Structural characteristics and tectonic evolution of west Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Structural characteristics and tectonic evolution of west Gulf of Suez, Egypt | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Structural characteristics and tectonic evolution of west Gulf of Suez, Egypt Hamza ahmed Ibrahim, Assem El-Saeid El-Haddad, Gazem Ahmad Naji Saad, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9439191/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 8 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Integrated structural, gravity, and aeromagnetic analyses of west Gulf of Suez area delineate a multi‑scale tectonic framework. This was dominated by reactivated Precambrian basement fabrics and later Meso‑Cenozoic adjustments. Surface- and subsurface-lineament mapping were constructed to resolve kinematic significance of fault systems and basement features. Different filtering and transformation enhancement techniques were applied to the geopotential field data. These were made to isolate the near-surface (local) anomalies from deep-seated (regional) ones. These lineaments cluster principally in NW–SE and NNE–SSW orientations with subsidiary ENE–WSW, NNW–SSE, NE–SW and N–S trends. Two main trends; N–S and ENE–WSW exerted first-order control. Bouguer gravity anomalies reveal a pronounced NW–SE elongated gravity low and localized positive uplifts. While reduced-to-pole (RTP) maps show high magnetic anomalies trending NW, with shallow magnetic lows centrally. Integrated depth estimates place the basement between < 200 m and ~ 3000 m, with a major central NW–SE basin and eastern/western uplifts. Tectonic evolution involves repeated reactivation of Precambrian structures under at least two compressional regimes, producing segmented uplifted and subsided blocks. The central elongated basin may represent a potential hydrocarbon depocenter controlled by fault‑bounded accommodation space. Earth and environmental sciences/Planetary science Earth and environmental sciences/Solid earth sciences tectonic evolution geopotential field compressional regimes Gulf of Suez Egypt Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 1. Introduction The Gulf of Suez is an extensional rift basin that is divided into three dip provinces, separated by two transfer zones [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Each province has its own unique geological characteristics, which result in different hydrocarbon trapping mechanisms [ 4 , 5 ]. Esh El-Mallaha is located at the western side of the Gulf of Suez. It is bounded from the East by Esh El-Mallaha basement range and its western side is occupied by the basement rocks of the Eastern Desert (Red Sea Hills) (Fig. 1 a). It lies within a transitional zone influenced by the Red Sea rift system and the Gulf of Suez structural province. This is due to long‑term Precambrian basement fabrics that have been repeatedly reactivated by Phanerozoic tectonic events [ 6 ]. This region records the interplay between inherited basement trends and later rift‑related and compressional regimes. This produced a mosaic of faults, uplifted blocks, and sedimentary basins that control basement topography, sediment distribution, and subsurface architecture [ 7 ]. The study aims to integrate surface lineament and geopotential‑field mapping to resolve the geometry, depth, and kinematic significance of fault systems and basement topographic features. The specific objectives of the research are to i) quantify the orientation and relative abundance of surface and subsurface fracture systems, ii) delineate subsurface fault trends and basin geometry, and iii) integrate structural and geophysical evidence to reconstruct the tectonic evolution and identify tectonically controlled depocenter exploration significance. These goals were achieved by combining detailed surface lineament mapping with gravity and aeromagnetic processing, including first vertical derivatives, spectral depth estimation, two‑dimensional modeling, and trend‑tracing techniques. This multi‑scale, multi‑method approach enables discrimination between shallow sedimentary features and deeper basement structures to provide robust depth estimates for the basement surface and fault‑bounded depocenter. 2. Geological setting The west Esh El‑Mallaha area is characterized by a relatively broad plain of lowland between Gabal El-Mallaha from the east and the Egyptian basement complex (Red Sea hills) from the west (Fig. 1 b). The main geomorphologic units are i) coastal plain, ii) higher plain lands, and iii) mountain range [ 8 ] (Fig. 2 a). The sedimentary section of the area can be subdivided into i) lower pre-rift (Paleozoic-early Eocene) sequence and ii) upper syn-rift (Miocene-Quaternary) sequence [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. The structure and tectonics of the area are more complicated throughout different geologic ages, represented by numerous faults, folding, and different fractures [ 7 , 14 ] (Fig. 2 b). According to these studies, the Esh El-Mallaha fault block is governed by two clysmically oriented (N35 o W) normal faults, the Esh El-Mallaha fault in the east and the marginal (shoulders) fault in the west. The Pre-Cambrian basement rocks are highly influenced by many fractures and joints of different directions (e.g., NW-SE, NE-SW). The folding is strongly affected in this province, and some of them are of the shallow-broad type (NE trend) with great amplitude [ 9 , 16 ]. Also, they are parallel to the prominent fault trends, especially along the Red Sea, which indicates a significant geological relationship that influences the structural integrity and stability of the region [ 17 ]. 3. Methods and techniques The present study was fulfilled using all available geologic and geophysical data as follows; i) the geological map of Egypt, ii) the usable published surface and subsurface literature, iii) the Bouguer gravity anomaly map, iv) the aeromagnetic map, and v) the ground magnetic field intensity survey. The gravity and aeromagnetic data were taken from the Authority of Egyptian Geologic Survey. The Bouguer gravity anomaly map of the area under investigation (scale 1: 100000) was provided by [ 18 ] with a 1 mgal contour interval. 