Central Sinai Research Articles

Geochemical features and radiological risk assessment of Wadi El-Regeita granites, South Central Sinai, Egypt

The exposed rocks in the Wadi El-Regeita area are quartz monzonite, granodiorite and monzogranite intruded by andesite and diorite dikes. The monzogranites studied show a marked enrichment in Rb, Ba and Sr (large ion lithophile elements, LILE) and Zr, Nb and Y (high field strength elements, HFSE), but depletion in P and Ti. The genetic characteristics of the granites revealed calc-alkaline affinity, metaluminous and/or peraluminous characteristics. The studied quartz monzonite, granodiorite, and diorite rocks represent I-type granites that were emplaced in a volcanic arc tectonic environment. The monzogranite falls into post-collisional A-type granite that was emplaced within a plate environment under extensional regime. The calculated isovalents LREE/HREE, La/Yb, La/Sm and Tb/Yb show a relative enrichment of the lighter ones in the monzogranite. The quantities of 238U, 232Th and 40K in diorite samples have been investigated by gamma-ray spectroscopy. The measured radioisotope activity concentrations in Wadi El-Regeita varied from 100 to 1604 Bq.kg−1, with a mean of 370 ± 341 Bq.kg−1 for 238U. For 232Th, the range was from 35 to 140 Bq.kg−1, with a mean of 68 ± 27 Bq.kg−1. Finally, for 40K, the range was 501–3067 Bq.kg−1, with a mean of 1355 ± 570 Bq.kg−1. The levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K detected in the diorite samples examined were found to exceed the worldwide limits of 35, 45, and 412 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The primary radiological hazards associated with these diorite dikes were attributed to the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive elements. Estimates of the radiological hazards in the granites were made and statistical methods were used to demonstrate the relationships between radionuclides and radiological factors. The statistical evaluation confirmed that uranium and its associated minerals in the diorite dikes were the main factors contributing to the radiological risks. Consequently, the study concluded that the diorite dikes found in the study area were unsuitable for construction purposes due to their elevated levels of radioactivity.

Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy, bioevents, and palaeoecological interpretation of the lower-middle Miocene outcrops in west central Sinai (Egypt)

The Burdigalian/Langhian (B/L) boundary has not yet been designated as a Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP), despite various proposed zonal schemes. In the Gulf of Suez region of Egypt, the Burdigalian-Langhian successions are notable for hosting significant hydrocarbon reservoirs within a tectonic rift setting. Therefore, biostatigraphy plays a crucial role in exploration endeavors in this area. The nannofossil biostratigraphy is investigated in two sections, Wadi Baba and Wadi Gharandel, of the lower-middle Miocene from west-central Sinai. Three biozones, NN3 (Sphenolithus belemnos) Zone, NN4 (Helicosphaera ampliaperta) Zone, and NN5 (Sphenolithus heteromorphus) Zone, are identified from the studied interval. The NN4 Zone could be divided into MNN4a/b and MNN4c. Important biovents are discussed, such as the S. heteromorphus paracme interval and the first occurrence and evolution of the Discoaster exilis and Discoaster variabilis groups. Based on the cluster analysis, the recorded taxa can be subdivided into four groups that reflect their palaeoclimatic preferences. The paleoecological interpretation of the studied Rudies Formation indicates prevailing cool and eutrophic nutrient conditions based on the dominance of taxa such as Coccolithus pelagicus, Reticulofenestra minuta, and Cyclicargolithus floridanus. The nannofossil taxa responses to sea level curve are interpreted. Fluctuations in taxa abundance and diversity indicate a slight rise in the sea level at the base of the Burdigalian followed by sudden drop in the sea level at the middle Burdigalian. High sea-level conditions prevailed again until the B/L boundary. During the Langhian period, many small-scale fluctuations in sea-level curve are detected.

Upper Paleocene–lower Eocene calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy at Nukhul, West Central Sinai, Egypt

This research offers a comprehensive examination of calcareous nannofossils, isotopic ratios (δ18O and δ13C), and carbonate content spanning the critical Paleocene-Eocene transition at Gebel Nukhul. The study covers three lithostratigraphic formations: Tarawan, Esna, and Thebes. By meticulous analysis, we’ve identified five distinct calcareous nannofossil zones, including NP7/8 and NP9-12. Zone NP9 is further divided based on the lowest occurrences of specific nannofossils (Discoaster anartios, D. araneus, and/or Rhomboaster spp.), while Zone NP10 is subdivided using Tribrachiatus contortus as a marker. We discussed the significance of various calcareous nannofossil taxa in biostratigraphy, highlighting their role as valuable stratigraphic markers. Our research precisely locates the base of the Eocene at the onset of Subzone NP9b within the Esna Formation, revealing no discernible lithological changes coinciding with this boundary. Additionally, our findings align with the global record, indicating significant decreases in δ13C, δ18O, and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content during the Paleocene–Eocene transition. These changes underscore the climatic and environmental perturbations during this pivotal geological phase. This study provides valuable insights into the stratigraphy and paleoclimatology of the Paleocene–Eocene transition, contributing to our understanding of past climatic variations on Earth.

