Interpretation of midyan and sinal geology from a landsat TM image

Abstract EN

A Landsat Thematic Mapper image was processed to enhance geologic features in the Midyan and $outhern Sinai regions bordering the Gulf of Aqaba.

Spatial filters and selected band combinations were effective in emphasizing faults and differentiating rock types.

Proterozoic, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic rocks are readily mapped on the TM image.

This paper is an inteipretation of the TM image and a synthesis of published geological and geophysical data concerning the region.

Faults of the Aqaba-Dead Sea, left-lateral transform fault system are sharply expressed on the image along wadi courses cut into Proterozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Fold axes in Miocene gypsum outcrops east of the Gulf are consistent with a left-lateral rotational shear model.

Basement outcrop and sedimentary rocks of Miocene age, in uplifts west of the Ifal basin, exhibit a block faulted aspect.

Within the Ifal basin, plastically deformed Pliocene and Quaternary sediments in surface outcrop appear to be the result of basement block movements with a salt drape and flowage component in overlying sediments.

Geological anomalies seen on the image suggest several structures of potential interest to petroleum exploration.