Tectonic evolution of the basement rocks in the southern and central eastern desert of Egypt

Abstract

The previous classifications of the basement rocks of Egypt were concerned with the distribution of lithologic units, groups and formations and their chronological sequence with little attention to structural trends and events. In the present work, the tectonic evolution of parts of the central and southern Eastern Desert is examined, making use of the available satellite images and detailed field work in particular areas. Emphasis is given to the folding movements which affected the geosynclinal metamorphites and are reflected by major folds with their axes trending N.N.W. (Hafafit and Beitan areas) and E.N.E. (Barramiya area). Superposed structures are well demonstrated in several localities where the N.N.W. trend is found to be the older. Thrust faulting may be associated with these structures.