A thermal,
subsidence sedimentary basin model and its application to Abu ElGharadig Basin, Egypt
Ibrahim A. Setto
Dept. Geology, Fac. Sciences, EI Minia Univ., Egypt |
Geological and geophysical evidences (in
particular thermal and gravity anomalies) suggest the presence of hot mantle material
below zones of continental rifting. A thermal subsidence sedimentary basin model and its
application to Abu ElGharadig basin indicates that:
(i) The depths of the various sedimentary units of Abu ElGharadig basin at ages of the
boundaries agree with the rate of the predicted subsidence.
(ii) The measured thermal gradient agrees with the calculated one. N-S crustal model
demonstrated how straight forward modelling of gravity data could match density contrasts
with the major features, faults and base of sedimentary basins in the upper crust as well
as the crust-mantle boundary (MOHO)
Application of viscosity law to the lithospheric rocks implies that both lower crust and
base of the lithosphere are characterized by viscosity minimum. Taking that into
consideration, wrench faulting dominating in the northern Western Desert of Egypt may be
regarded as resulting from differential movement of the two rigid plates, Africa and
Europe.
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