4. Results and interpretation 4.1. Surface- structural analysis The pattern of surface-structural lineaments for major and minor (Fig. 3 a) and merely major (> 8 km) (Fig. 4 a) was identified using the Egypt surface geology map (Fig. 1 b). Two azimuth frequency diagrams (L% and N %) were constructed from the surface structural lineaments (Figs. 3 b and 4 b). The distribution of all structural trends (faults and joints) affected the study area can be arranged according to their decreasing order of abundance as; i) NW-SE, ii) NNE-SSW, iii) ENE-WSW, iv) NNW-SSE, v) NE-SW, and vi) N-S trends. Two major trends are observed clearly on the surface geological map of the area and also on the structural lineament map (Figs. 3 a and 4 a). These two major trends are; the N-S (East African) and the ENE-WSW (Red Sea) transverse trends. Also, these trends were influenced clearly the formation of other detected ones. Therefore, they must be taken into account during the interpretation process of the statistical analysis of all other surface fractures as well as the critical discussion of the structural pattern of Esh El- Malaha area. 4.2. Subsurface- structural analysis The Bouguer gravity anomaly map shows the distribution of different types of high and low gravity anomalies with different amplitudes (Fig. 5 a). These anomalies are closely related to different subsurface geological structures at different depths. The aeromagnetic map represents the total magnetic field measured at amplitude of 120m, with contour interval 20 nT (Fig. 6 ). The aeromagnetic data were reduced to the pole (RTP) (Fig. 7 a) using [ 19 ]. 4.2.1. Gravity maps The Bouguer gravity anomaly map is characterized by linear anomalies trending mainly in the NW-SE direction (Fig. 5 b and c). The southern sector of the region has a significant closed gravity anomaly (-45 mgal) that extends in a NW-SE direction. This anomaly may be due to thick sedimentary sequence reflecting presence of a major basin or subsidence which may be represent a promising area of hydrocarbon potentiality. Some large closed positive anomalies (+ 10 and + 5 mgal) are observed at the northeastern and eastern parts of the area. They may indicate uplifts resulted from steep faults in the eastern side and gentile faults in the western side separating this uplift from Esh El-Mallaha. Using the method of high-path filter and Geosoftware Version 4.3 (2004) for vertical derivative of geopotential field data; the Bouguer gravity anomaly map (Fig. 5 a), its first vertical derivative one (Fig. 8 a) have been used to detect different fault systems (Figs. 5 b and 8 b) with their relative abundances (Figs. 5 c and 8 c). These fault trends arranged in a decreasing order of abundance as; i) NW-SE, ii) NNE-SSW, iii) NNW-SSE, iv) WNW-ESE, v) ENE-WSW, and vi) N-S fault trends. The basement depth is determined, from gravity data, by applying different techniques, e.g. the spectral analysis [ 20 ], Euler disconsolation [ 21 ], [ 22 ] and two dimensional modeling [ 22 ]. A map exhibits the basement relief (Fig. 9 a) and 3-D diagram representation (Fig. 9 b) was constructed. They identify; The basement is deep (2600 m) in the middle and south, but shallow (< 200 m) in the northeast. There are numerous lows on the basement surface. A significant low that stretches NW-SE is located in the middle of the area. The basement surface shows a southward sloping. Also, it has characterized by many uplifts, especially to the east. 4.2.2. Magnetic Maps The principles feature observed from the RTP map (Fig. 9 a) and its first vertical derivative one (Fig. 10 a) (using the same methods applied on gravity data mentioned before) is the presence of high magnetic anomalies trending mainly along the NW direction with subordinate group of anomalies which trend in the NS or NE directions. The amplitude and frequency of the high magnitude anomalies vary widely, reflecting the depths and composition of their underlying buried masses. Other group of low magnetic anomalies (NW, NS, and NE) can be found in the center and southern parts of the study area. Two maps are created to display the arial distribution of identified tectonic lines (Figs. 9 b and 10 b) using [ 23 ] from the RTP map (Fig. 9 a) and its derivative one (Fig. 10 a). The relative abundance of all fault trends (Figs. 9 c and 10 c) deduced from the aeromagnetic data, can be arranged in a decreasing order as; i) NW-SE, ii) NNE-SSW, iii) ENE-WSW, iv) NNW-SSE, v) NE-SW, and vi) N-S trends. The same methods used on aeromagnetic anomalies in order to determine basement depth. In order to create the topographic map of the basement (Fig. 11 a) and a 3-D block diagram depiction (Fig. 11 b), these various methods were utilized individually to determine the basement depth. The mean values were then computed utilizing the integrated results of all applicable approaches. A close examination of these figures reveals: The basement depth ranges between < 200 to about 3000m. The northern, eastern and western parts of the area are characterized by shallow basement depths, while the middle and western parts are characterized by large basement depth (3000m) in the middle part. The basement rocks show a very wide range in composition (indicated from the magnetic susceptibilities which vary from 0.004 to 0.0055 in c.g.s. units). The basement rocks were affected by major tectonic trends (mainly faults) oriented predominantly in the NE-SW and NW-SE directions which delineated uplifted and subsided blocks. The eastern and western parts are characterized by basement heights, while the middle part (oriented NW-SE) is characterized by very elongated basement low. 5. Discussion The tectonic image of west Esh El-Mallaha is achieved by correlating structures deduced from surface and geophysical (gravity and magnetic) maps. Faults represent the main structural feature, while folding was strongly affected the province of the Gulf of Suez and some of them are of shallow-broad type. They have great amplitude and NE trend [ 9 ]. Also, they parallel to the prominent fault trends especially along the Red Sea. By integrating and correlating surface and subsurface structural signatures, the study provides a coherent tectonic framework for west Esh El‑Mallaha that clarifies the roles of inherited basement fabrics and later tectonic phases in shaping basin architecture. The results have direct relevance for regional tectonic reconstructions and for exploration targeting, particularly where elongated gravity and magnetic lows indicate fault‑controlled basins with potential for significant sediment accumulation. When the primary fault trends inferred from the magnetic and gravity maps are correlated, there is sometimes discordance and sometimes concordance. The discordance may be attributed to that fault lines are separating to different rock units of different magnetic susceptibilities but having low density contrast. It is clear that there are some distinctions between the surface and subsurface fault trends when comparing the surface structural pattern with those deduced from subsurface data. Some major and deep basement faults haven't upward