Structural pattern along the course of the Nile Valley opposite El-Balyana, Upper Egypt, using gravity and magnetic data

Abstract

The main objectives of this study are to evaluate the subsurface structure of the Nile Valley and construct the tectonic regime that shows the main compressive stresses influencing the area using magnetic and gravity methods. To achieve the objectives of the study, the available geophysical data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The qualitative interpretation focused on describing the distribution and extension of the anomalies in Bouguer anomaly and RTP maps in addition to the derivate maps, while the quantitative interpretation was used to determine the depth of the basement surface which reflects the thickness of the overlain sedimentary cover using the results of 2D and 3D inversion modeling of aeromagnetic and gravity data along some profiles defined in the trending region in the NW-SE, N-S, and E-W directions. The outcomes of 2D and 3D of aeromagnetic and gravity models were verified by real subsurface information obtained from deep well stratigraphic data. The depth to the basement throughout the study area ranges from 0.4 to more than 1.8 km. The structural contour map for the top of the basement indicates that the course of the Nile Valley is affected by subsidence while its eastern and western parts are characterized by series of uplifts. The main structures influencing the study area have bearings NW, representing the Gulf of Suez direction, NE and NNW.