Assessment of groundwater aquifer using geophysical and remote sensing data on the area of Central Sinai, Egypt

The study aims to assess groundwater resources in Sinai's central area using remote sensing, geoelectric, and well-logging data, utilising techniques for modelling hydrogeological frameworks and evaluating desert regions' groundwater potential. Its utilized satellite image sources, soil maps, and geological maps to map the effects of various factors on groundwater potentiality recharge, dividing it into five zones. Eighteen deep VES stations were used to examine the upper part of the groundwater aquifer in Central Sinai, Egypt, comparing it with available borehole information (Well-1, and JICA-1) to establish subsurface geology and hydro-geology positioning. Borehole data, VES interpretation results, hydro-geophysical maps, and four geoelectrical cross-sections were used to visualize the rearward expansion of eight lithological units, groundwater-bearing sections, and aquifer-filled thicknesses. From interpretation data output reveal three zones with significant recharge and storage potential, including two groundwater aquifers. The shallow aquifer has a saturation thickness of the fractured limestone of 35–250 m, while the deep aquifer Nubian sandstone is detected at depths ranging from 660–1030 m. NW–SE and NE–SW faults likely recharge conduits connecting shallow and deep aquifers, providing sites with acceptable groundwater potential for living, agriculture, and development in Sinai.

Tectonic Framework of Central Sinai (Egypt) Using Geophysical and Seismological Data

Tectonic Framework of Central Sinai (Egypt) Using Geophysical and Seismological Data

The Paleocene climate in west central Sinai (Egypt): insights from the calcareous nannofossils

The Paleocene climate in west central Sinai (Egypt): insights from the calcareous nannofossils

Multiproxy analyses of paleoenvironmental and paleoceanographic changes during the Danian-Selandian in East Central Sinai: An integrated stable isotope and planktic foraminiferal data

Forty-three planktic foraminifera samples from the Themed section (East Central Sinai; Egypt) spanning the Zone Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina (Pα) to the Subzone Acarinina subsphaerica (P4b) have been studied. Data from δ13C, δ18O, and planktic foraminifera-based species diversity, depth habitat, preference for warm and cool surface waters, and nutrients (oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic conditions) are used to infer paleoenvironmental changes throughout the Danian‒Selandian duration. Based on quantitative multivariate analyses (hierarchical cluster and principal component), three distinct intervals were recognized, Interval 1 (Pα‒P1b), Interval 2 (P1c‒P3a), and Interval 3 (P3a‒P4b). Interval 2 is further subdivided into three subintervals, 2a (part P1c), 2b (part P1c), and 2c (P2‒P3a). Two δ13C events are identified, Dan-C2 and Latest Danian Event (LDE) and elaborated concerning paleoenvironmental changes. During the earliest Danian planktic foraminiferal Pα Zone, moderately shallow and eutrophic conditions prevailed with cool surface waters and a shallow thermocline. Comparable conditions were still prevailing during P1a‒P1b, but with slightly deeper and mesotrophic conditions and a somewhat deeper thermocline and reduced stratification. P1b‒P1c exhibits a major shift from Eoglobigerina to Subbotina‒Parasubbotina with cooler surface waters and moderate mesotrophic conditions. For Subzone P1c (upper part), slightly mesotrophic conditions were inferred, whereas for P2‒P3a (lower part), surface water warming and thermocline shallowing events have inferred with increased oligotrophic conditions. The Latest Danian Event (mid-P3a) is marked by a dramatic negative δ13C excursion, warm waters, increased mesotrophic conditions, and enhanced stratification. The dominance of Morozovella, Acarinina, and Igorina specify warm and oligotrophic conditions for subzones P3b‒P4b.