extension in the sedimentary cover. Additionally, during younger tectonic and rejuvenation processes, fractures from deeper layers do not propagate upward. The NW-SE fault trend is the most important tectonic trends interpreted from surface and geophysical maps. According to [ 24 ], this trend is effectively a reactivation of one of the older Pre-Cambrian fracture systems. It could be attributed to the result of the Hercynian Pre-Cambrian subduction and well developed during the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez rifting. Another predominant trend, also deduced from both surface and subsurface (geophysical) data is the NNE-SSW (Aqaba) trend. [ 15 ] defined this trend as one of the most important fault systems that affected the basement in Egypt, which resulted from compressive stress. [ 24 ] stated that this trend is present since the Pre-Cambrian and developed in the Tertiary (as a result of northward movement of Arabia with a higher rate relative to Africa) A minor N-S fault trends are apparent from the gravity, magnetic and surface data. [ 25 ] considered this trend as one of the oldest tectonic trends in Egypt which is related to Pan-African Orogeny. Thus, this trend has probably developed in the Pre-Cambrian and actively rejuvenated during late Tertiary and early Quaternary. In the present study a precise correlation was made between surface structures and those deduced from different subsurface data in the area west of Esh El-Mallaha. It is evident that this part of Egypt has undergone several deformation events and that the basement grain with its Pre-Cambrian trends was reactivated several times. This occurred selectivity along definite trends according to the prevailing stress regime (Fig. 12 ). Tectonic activities during the Phanerozoic have influenced not only the topographic relief of the basement surface, but also controlled the sedimentation process and the existence of restricted tectonic basins. These basins are characterized by a thick accumulation of Mesozoic-Cenozoic sediments. Probably, the major structural basin (indicated from low major gravity and magnetic field) in the middle part of the study area may represent a promising area of hydrocarbon potentiality, where its adjacent areas are characterized by many oil discoveries especially, to the east. The most important tectonic trends that have been identified from both surface and subsurface (geophysical) data show substantial conformity. The area has been subjected to mild tectonsim during the earliest periods of its history. The recorded tectonic trends in west Esh El-Mallaha are thought to be the result of two major tectonic phases (Fig. 12 ). The older (mid-Tertiary to present time) and principal one has the regional compression N10 o W- S10 o E, probably was resulting from the collision between the European and African plates (Fig. 12 a). The second phase has started much later (with the beginning of the Quaternary). It has regional compression NW-SE, probably was associated with the dextral movement of Africa relative to Eurasia (Fig. 12 b). 6. Conclusion From the present study, the following conclusions can be detected; NW–SE and NNE–SSW orientations are consistently observed in surface and subsurface data, with subsidiary ENE–WSW, NNW–SSE, NE–SW, and N–S trends. Some deep basement faults lack upward propagation into the sedimentary cover, explaining differences between surface lineaments and geopotential anomalies. Basement depth varies from shallow (< 200 m) in the north and east to ~ 3000 m in the central basin, forming an elongated NW–SE low flanked by uplifted blocks. Precambrian fracture systems have been selectively reactivated during Phanerozoic tectonic phases, producing segmented uplifted and subsided blocks. Two major compressional regimes are identified; mid‑Tertiary N10°W–S10°E compression linked to Africa–Europe collision and Quaternary NW–SE compression associated with Africa–Eurasia dextral movement. The central NW–SE elongated basin, marked by low gravity (-46 mgal) and magnetic (41800 nT) anomalies, represents a promising hydrocarbon depocenter, consistent with adjacent oil discoveries. Declarations Conflict of interest There are no conflicts of interest. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Funding Open access funding provided by The Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) in cooperation with The Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB). Author Contribution The 1st author [Hamza Ahmed Ibrahim] and 4th author [Mohamed Osman Ebraheem] contributed to the study’s conception and design, revised the manuscript, restructured, rewrote, and provided additional interpretations to a section of the paper, whereas the 2nd author [Assem El-Saeid El-Haddad] and 3rd [Assem El-Saeid El-Haddad] contributed to the study’s conception. The first draft of the manuscript was written by the 1st author and 4th author, edited by the 2nd and 3rd authors, and reedited by the 1st and 4th authors until submission. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript for submission. Acknowledgement This paper is based upon work supported by the Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF). Data Availability Data will be made available on request. References Moustafa, A. M. Block faulting in the Gulf of Suez. 5th Conference Egyptian General Petroleum Corporations, Cairo, Egypt, 35. (1976). Moustafa, A. R. & Fouad, H. G. 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Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 05 May, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 05 May, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 30 Apr, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 30 Apr, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 29 Apr, 2026 Editor invited by journal 29 Apr, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 23 Apr, 2026 First submitted to journal 23 Apr, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-9439191","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":635709420,"identity":"db1dcd0e-2d7b-43a3-b227-0d572aa918d5","order_by":0,"name":"Hamza ahmed 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14:08:08","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9439191/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9439191/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":108788890,"identity":"7c70827f-2b66-47a5-8eea-55d81a54fc05","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 11:56:56","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1072526,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLocation map of west Esh El-Mallaha a) and simplified geological map {after [10]} b).