instability.

None of this, so far, constitutes the prophetic event of Zechariah 14, which will be sudden, global, and supernatural.

The Prophecy of Zechariah 14: A Real or Symbolic Geographical Event?

Zechariah 14:4 states that, on the Day of the Lord, the feet of the Messiah will touch the Mount of Olives and it will split in two from east to west, creating a huge valley. The language of the text is concrete:

"And the Mount of Olives will be split in two, from east to west, and there will be a very large valley."

The description leaves no room for poetic symbolism. It includes:

• precise location,
• direction of the rupture,
• geographical result (a valley),
• effect on the population (escape through the valley).

Theologically, this points to a literal event — a catastrophic shaking that alters the geography of Jerusalem. But the modern question is: does geology allow for such an event?

Is There a Fault Line Where Zechariah Says the Mountain Will Be Opened?

Geological research and modern mapping demonstrate that there are natural lines of weakness crossing the Mount of Olives, including:

• deep longitudinal fractures,
• shear zones in the limestone,
• elongated internal cavities,
• structural fittings that follow the east-west axis.

The study by Wachs and Levitte^[1] does not mention "the prophetic fault," but reveals something extremely relevant:

"The predominant orientation of the weak zones in the eastern hills of Jerusalem is east-west.

This is exactly the direction mentioned in Zechariah 14.

Although this does not prove that the prophecy is beginning now, it demonstrates that the geology of the region is compatible with a transverse rupture event.

Can Science Explain the Future Rupture of the Mountain?

The answer is: partially.

Science can explain:

• the fractured behavior of the limestone,
• the instability of the slopes,
• the action of earthquakes in the region,
• the existence of internal cavities,
• the likelihood of local collapses.

But the prophecy describes an event:

• sudden,
• massive,
• instantaneous,
• involving divine presence.

Science cannot predict a supernatural event, but it confirms that the Mount of Olives is structurally capable of undergoing a large-scale rupture.

In other words:
The Bible does not require a prior geological process; but geology provides the physical conditions for the prophecy of Zechariah 14 to be literal.

The Role of Historical Earthquakes in the Current Formation of the Mountain

Jerusalem has experienced several major earthquakes throughout history, some recorded both in the Bible and by historians:

• The earthquake of Uzziah (c. 750 B.C.) — mentioned in Amos 1:1 and Zechariah 14:5.
• The earthquake of 31 B.C. — described by Flavius Josephus; severely affected Jericho and Judea.
• The Byzantine earthquake of 363 A.D. — destroyed many buildings in Jerusalem.
• The earthquake of 1033 A.D. — caused collapses on the Mount of Olives.
• The earthquake of 1927 — magnitude 6.2; significant damage in the region.

Each of these events left:

• deep fissures,
• weak zones,
• accumulation of subterranean tensions,
• movement of rock layers.

Modern geology states that tectonic tensions accumulate energy over centuries until they are released. This energy can result in:

• modest earthquakes,
• surface ruptures,
• or a major seismic event.

Thus, one day, Jerusalem will certainly face another earthquake. And if this earthquake coincides with the event described by Zechariah, the Mount of Olives already has the necessary structure for a dramatic rupture.

Aline's Video: What Can It Indicate Scientifically?

In the video recorded in Israel, Aline shows:

• cracks in the ground,
• displaced stones,
• evident erosion,
• exposed cavities,
• inclined steps,
• walls moved by internal pressure.

From a geological standpoint, this may indicate:

• surface instability (soil overcoming erosion),
• wear of limestone by groundwater,
• collapse of ancient cavities,
• micro-landslides,
• sediments that have moved after heavy rains.

Nothing there indicates a large-scale transverse rupture. However, it indicates an important fact:

The Mount of Olives is geologically active — not stagnant.

And this means that fissures may appear, increase, decrease, and reappear at different points over the years.

Is There Any Real Sign That the Prophecy Is Starting Now?

The technical answer is:
there is no scientific evidence that a transverse fissure is forming now.

The theological answer is:
the prophecy does not foresee stages — it describes a sudden and final event.

The rupture of the Mount of Olives will be:

• instantaneous,
• globally perceptible,
• related to the coming of the Messiah,
• accompanied by divine judgment,
• and not just the result of erosion or natural wear.

Therefore, current fissures may be signs of geological instability — but do not represent the progressive fulfillment of the prophecy.

