Structural architecture of Gebel Hamza, Northwestern sector of Cairo-Suez District, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, 21568, Alexandria, Egypt

2 Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.

3 Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Egypt.

Abstract

Detailed field geological mapping of Gebel Hamza, northwestern sector of Cairo-Suez District, Egypt, is achieved to figure out the structural setting of this area. This is done via detailed field mapping and high resolution satellite images interpretation. The exposed rock units at Gebel Hamza are represented by the upper Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and Quaternary rock units. The regional structural geometry of Gebel Hamza is a SW-oriented plunged anticline which is affected by faults and folds. Consequently, these structures are also affected the lithological distribution of the exposed rock units in the area. Field observations and measurements reveal four main fault trends are represented by E-W, NW-SE, ENE-WSW, and NNW-SSE trends. The majority of these faults are highly dipping, with dip angle ranges between 70°-85°. In addition, the most of the investigated faults have left-stepping en echelon arrangements and form linked fault systems (i.e., zigzag fault patterns). On the other hand, the mapped folds are developed along the normal faults. They are mainly WNW-ESE to NW-SE and ENE-to-NE-trending folds. The structural analysis of Gebel Hamza revealed that the mapped folds are formed as fault-related folds. The findings of this research are crucial for understanding the structural geometries of fault-related folds in extensional regimes.

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