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/93bf0e08f6a5a3b54813119f.png"},{"id":108788891,"identity":"fa1bcf9e-5dd2-4d09-b38c-3f72850173a2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 11:56:56","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1097947,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMain geomorphologic units and drainage basins {after [8]} a) and morphotectonic map {after [12]} b) of the study area and the surrounding parts.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/a7573a4a7ecdb9400d6cc461.png"},{"id":108788926,"identity":"07adbb04-5df4-4361-a90e-3f98c95011bb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 11:57:02","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1222304,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSurface structural lineaments (major and minor) {traced from the geological map of Egypt, Qusseir sheet, [10]} a) and its Azimuth frequency diagrams b).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/42b5b4855eee04f06e7a5eea.png"},{"id":108807563,"identity":"7eb7b477-e12f-4034-ab0d-b900335c1079","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 15:30:39","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":718471,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMajor surface structural lineaments {traced from the geological map of Egypt, Qusseir sheet, [10]} a) and its Azimuth frequency diagram b).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/d535b1d3a6e2d0232f9dfddd.png"},{"id":108788928,"identity":"6b8fa952-f9b0-47ab-9a8e-5dc54cfb3449","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 11:57:02","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1093688,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eBouguer gravity anomaly map of west Esh El-Mallaha {[18]} a), faults interpreted from gravity data b), and its Azimuth frequency diagram c).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/5d95637c046336af843d1557.png"},{"id":108788892,"identity":"c80c1704-992e-46d3-9ed6-bf6837ca2301","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 11:56:56","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":280656,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTotal aeromagnetic field intensity map of west Esh El-Mallaha {after, [10]}.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/50c81b2a2913201598e9076c.png"},{"id":108788894,"identity":"fafa6d7e-6a7f-4936-be3f-497b4b1588d3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 11:56:56","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1157929,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eReduced to pole (RTP) aeromagnetic map of the study area a), Faults interpreted b) and its Azimuth frequency diagram of magnetic lineaments c).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/8b30cb6e2a870d752fa0bca4.png"},{"id":108807673,"identity":"8c7a4f4a-0fb1-45a7-a5ae-4b68eadbcb2b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 15:31:07","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":987611,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFirst vertical derivative gravity anomaly map a), Fault systems interpreted b), and its Azimuth frequency diagram c).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/c34dc62ad65937a873c376ab.png"},{"id":108788896,"identity":"85375f9b-fd5b-4e93-969f-132df7a99266","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 11:56:56","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":165118,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eBasement depth contour map a) and 3-D block diagram interpreted\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003efrom gravity data b).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/7107cc6cde4600a69aed3e59.png"},{"id":108807636,"identity":"59c77d55-d5db-4212-a940-4036a28b592d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 15:31:00","extension":"png","order_by":10,"title":"Figure 10","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1567381,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFirst vertical derivative of RTP magnetic map a), Fault systems interpreted b), and its Azimuth Frequency c).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"10.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/ee8f6ef57c6b480f2275e6de.png"},{"id":108807666,"identity":"0cc6e2ae-3cdc-47d5-9615-a4e806b7ed3f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 15:31:06","extension":"png","order_by":11,"title":"Figure 11","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1287830,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eBasement depth map a) and 3-D block diagram b) from magnetic data.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"11.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/162ff993843cc3b8dfd941c0.png"},{"id":108808373,"identity":"b45f7a95-c67e-4f5c-b44d-78c2435923e4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 15:42:14","extension":"png","order_by":12,"title":"Figure 12","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":955183,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePrimary and secondary sheering accompanied with N10O W compression characterizing the study area {Modified after [26]} a) and Hypothetical model of simple sheer, PDZ is the principle displacement zone affected the area {Modified after [27]} b).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"12.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/54d46e7dffd8b7499dbd12d9.png"},{"id":108979400,"identity":"c8461f14-8ee2-427a-82fb-208109983c42","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-11 11:58:15","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":11835441,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9439191/v1/747c0112-2d60-478f-8176-332c775de975.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Structural characteristics and tectonic evolution of west Gulf of Suez, Egypt","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Gulf of Suez is an extensional rift basin that is divided into three dip provinces, separated by two transfer zones [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Each province has its own unique geological characteristics, which result in different hydrocarbon trapping mechanisms [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Esh El-Mallaha is located at the western side of the Gulf of Suez. It is bounded from the East by Esh El-Mallaha basement range and its western side is occupied by the basement rocks of the Eastern Desert (Red Sea Hills) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003ea).