El-Gendi Fortress: a new military and religious geo-archaeological site, Sinai, Egypt: geomorphological and hydrogeological remarks

El-Gendi Fortress is a unique geo-archaeological site in Sinai, Egypt. It reflects the progress of the Islamic military architecture during Saladin’s reign (Salah ad-din al Ayyubi), the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty (1174-1260AD). The fortress's location met two major geo-criteria. One is geographical; it is located on a mound 655 m above sea level (a.s.l) and 152 m above El-Tih El-plateau; this elevation contributes to the exploration of the surrounding areas and provides the fortress with a strong defensive position against the Crusaders' invasions of Egypt (1163–1169 AD). The second is Hydro-geological; it provides exceptional access to both meteoric surface (via barrages) and groundwater (through Sudr spring). The latter is from deep aquifers of the Nubian sandstones (Malha Formation) across the fractured carbonates (Raha and Sudr Formations of Cenomanian to Maastrichtian age). Such water was accumulated since the Pleistocene pluvial age until the fortress’ most recent use. The barrages’ location upstream of a sub-basin “a” at Wadi Sudr, in a similar direction to the deep ditch side, confirms that the priority of their design is to protect the region from flash flood risks and to store water on a relatively flat-lying land. The study reveals that the fortress’ geographical location is used to safeguard the Hajj route in central Sinai and to provide facilities for pilgrims’ caravans when they travel from North Africa to Mecca. The study concludes that the fortress should be a part of the Sinai tourism itinerary and promoted globally as a geo-archaeological site for Geo-tourism. In addition, the government should implement a strategy for conserving, rehabilitating, and managing the heritage sites, to improve facilities and increase public awareness of these sites to maximize the outcomes.

Sequence stratigraphy of the upper Oligocene–middle Miocene succession in west–central Sinai, Egypt

The calcareous nannofossil and foraminiferal analyses have been integrated to build a detailed chronostratigraphic scheme for the upper Oligocene–middle Miocene succession in the Nukhul–Sudr area, west–central Sinai, Egypt. The palaeoenvironmental conditions of the studied succession were assessed using the palaeoecologic preferences of calcareous nannofossil species, benthic foraminifera, and planktonic/benthic (P/B) ratios. Six complete and two incomplete depositional sequences bounded by seven sequence boundaries have been distinguished in the studied sections based on the integration between chronostratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental interpretations as well as the nature of stratigraphic surfaces. Levels suggesting subaerial exposures (such as alluvial fans and polymictic conglomerates) and biostratigraphic breaks were employed to delineate sequence boundaries. The inferred relative sea‐level curve points to palaeodepth change ranging from lagoonal to outer shelf settings during the deposition. The established upper Oligocene–middle Miocene sequence stratigraphic framework demonstrates a more‐or‐less compatible correlation toward the corresponding ones from the neighbouring localities around the eastern rim of the Gulf of Suez. However, the inferred relative sea‐level curve shows significant deviations when compared with the eustasy. These deviations are expressed mainly by several prolonged time gaps and discrepancies in the timing and magnitude of the transgression and regression events. Therefore, the Gulf of Suez rift Basin development and the coincident regional tectonic events are the main controlling factors for the sedimentation regime in west–central Sinai.

The role of geochemical and coal petrographic analyses to determine the depositional sets of Visean coal and shale sequence in Um Thora-Abu Hish area, Central Sinai, Egypt

The Visean time at the Sinai Peninsula is characterized by the deposition of two conformable formations of a siliciclastic (Abu-Thora) resting upon a calcareous (Um-Bogma). The Abu-Thora Formation (Fm) is informally divided into three rock units that comprise a lower and upper sandstone sandwiched with a middle coal and shale sequence. A combination of paleoenvironmental indices and ratios from petrographic and geochemical analyses of the middle sequence succeed to build up the depositional paleoenvironment and may apply to any other coal and shale sequence, especially in coal mine regions. Geochemical analysis reveals that the studied shale strata are not homogenous and can be subdivided into four units from the base to the top. The lower shale unit at the base is 4m in thickness and composed of kaolinite-rich shale (10–77%; nacrite mineral). The second is the middle shale unit of 5.10m in thickness composed of Fe-shale (Fe2O3; 2.04–16.45 wt%). The third is the coal unit of 0.55m in thickness comprising coal seam, and the fourth is the upper shale unit of 6m in thickness composed of wacke (SiO2; 71.63–72.83 wt%). X-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF) plus mineralogical analyses are applied on the first, second, and fourth units of almost pure shale, whilst the third unit of almost pure coal is subjected to a petrographic analysis instead to illustrate the depositional site and type of vegetation where coal was formed. The palaeoclimatology based on parameters of CIW, C-value, Rb/Sr, and Sr/Cu refers to the deposition of shale initiated at a warm-humid and then to a hot semi-arid climate. The precursor rock of the studied shale is a basaltic and intermediate igneous rock. The shale is of mature components subjected to intense weathering processes based on CIA and ICV of 91.71 and 0.34, respectively. Furthermore, discriminant functions F-1 and F-2 reveal the shale components came also from quartzose sediments that promoted a multi-source origin that was gathered from both preexisting mafic and sedimentary provenances. The accumulation and deposition took place at a marine anoxic shale-carbonate of the active continental margin and oceanic island arc tectonic setting. Maceral composition of the coal unit reveals a depositional setting of a coal-forming mire system that occurred at a paralic aquatic margin setting involving a dominated reed herbaceous vegetation in a hydrological water-logged of the limnic marsh.

