Tectono-sedimentary evolution of active extensional basins controlling the deposition of the Middle Miocene Kareem Formation, southwestern Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Abstract

Tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Gulf of Suez active extensional basin affected the deposition of the syn-rift Middle Miocene (Langhian) Kareem Formation. Six interpreted tectono-sedimentary models and lithofacies distribution maps are based mainly on facies interpretation and log data from ten wells. They revealed the paleogeography during six system tracts of the two third-order depositional sequences of this formation. Differential fault block movement resulted in the presence of deep basins beside high-relief areas and consequent sudden thickness and facies changes. The interpretation of depositional settings and the structural evolution during the six system tracts of the two depositional sequences is based on interpretations of earlier tectonics, the interaction between sedimentation and tectonism, subsidence rates, and abrupt thickness as well as facies changes along the individual fault blocks.