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt lies within a transitional zone influenced by the Red Sea rift system and the Gulf of Suez structural province. This is due to long‑term Precambrian basement fabrics that have been repeatedly reactivated by Phanerozoic tectonic events [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. This region records the interplay between inherited basement trends and later rift‑related and compressional regimes. This produced a mosaic of faults, uplifted blocks, and sedimentary basins that control basement topography, sediment distribution, and subsurface architecture [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study aims to integrate surface lineament and geopotential‑field mapping to resolve the geometry, depth, and kinematic significance of fault systems and basement topographic features. The specific objectives of the research are to i) quantify the orientation and relative abundance of surface and subsurface fracture systems, ii) delineate subsurface fault trends and basin geometry, and iii) integrate structural and geophysical evidence to reconstruct the tectonic evolution and identify tectonically controlled depocenter exploration significance.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese goals were achieved by combining detailed surface lineament mapping with gravity and aeromagnetic processing, including first vertical derivatives, spectral depth estimation, two‑dimensional modeling, and trend‑tracing techniques. This multi‑scale, multi‑method approach enables discrimination between shallow sedimentary features and deeper basement structures to provide robust depth estimates for the basement surface and fault‑bounded depocenter.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Geological setting","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe west Esh El‑Mallaha area is characterized by a relatively broad plain of lowland between Gabal El-Mallaha from the east and the Egyptian basement complex (Red Sea hills) from the west (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003eb). The main geomorphologic units are i) coastal plain, ii) higher plain lands, and iii) mountain range [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e] (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003ea). The sedimentary section of the area can be subdivided into i) lower pre-rift (Paleozoic-early Eocene) sequence and ii) upper syn-rift (Miocene-Quaternary) sequence [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe structure and tectonics of the area are more complicated throughout different geologic ages, represented by numerous faults, folding, and different fractures [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eb). According to these studies, the Esh El-Mallaha fault block is governed by two clysmically oriented (N35\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eW) normal faults, the Esh El-Mallaha fault in the east and the marginal (shoulders) fault in the west. The Pre-Cambrian basement rocks are highly influenced by many fractures and joints of different directions (e.g., NW-SE, NE-SW). The folding is strongly affected in this province, and some of them are of the shallow-broad type (NE trend) with great amplitude [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. Also, they are parallel to the prominent fault trends, especially along the Red Sea, which indicates a significant geological relationship that influences the structural integrity and stability of the region [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3. Methods and techniques","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study was fulfilled using all available geologic and geophysical data as follows; i) the geological map of Egypt, ii) the usable published surface and subsurface literature, iii) the Bouguer gravity anomaly map, iv) the aeromagnetic map, and v) the ground magnetic field intensity survey. The gravity and aeromagnetic data were taken from the Authority of Egyptian Geologic Survey. The Bouguer gravity anomaly map of the area under investigation (scale 1: 100000) was provided by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] with a 1 mgal contour interval.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Results and interpretation","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.1. Surface- structural analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe pattern of surface-structural lineaments for major and minor (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003ea) and merely major (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;8 km) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003ea) was identified using the Egypt surface geology map (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003eb). Two azimuth frequency diagrams (L% and N %) were constructed from the surface structural lineaments (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003eb and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eb). The distribution of all structural trends (faults and joints) affected the study area can be arranged according to their decreasing order of abundance as; i) NW-SE, ii) NNE-SSW, iii) ENE-WSW, iv) NNW-SSE, v) NE-SW, and vi) N-S trends.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwo major trends are observed clearly on the surface geological map of the area and also on the structural lineament map (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003ea and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003ea). These two major trends are; the N-S (East African) and the ENE-WSW (Red Sea) transverse trends. Also, these trends were influenced clearly the formation of other detected ones. Therefore, they must be taken into account during the interpretation process of the statistical analysis of all other surface fractures as well as the critical discussion of the structural pattern of Esh El- Malaha area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2. Subsurface- structural analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Bouguer gravity anomaly map shows the distribution of different types of high and low gravity anomalies with different amplitudes (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003ea). These anomalies are closely related to different subsurface geological structures at different depths. The aeromagnetic map represents the total magnetic field measured at amplitude of 120m, with contour interval 20 nT (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The aeromagnetic data were reduced to the pole (RTP) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003ea) using [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2.1. Gravity maps\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Bouguer gravity anomaly map is characterized by linear anomalies trending mainly in the NW-SE direction (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eb and c). The southern sector of the region has a significant closed gravity anomaly (-45 mgal) that extends in a NW-SE direction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis anomaly may be due to thick sedimentary sequence reflecting presence of a major basin or subsidence which may be represent a promising area of hydrocarbon potentiality. Some large closed positive anomalies (+\u0026thinsp;10 and +\u0026thinsp;5 mgal) are observed at the northeastern and eastern parts of the area. They may indicate uplifts resulted from steep faults in the eastern side and gentile faults in the western side separating this uplift from Esh El-Mallaha.