Implication of Lower Cretaceous Kaolinitic Clay Deposits Characterization in Industry, Case: West Central Sinai, Egypt

Implication of Lower Cretaceous Kaolinitic Clay Deposits Characterization in Industry, Case: West Central Sinai, Egypt

Facies Analysis and Geochemistry of Upper Cretaceous Carbonate Rocks, Wadi Feiran District, West Central Sinai, Egypt

The current study focuses on the geochemistry and facies analysis of the Upper Cretaceous carbonate rocks deposited in Wadi Feiran, West-Central Sinai, Egypt. The study area is defined by the careful petrographic and geochemical examination of four stratigraphic units, including Raha, Wata, Matulla, and Sudr formations. Ten microfacies types were recognized, listed from bottom to top; Fossiliferous-micrite, Bio-micrite, Pell-Bio-Micrite, Argillaceous Dolo-Biomicrite, Glauco- Dolo-Sparite, Glauco-Dolo-Microsparite, Dolo-Silty-Micrite, Bio- Pell-Sparite, Micrite and Foraminifera Biomicrite. The vertical distribution of these microfacies types indicates cyclic alternation between open and confined marine (bank interior deposits) deposition environments. The carbonate rocks were exposed to subaerial and submarine depositional settings diagenetically. The overflow dispersion of both main and minor components was determined by applying chemical and physicochemical parameter assessments to the selected samples. The review demonstrates that shallow sea conditions prevailed during the Upper Cretaceous.

Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy of the Eocene succession in West Central Sinai, Egypt

This work aims to put an end to the controversies about the occurrences of the upper Eocene in west-central Sinai by using the calcareous nannofossils. The Eocene calcareous nannofossil zones NP15 to NP18 were identified in Wadi Thal, west-central Sinai. Although the late Eocene Isthmolithus recurvus is recorded here for the first time, the base of NP19-20 zones is not delineated because the first occurrence of this taxon is considered a diachronous bioevent. The Zone NP18 is unconformably overlain by the lower marine Miocene NN2 Zone. Many calcareous nannofossil bioevents such as the last occurrence of Chiasmolithus grandis, the acme beginning of Cribrocentrum erbae, and the last occurrence of Neococcolithes dubius are used to approximate the Priabonian in west-central Sinai. It is recorded in the Tanka and Tayiba formations and probably in the uppermost part of the Thal Formation. Sea shallowness during the late Eocene due to uplifting in west-central Sinai might be responsible for the absence of many microfauna characterizing this stage/age. This suggestion is supported by the increased abundance of the nearshore nannofossil indicators, Lanternithus minutus, Zygrhablithus bijugatus and the shallow water Micrantholithus and Braarudosphaera from the upper part of Thal Formation through the overlain Tanka and Tayiba formations.

On the occurrence of new species of genus Percultazonaria in Paleocene-early Eocene of Egypt

ABSTRACT The taxonomic revision of several species belonging to Marginulina and Marginulinopsis genera revealed that some of these species belonging to genus Percultazonaria and led to erect new species. These new species are Percultazonaria nodosa, P. seminodosa and P. unnodosa that were recorded in the Esna Shale and Egma Limestone through the Paleocene-early Eocene interval in El Hasana area, central Sinai, Egypt.

