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Using multispectral and radar remote sensing data for geological investigation, Qena-Safaga Shear Zone, Eastern Desert, Egypt

  • S. I. Geology of Africa
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Abstract

In the present study, Qena-Safaga Shear Zone (QSSZ) has been the subject matter of detailed remote sensing investigation using Landsat-8, ASTER, and SRTM DEM data. Gathering information from these sensors allowed revealing the different lithological, geological, and structural features. Field observations were carried out to verify the remotely sensed data analysis and interpretation. A fused Landsat-8 OLI and ALOS/PALSAR data clearly improved the view of structural elements that are difficult to be revealed by optical images. The results showed that the area is controlled by the dextral ENE-WSW shearing trend which extends across the Nile at Qena Bend. Lineament analysis and lineament density map demonstrated that the area was subjected to different phases of stress; accordingly, conjugate faults were formed; most of these trends were rejuvenated. The ENE- WSW, NE-SW, and NW-SE are the major tectonic trends affecting the area but the N-S direction is less dominant. WNW, NW, NE, E, and N directions are indicated by sinistral strike-slip movements. The ENE, NE, and WNW are governed by right-lateral strike-slip movements and most of these trends controlled the emplacement of granitoids. The image transformation technique also allowed revealing hydrothermal alteration effects related to the NW-SE and NE-SW fault systems. Overall, combining of multispectral and radar data and field observations is significant for characterizing the geological features in arid regions.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are very grateful for the very helpful suggestions made by the editors and anonymous reviewers, which helped us to improve the manuscript. This publication was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia; project No. 2020/01//16878.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, College of Sciences and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

    Gamal M. Kamal El-Din, Eman El-Noby & Mohamed Abdelkareem

  2. Geology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt

    Gamal M. Kamal El-Din

  3. Remote Sensing Lab, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt

    Mohamed Abdelkareem

  4. Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt

    Zakaria Hamimi

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  1. Gamal M. Kamal El-Din
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  2. Eman El-Noby
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Correspondence to Gamal M. Kamal El-Din.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on New Advances and Research Results on the Geology of Africa

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Kamal El-Din, G.M., El-Noby, E., Abdelkareem, M. et al. Using multispectral and radar remote sensing data for geological investigation, Qena-Safaga Shear Zone, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Arab J Geosci 14, 997 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07130-2

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