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing the method of high-path filter and Geosoftware Version 4.3 (2004) for vertical derivative of geopotential field data; the Bouguer gravity anomaly map (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003ea), its first vertical derivative one (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003ea) have been used to detect different fault systems (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eb and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eb) with their relative abundances (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003ec and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003ec). These fault trends arranged in a decreasing order of abundance as; i) NW-SE, ii) NNE-SSW, iii) NNW-SSE, iv) WNW-ESE, v) ENE-WSW, and vi) N-S fault trends.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe basement depth is determined, from gravity data, by applying different techniques, e.g. the spectral analysis [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e], Euler disconsolation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e] and two dimensional modeling [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. A map exhibits the basement relief (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003ea) and 3-D diagram representation (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eb) was constructed. They identify;\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe basement is deep (2600 m) in the middle and south, but shallow (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;200 m) in the northeast.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere are numerous lows on the basement surface. A significant low that stretches NW-SE is located in the middle of the area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe basement surface shows a southward sloping. Also, it has characterized by many uplifts, especially to the east.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2.2. Magnetic Maps\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe principles feature observed from the RTP map (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003ea) and its first vertical derivative one (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003ea) (using the same methods applied on gravity data mentioned before) is the presence of high magnetic anomalies trending mainly along the NW direction with subordinate group of anomalies which trend in the NS or NE directions. The amplitude and frequency of the high magnitude anomalies vary widely, reflecting the depths and composition of their underlying buried masses. Other group of low magnetic anomalies (NW, NS, and NE) can be found in the center and southern parts of the study area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwo maps are created to display the arial distribution of identified tectonic lines (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eb and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003eb) using [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e] from the RTP map (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003ea) and its derivative one (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003ea). The relative abundance of all fault trends (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003ec and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003ec) deduced from the aeromagnetic data, can be arranged in a decreasing order as; i) NW-SE, ii) NNE-SSW, iii) ENE-WSW, iv) NNW-SSE, v) NE-SW, and vi) N-S trends.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe same methods used on aeromagnetic anomalies in order to determine basement depth. In order to create the topographic map of the basement (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig11\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003ea) and a 3-D block diagram depiction (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig11\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003eb), these various methods were utilized individually to determine the basement depth. The mean values were then computed utilizing the integrated results of all applicable approaches. A close examination of these figures reveals:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe basement depth ranges between \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;200 to about 3000m.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe northern, eastern and western parts of the area are characterized by shallow basement depths, while the middle and western parts are characterized by large basement depth (3000m) in the middle part.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe basement rocks show a very wide range in composition (indicated from the magnetic susceptibilities which vary from 0.004 to 0.0055 in c.g.s. units).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe basement rocks were affected by major tectonic trends (mainly faults) oriented predominantly in the NE-SW and NW-SE directions which delineated uplifted and subsided blocks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe eastern and western parts are characterized by basement heights, while the middle part (oriented NW-SE) is characterized by very elongated basement low.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe tectonic image of west Esh El-Mallaha is achieved by correlating structures deduced from surface and geophysical (gravity and magnetic) maps. Faults represent the main structural feature, while folding was strongly affected the province of the Gulf of Suez and some of them are of shallow-broad type. They have great amplitude and NE trend [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. Also, they parallel to the prominent fault trends especially along the Red Sea.