Early Maastrichtian-Early Eocene Biostratigraphy of El Hasana Area, Central Sinai, Egypt

ABSTRACT Ten calcareous nannofossils and ten planktic foraminiferal biozones were recognized from two sections measured in El Hasana area, in Central Sinai, Egypt. In the West El Hasana section, an early Maastrichtian/early Paleocene (K/Pg) unconformity was recorded due to the absence of the planktic foraminiferal Gansserina gansseri, Abathomphalus mayaroensis, and Globigerina eugubina Zones and the calcareous nannoplankton Micula prinsii and Markalius inversus Zones. The early Paleocene is represented by two biozones, Morozovella pseudobulloides (P1b) and Morozovella trinidadensis (P1c) that correlate with the Cruciplacolithus tenuis Zone (NP2), Chiasmolithus danicus Zone (NP3), and Ellipsolithus macellus Zone (NP4). In both sections, during the middle Paleocene three biozones were recorded: Morozovella uncinata (P2), the lower part of P3 Morozovella angulata, and Planorotalites pusilla pusilla (upper part of P3). The first and second biozones are equated with the upper two thirds of Ellipsolithus macellus (NP4), while the third one is correlated with Fasciculithus tympaniformis Zone (NP5). In the West El Hasana section, the Planorotalites pseudomenardii Zone (P4) ends the measured section. A small hiatus was observed across the late Paleocene/early Eocene (P/E) boundary in the East El Hasana section. This hiatus is due to the absence of the Planorotalites pseudomenardii Zone (P4), Morozovella velascoensis Zone (P5), M. edgari Zone (lower part of P6) and Heliolithus kleinpellii Zone (NP6), Discoaster molheri Zone (NP7), Heliolithus riedelli/Discoaster nobilis Zone (NP8), and Discoaster spp. (e.g., D. araneus) Subzone NP9a. The P/E boundary in East El Hasana section is delineated with the appearance of Rhomboaster spp. (e.g., Rhomboaster bitrifida) NP9b Subzone that coincides with the appearance of the planktic foraminiferal Morozovella subbotinae Zone (upper part of P6).

Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental variations across the upper Paleocene\u2013lowermost Eocene at Gebel Nezzazat, West Central Sinai, Egypt

Detailed lithostratigraphic and calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic studies were carried out across the Paleocene–Eocene (P-E) that outcrops at Gebel Nezzazat (G. Nezzazat) in West Central Sinai (Egypt). The study interval spans from the upper part of the Tarawan Formation to the lowermost Thebes Formation covering the whole Esna Formation in between them. The Esna Formation had been subdivided into four members: the Hanadi, Dababiya Quarry, Mahmiya, and Abu Had Members. Five calcareous nannofossil biozones (NP7/8, NP9 to NP12) and four subzones (NP9a and NP9b and NP10a and NP10b) were recognized. The lowest occurrences (LOs) of Fasciculithus alanii group, Neochiastozygus junctus, Sphenolithus radians, and Blackites herculesii as well as the highest occurrence of F. alanii group and the increased frequency of N. junctus are biostratigraphically significant. On contrast, the LOs of Discoaster binodosus, Discoaster mahmoudii, Discoaster diastypus, Zygrhablithus bijugatus, and Campylosphaera dela as well as the LOs of Fasciculithus tympaniformis are unreliable bioevents. Calcareous nannofossils increase in abundance close to the P-E transition. Ericsonia subpertusa suddenly increases above the base of Eocene, whereas the diversity of Fasciculithus drops close to this level. The P-E boundary at G. Nezzazat was placed at the base of the Dababiya Quarry Member in coincidence with the base of Subzone NP9b that was delineated by the LOs of Discoaster araneus, Rhomboaster cuspis, Rhomboaster calcitrapa, Rhomboaster spineus, and Rhomboaster bitrifida. A small gap was recorded across the P-E boundary as indicated by the lack of the four beds of the Dababiya Quarry Member. The changes in calcareous nannofossil assemblages reveal warm-water and oligotrophic conditions prevailed during the transition at G. Nezzazat.

Biostratigraphy and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction at the Gebel Nezzazat (Central Sinai, Egypt): A Paleocene Record for the Southern Tethys

