Fault-related folds at the central northern part of the Cairo-Suez District, Egypt: example from Gebel Um Raqm area

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University

2 Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519 Egypt

Abstract

The current study is achieved to figure out the structural geometry of the Gebel Um Raqm area in the central northern part of the Cairo-Suez District, Egypt. This work is accomplished via field observations of the surface structures and interpretation of the high-resolution satellite images. The outcropped rock units are differentiated into four units and are represented by the Upper Eocene, Oligocene, Lower Miocene, and Middle Miocene formations. The area is affected by ductile and brittle structures. Structurally, the G. Um Raqm is divided into three main sectors: northern, central, southern sectors. The northern sector is defined by left-stepping en echelon E-W to WNW normal faults, while the southern sector is delineated by left-stepping en echelon NW-SE normal faults. Moreover, the central sector is characterized by horst-graben faulting styles and step-faults. Fieldwork and measurements revealed the presence of four main fold trends represented by NW-SE, E-W, WNW-ESE, and NNW-SSE. Also, the mapped faults are grouped into four main sets and are represented by WNW-ESE, NW-SE, E-W, and NNW-SSE. The G. Um Raqm comprises several folds that are developed along or in between the normal fault segments. The structural analysis and interpretation of the folds and faults clearly indicate that these folds are developed either by being dragged on the fault planes as drag folds or by being formed as soft-linking folds in transfer zones.

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