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBy integrating and correlating surface and subsurface structural signatures, the study provides a coherent tectonic framework for west Esh El‑Mallaha that clarifies the roles of inherited basement fabrics and later tectonic phases in shaping basin architecture. The results have direct relevance for regional tectonic reconstructions and for exploration targeting, particularly where elongated gravity and magnetic lows indicate fault‑controlled basins with potential for significant sediment accumulation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen the primary fault trends inferred from the magnetic and gravity maps are correlated, there is sometimes discordance and sometimes concordance. The discordance may be attributed to that fault lines are separating to different rock units of different magnetic susceptibilities but having low density contrast. It is clear that there are some distinctions between the surface and subsurface fault trends when comparing the surface structural pattern with those deduced from subsurface data. Some major and deep basement faults haven't upward extension in the sedimentary cover. Additionally, during younger tectonic and rejuvenation processes, fractures from deeper layers do not propagate upward.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe NW-SE fault trend is the most important tectonic trends interpreted from surface and geophysical maps. According to [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e], this trend is effectively a reactivation of one of the older Pre-Cambrian fracture systems. It could be attributed to the result of the Hercynian Pre-Cambrian subduction and well developed during the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez rifting.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother predominant trend, also deduced from both surface and subsurface (geophysical) data is the NNE-SSW (Aqaba) trend. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e] defined this trend as one of the most important fault systems that affected the basement in Egypt, which resulted from compressive stress. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e] stated that this trend is present since the Pre-Cambrian and developed in the Tertiary (as a result of northward movement of Arabia with a higher rate relative to Africa)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA minor N-S fault trends are apparent from the gravity, magnetic and surface data. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e] considered this trend as one of the oldest tectonic trends in Egypt which is related to Pan-African Orogeny. Thus, this trend has probably developed in the Pre-Cambrian and actively rejuvenated during late Tertiary and early Quaternary.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the present study a precise correlation was made between surface structures and those deduced from different subsurface data in the area west of Esh El-Mallaha. It is evident that this part of Egypt has undergone several deformation events and that the basement grain with its Pre-Cambrian trends was reactivated several times. This occurred selectivity along definite trends according to the prevailing stress regime (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTectonic activities during the Phanerozoic have influenced not only the topographic relief of the basement surface, but also controlled the sedimentation process and the existence of restricted tectonic basins. These basins are characterized by a thick accumulation of Mesozoic-Cenozoic sediments. Probably, the major structural basin (indicated from low major gravity and magnetic field) in the middle part of the study area may represent a promising area of hydrocarbon potentiality, where its adjacent areas are characterized by many oil discoveries especially, to the east. The most important tectonic trends that have been identified from both surface and subsurface (geophysical) data show substantial conformity. The area has been subjected to mild tectonsim during the earliest periods of its history. The recorded tectonic trends in west Esh El-Mallaha are thought to be the result of two major tectonic phases (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). The older (mid-Tertiary to present time) and principal one has the regional compression N10\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eW- S10\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eE, probably was resulting from the collision between the European and African plates (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003ea). The second phase has started much later (with the beginning of the Quaternary). It has regional compression NW-SE, probably was associated with the dextral movement of Africa relative to Eurasia (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003eb).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the present study, the following conclusions can be detected;\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eNW\u0026ndash;SE and NNE\u0026ndash;SSW orientations are consistently observed in surface and subsurface data, with subsidiary ENE\u0026ndash;WSW, NNW\u0026ndash;SSE, NE\u0026ndash;SW, and N\u0026ndash;S trends.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eSome deep basement faults lack upward propagation into the sedimentary cover, explaining differences between surface lineaments and geopotential anomalies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eBasement depth varies from shallow (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;200 m) in the north and east to ~\u0026thinsp;3000 m in the central basin, forming an elongated NW\u0026ndash;SE low flanked by uplifted blocks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrecambrian fracture systems have been selectively reactivated during Phanerozoic tectonic phases, producing segmented uplifted and subsided blocks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwo major compressional regimes are identified; mid‑Tertiary N10\u0026deg;W\u0026ndash;S10\u0026deg;E compression linked to Africa\u0026ndash;Europe collision and Quaternary NW\u0026ndash;SE compression associated with Africa\u0026ndash;Eurasia dextral movement.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe central NW\u0026ndash;SE elongated basin, marked by low gravity (-46 mgal) and magnetic (41800 nT) anomalies, represents a promising hydrocarbon depocenter, consistent with adjacent oil discoveries.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eConflict of interest\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere are no conflicts of interest.