The variations in assemblages of calcareous nannofossils are tracked in the Dakhla and Tarawan Formations exposed at Gebel Nezzazat (central Sinai, Egypt). Five calcareous nannofossil biozones, namely NP2/3, NP4, NP5, NP6, and NP7/8 are identified. A distinct marker bed related to the Latest Danian Event (LDE) occurs within the Dakhla Fm. The earliest representative of fasciculiths, Lithoptychius schmitzii, first occurs just below the LDE distinct bed and is followed by the Los of Diantholitha alata, D. mariposa, L. varolii, L. felis, and L. collaris. The abundance of calcareous nannofossils drops within the LDE distinctive bed. The base of Selandian Stage is here approximated at the base of Zone NP5 in concurrence with a sudden drop in the abundance of calcareous nannofossils. No considerable lithological changes are noted across this transition. The absence of subsequent occurrences of L. ulii, L. janii, L. billii, and L. stegostus suggest inconsistent lowest occurrences (Los) of these taxa, insufficient sampling resolution, and/or a hiatus. The base of Thanetian is approximated with the base of Zone NP7/8 in the topmost of Dakhla Fm. No considerable changes in calcareous nannofossil assemblages are associated in correspondence to this transition except the LO of D. mohleri, lowest continuous occurrence (LctO) of Bomolithus megastypus, and the increase in abundance of Heliolithus kleinpellii as well as a sudden drop in abundance within Zone NP7/8. The variations in calcareous nannofossil assemblages at Gebel Nezzazat suggest prevailing warm-water and oligotrophic conditions during the Paleocene and particularly along the Danian Stage that are interrupted by minor fluctuations in paleoclimatic conditions. In particular, the Danian–Selandian transition marks a decrease in warm and oligotrophic conditions that persisted along the Selandian Stage. The Selandian–Thanetian transition shows an increase of warm and oligotrophic conditions prevailed in the Thanetian record. The sudden decrease in abundance of calcareous nannofossils in both the Selandian and Thanetian is likely resulted from an increase in dissolution of carbonates rather than variations in the paleotemperature and/or paleofertility.

Spectral analyses, geology and petrology of the Gulf of Suez rift-related Oligo-Miocene basalts at Abu Zenima area, west central Sinai, Egypt

The initial phase of the Gulf of Suez rifting in the late Oligocene was accompanied by the eruption of continental basaltic magmas, which continued to the early Miocene. Within the rift zone at Abu Zenima area, west-central Sinai, several km-scale Oligo-Miocene basaltic exposures in the form of dykes, sills and lava flows intruded/extruded the Phanerozoic sedimentary successions. These basaltic outcrops were successfully discriminated from their country rocks by remote sensing techniques, using the Landsat-8 dataset. The basalts are evolved tholeiitic, Ti-rich varieties and exhibit narrow compositional range with absence of any felsic counterparts, suggesting equilibrium crystallization process in their evolutions rather than fractional crystallization mechanism. Simulations of equilibrium crystallization process and evolution trajectories of these basalts have been modeled.

Discovery of an extraordinary Carboniferous cutinite-rich coal seam from Wadi Abu Thora, southern Sinai, Egypt: Organic petrographical and geochemical characterization

An extraordinary cutinite-rich coal seam from the Abu Thora Formation in the Wadi Abu Thora area, west central Sinai, Egypt, was studied in detail. A sample taken from the seam consisted almost of pure cutinite with minor sporinite (megaspores) and secretinite, along with solid bitumen veins and exsudatinite. The cutinite-producing cuticles appear to have single plant origin as indicated by their morphological features and geochemistry. The cuticles display yellow fluorescence under under blue light illumination and were arranged in bands that present the ability to trace a single cuticle for the full length of the sample. The detrital component present between the cuticle bands was minimal. Organic geochemical analysis by Rock-Eval pyrolysis revealed a S2 of 214.2 mg/g rock and a hydrogen index of 477 mg HC/g TOC, which point to liptinite-rich kerogen Type II. Pyrolysis gas chromatography showed a well-defined chromatogram with abundant compounds in the range between C11 and C21. Organic matter in the coal seam is in the early mature stage based on cutinite fluorescence color, the Tmax of 437 °C, and the solid bitumen reflectance (0.30%), which equates to % vitrinite Ro of 0.60. Inorganic geochemical analysis revealed a low concentration of trace elements and deposition in swamp conditions without any influence by marine waters. Transmission FTIR analysis revealed spectra typical of cutinite, marked by a strong peak at 1710–1700 cm−1 attributed to the fatty acids CO group. The cutinite was produced by xerophytic pteridosperm plants as indicated by the chemotaxonomic correlation based on FTIR analysis. These plants produced larger quantities of cutinite relative to other maceral components, such as vitrinite or sporinite because of their relatively high frond biomass. Pinnule-bearing fronds that fell off the plants and accumulated in the flooded swamp were removed quickly from acrotelm to catotelm by rapid subsidence, where they were eventually preserved intact and with little alteration by microorganisms.

Assessment of Some Different Methods of Classifying Land Suitability for Crop Cultivation, Central Sinai, Egypt

Assessment of Some Different Methods of Classifying Land Suitability for Crop Cultivation, Central Sinai, Egypt