Delineation of subsurface structures using gravity interpretation around Nabaa Al Hammara area, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nabaa El Hammra lies in the northeastern part of Wadi El-Natrun, characterised by low lands and most parts of this area are cultivated with different crops. In the current study, gravity data are used to investigate the subsurface structural features that can directly affect the configuration and distribution of groundwater aquifers and oil reservoirs accumulations. The present study aims to delineate the subsurface structural elements and to define the basins and basement uplifts, which can directly affect the flow of groundwater or oil accumulations. Gravity data are processed and filtered in diverse approaches to outlining the prevailed structure. The results of gravity data interpretation reveal that the studied area is affected by many structural features as NE-SW, NW-SE, N-S and E-W trends. These structural features caused barriers to the groundwater movement from or to the study area. The study revealed that the depth of the crystalline (Pre-Cambrian) rocks ranges from 3800 metres in the south part to 5300 metres in the northeastern region. Meanwhile, the basement rocks represent a bridge of shallow depth of northwest-southeast trend at the centre of the investigated area.