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eOpen access funding provided by The Science, Technology \u0026amp; Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) in cooperation with The Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 1st author [Hamza Ahmed Ibrahim] and 4th author [Mohamed Osman Ebraheem] contributed to the study\u0026rsquo;s conception and design, revised the manuscript, restructured, rewrote, and provided additional interpretations to a section of the paper, whereas the 2nd author [Assem El-Saeid El-Haddad] and 3rd [Assem El-Saeid El-Haddad] contributed to the study\u0026rsquo;s conception. The first draft of the manuscript was written by the 1st author and 4th author, edited by the 2nd and 3rd authors, and reedited by the 1st and 4th authors until submission. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript for submission.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis paper is based upon work supported by the Science, Technology \u0026amp; Innovation Funding Authority (STDF).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData will be made available on request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMoustafa, A. M. Block faulting in the Gulf of Suez. 5th Conference Egyptian General Petroleum Corporations, Cairo, Egypt, 35. (1976).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMoustafa, A. R. \u0026amp; Fouad, H. G. Gable Surfer El Dara accommodation zone, southwestern part of the Suez rift. \u003cem\u003eMed. Eas Res. C Ain Shams Univ. 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In: \u003cem\u003ePan-African belt of Northeast Africa and adjacent areas\u003c/em\u003e (Edited by El Gaby, S and Greiling, R. O) (eds.). Earth. Evol. Sci., 17\u0026ndash;68, Firiedr.Vieweg and Sohn, Braunschwieg, Wiesbaden. (1987).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrown, G. F. \u0026amp; Colemen, R. G. : The tectonic framework of the Arabian Peninsula. \u003cem\u003e24th International Geological Congress, Montreal\u003c/em\u003e. Proc., Sec. 3, 300\u0026ndash;305. (1992).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMoody, J. D. Petroleum exploration aspects of wrench-fault tectonics. \u003cem\u003eAAPG Bull.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e57\u003c/b\u003e (3), 449\u0026ndash;476 (1973).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSylvester, J. D. Strike-slip faults. \u003cem\u003eGeol. Soc. Am. Bull.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e, 1666\u0026ndash;1703 (1988).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"tectonic evolution, geopotential field, compressional regimes, Gulf of Suez, Egypt","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9439191/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9439191/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIntegrated structural, gravity, and aeromagnetic analyses of west Gulf of Suez area delineate a multi‑scale tectonic framework. This was dominated by reactivated Precambrian basement fabrics and later Meso‑Cenozoic adjustments. Surface- and subsurface-lineament mapping were constructed to resolve kinematic significance of fault systems and basement features. Different filtering and transformation enhancement techniques were applied to the geopotential field data. These were made to isolate the near-surface (local) anomalies from deep-seated (regional) ones. These lineaments cluster principally in NW\u0026ndash;SE and NNE\u0026ndash;SSW orientations with subsidiary ENE\u0026ndash;WSW, NNW\u0026ndash;SSE, NE\u0026ndash;SW and N\u0026ndash;S trends. Two main trends; N\u0026ndash;S and ENE\u0026ndash;WSW exerted first-order control. Bouguer gravity anomalies reveal a pronounced NW\u0026ndash;SE elongated gravity low and localized positive uplifts. While reduced-to-pole (RTP) maps show high magnetic anomalies trending NW, with shallow magnetic lows centrally. Integrated depth estimates place the basement between \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;200 m and ~\u0026thinsp;3000 m, with a major central NW\u0026ndash;SE basin and eastern/western uplifts. Tectonic evolution involves repeated reactivation of Precambrian structures under at least two compressional regimes, producing segmented uplifted and subsided blocks. The central elongated basin may represent a potential hydrocarbon depocenter controlled by fault‑bounded accommodation space.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Structural characteristics and tectonic evolution of west Gulf of Suez, Egypt","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-05-08 11:56:21","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9439191/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"336078430628979298057560338159824041266","date":"2026-05-05T17:11:15+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"173428096152974268456122471829179554479","date":"2026-05-05T10:17:18+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"179155160215611009085723502940738634095","date":"2026-04-30T10:13:59+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-04-30T09:37:07+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-04-29T23:59:15+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-04-29T12:05:05+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-04-23T07:08:49+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Scientific Reports","date":"2026-04-23T06:55:10+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"d4978798-f7f2-49fc-8744-573632e0f455","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 8th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"336078430628979298057560338159824041266","date":"2026-05-05T17:11:15+00:00","index":34,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"173428096152974268456122471829179554479","date":"2026-05-05T10:17:18+00:00","index":33,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"179155160215611009085723502940738634095","date":"2026-04-30T10:13:59+00:00","index":28,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"13","date":"2026-04-30T09:37:07+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-04-29T23:59:15+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-04-29T12:05:05+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[{"id":67660261,"name":"Earth and environmental sciences/Planetary science"},{"id":67660262,"name":"Earth and environmental sciences/Solid earth sciences"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-05-08T11:56:21+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-05-08 11:56:21","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-9439191","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-9439191","identity":"rs-9439191","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}