The integrated analysis of prophecy and science shows that:

• Zechariah describes a literal, physical, and future event.
• The geology of the region is perfectly compatible with such an event.
• The Mount of Olives has weak zones that could serve as a starting point for a real rupture.
• But there is no current evidence that the "opening" is occurring today.

In other words:
the ground is prepared but the prophecy has not yet begun.

What Would the Physical Opening of the Mount of Olives Look Like?

If the event described by Zechariah 14 were observed through the eyes of modern science, it would involve a sudden rupture caused by:

• a large-scale tectonic displacement,
• a transverse collapse of the limestone layers,
• the immediate formation of a deep valley,
• massive release of seismic energy.

The direction indicated by the prophecy — east-west — coincides with the predominant orientation of weakness zones identified in the geological study of Jerusalem^[1]. This means that if an extreme earthquake were to hit the region, the Mount of Olives could split exactly in that direction.

But the prophecy describes something greater than an earthquake: the presence of the Messiah himself causing the rupture.

This theological detail differentiates:

• a natural process (fissures, erosion, micro-landslides),
• from a unique eschatological event (the sudden massive fissure).

What Would Be the Impact of This Opening on the Geography of Jerusalem?

The rupture of the Mount of Olives would create a new valley connecting east and west. Geologically, this would result in:

• collapse of large portions of the slope,
• immediate deformation of roads and structures,
• change in the flow of subterranean waters,
• alteration of the current layout of the Kidron Valley.

Zechariah 14 states:

"You will flee through the valley of my mountains."

This implies a scenario where:

• the newly formed valley will be wide and deep,
• it will become a natural escape route,
• its creation will be instantaneous,
• the city will be drastically affected by this event.

From a modern defense perspective, a valley opening in the center of the eastern zone of Jerusalem would cause:

• rupture of main roads,
• partial collapse of cemeteries and historical structures,
• risk to the Mount Scopus neighborhood,
• direct impact on tourist and religious flow.

Can the Mount of Olives Really Crack in the Future?

Yes — and this is recognized by both geologists and theologians (from different perspectives).

Scientifically: The Mount of Olives is:

• porous,
• fractured,
• supported by unstable layers,
• located in a region of strong seismic activity,
• already affected by ancient earthquakes that weakened its base.

If a major earthquake occurs in the region, the rupture of a significant part of the mountain is entirely possible^[1].

Theologically: Scripture states that the mountain will open only:

• on the Day of the Lord,
• at the moment of the manifestation of the Messiah,
• as part of a global judgment,
• supernaturally.

In other words: the fact that it is possible does not mean that it is happening now.

Are Current Cracks the Beginning of Prophetic Fulfillment?

Based on all the analysis done so far — Bible, science, geology, and modern data — the answer is clear:

No. Current cracks do not represent the beginning of the prophetic opening of the Mount of Olives.

What is happening is explained by:

• natural erosion,
• typical limestone fissures,
• collapses of internal cavities,
• common surface movements in ancient slopes,
• pressure from modern constructions,
• heavy rains and infiltration,
• unstable grounds documented by scientific studies.

The prophetic event will be:

• suddenly perceptible,
• globally significant,
• in the presence of the Messiah,
• and geographically dramatic.

The Final Verdict: Is the Mount of Olives Opening?

After analyzing:

• scientific evidence,
• the geology of Jerusalem,
• recent videos including Aline's video,
• biblical prophecy,
• the seismic history of the region,
• the natural behavior of limestone and dolomite,
• and the documented zones of instability,

the encyclopedic conclusion is:

The Mount of Olives is NOT opening now in the prophetic sense. But IT HAS all the geological characteristics necessary to open in the future — exactly as the Bible describes.

Science is not contradicting prophecy; it is merely showing that the ground already carries the structural conditions for a rupture when the prophetic time comes.

The Union Between Science and Prophecy

The most impressive aspect of this entire analysis is that:

The prophecy of Zechariah 14 describes something that, as supernatural as it may be, is entirely compatible with the real geology of Jerusalem.

Thus, we have three simultaneous truths:

• The prophecy is literal.
• The geology allows for its realization.
• The fulfillment has not begun.

The Mount of Olives is already a prepared stage not by modern erosion, but by seismic history, by the structure of limestone, and by the divine sovereignty that ordered the geography long before Zechariah wrote his prophecy.