Geochemistry of island arc assemblage in the Eastern Desert of Egypt and the role of Pan-African magmatism in crustal growth of the Arabian–Nubian Shield:A review

Neoproterozoic island arc assemblage of the Arabian–Nubian Shield(ANS)in the Eastern Desert(ED)of Egypt comprises juvenile suites of metavolcanics(MV),large amounts of meta-sedimentary rocks(MS),and voluminous metagabbros-diorites(MGD)and syn-tectonic intrusions of older granitoids(OG).We report here the updates of these four rock units in terms of classification,distribution,chemical characteristics,geodynamic evolution,metamorphism,and ages.In addition,we discuss these integrated data to elucidate a reasonable and reliable model for crustal evolution in the ANS.The main features of these rock units indicate their relation to each other and the geodynamic environment dominated by early immature oceanic island arcs to primitive continental arcs.Integrated information of the island arc metavolcanic and plutonic rocks(gabbros,diorites,tonalites,and granodiorites)furnish evidence of the genetic relationships.These include proximity and a coeval nature in the field;all protolith magmas are subalkaline in nature following calc-alkaline series with minor tholeiitic affinities;common geochemical signature of the arc rocks and subduction-related magmatism;their similar enrichment in LREEs;and similar major element compositions with mafic melts derived from metasomatized mantle wedge.The volcano-sedimentary and the OG rocks underwent multiphase deformation events whereas the MGD complexes deformed slightly.Based on the magmatic,sedimentological,and metamorphic evolutions constrained by geochronological data as well as the progressive evolutionary trend from extensional to compressional regimes,a possible gradual decrease in the subducted slab dip angle is the most infl uential in any geodynamic model for arc assemblage in the ED of Egypt.

Determination of Curie Point Depth and Heat Flow Using Airborne Magnetic Data over the Kom-Ombo and Nuqra Basins, Southern Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Kom-Ombo and Nuqra basins in southern Egypt have recently been discovered as potential hydrocarbon basins. The lack of information about the geothermal gradient and heat flow in the study area gives importance to studying the heat flow and the geothermal gradient. Several studies were carried out to investigate the geothermal analyses of the northwestern desert, as well as the west and east of the Nile River, using density, compressive wave velocity, and bottom hole temperature (BHT) measured from deep oil wells. This research relies on spectral analysis of airborne magnetic survey data in the Kom-Ombo and Nuqra basins in order to estimate the geothermal gradient based on calculating the depth to the bottom of the magnetic source that caused the occurrence of these magnetic deviations. This depth is equal to the CPD, at which the material loses its magnetic polarisation. This method is fast and gives satisfactory results. Usually, it can be applied as a reconnaissance technique for geothermal exploration targets due to the abundance of magnetic data. The depth of the top (Zt) and centroid (Z0) of the magnetic source bodies was calculated for the 32 windows representing the study area using spectral analysis of airborne magnetic data. The curie-isotherm depth, geothermal gradient, and heat flow maps were constructed for the study area. The results showed that the CPD in the study area ranges from 13 km to 20 km. The heat flow map values range from 69 to 109 mW/m2, with an average of about 80 mW/m2. The calculated heat flow values in the assigned areas (A, B, C, and D) of the study area are considered to have high heat flow values, reaching 109 mW/m2. On the other hand, the heat flow values in the other parts range from 70 to 85 mW/m2. Since heat flow plays an essential role in the maturation of organic matter, it is recommended that hydrocarbon accumulations be located in places with high heat flow values, while deep drilling of hydrocarbon wells is recommended in places with low to moderate heat flow values.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of Nb-,Ta-,Sn-,U-,Th-,and Zr-bearing granitic rocks from Abu Rusheid shear zones,South Eastern Desert,Egypt

Granite-hosted,Nb-,Ta-,Sn-,U-,Th-,and Zr(Hf)-bearing mineralization from the Abu Rusheid shear zones occurs about 97 km southwest of the town of Marsa Alam,South Eastern Desert,Egypt.The SSE-trending brittle-ductile Abu Rusheid shear zones crosscut the peralkalic granitic gneisses and cataclastic to mylonitic rocks(mylonite,protomlyonite,and ultramylonite).The northern shear zone varies in width from 1 to 3 m with a strike length of >500 m,and the southern shear zone is 0.5 to 8 m wide and >1 km long.These shear zones locally host less altered lamprophyre and locally sheared granitic aplite-pegmatite dykes.The rare-metal minerals,identified from the peralkalic granitic gneisses and cataclastic to mylonitic rocks are associated with muscovite,chlorite,quartz,fluorite,pyrite,magnetite,and rare biotite that are restricted to the Abu Rusheid shear zones;these are columbite-tantalite and pyrochlore(var.betafite) in the northern shear zone and ferrocolumbite in the southern shear zone.Cassiterite occurs as inclusions in the columbite-tantalite minerals.U-and Th-minerals(uraninite,thorite,uranothorite,ishikawaite,and cheralite) and Hf-rich zircon coexist.Magmatic(?) zircon contains numerous inclusions of rutile,fluorite,U-Th and REE minerals,such as uranothorite,cheralite,monazite,and xenotime.Compositional variations in Ta/(Ta+Nb) and Mn/(Mn+Fe) in columbite range from 0.07-0.42 and 0.04-0.33,respectively,and Hf contents in zircon from 1.92-6.46 of the two mineralized shear zones reflect the extreme degree of magmatic fractionation.Four samples of peralkalic granitic gneisses and cataclastic to mylonitic rocks from the southern shear zone have very low TiO2(0.02 wt%-0.04 wt%),Sr [(15-20)×10-6],and Ba [(47-78)×10-6],with high Fe2O3T(0.94 wt%-1.99 wt%),CaO(0.14 wt%-1.16 wt%),alkalis(9.2 wt%-10.1 wt%),Rb [(369-805)×10-6],Zr [(1033-2261)×10-6],Nb [(371-913)×10-6],U [(51-108)×10-6],Th [(36-110)×10-6],Ta [(38-108)×10-6],Pb [(39-364)×10-6],Zn [(21-424)×10-6],Y [(8-304)×10-6],Hf [(29-157)×10-6],and ∑REE [(64-304)×10-6],especially HREE [(46-167)×10-6].Three samples from the northern shear zone also have very low TiO2(0.03 wt%),Sr [(11-16)×10-6],and Ba [(38-47)×10-6],with high Fe2O3T(1.97 wt%-2.91 wt%),CaO(0.49 wt%-1.01 wt%),alkalis(7.2 wt%-8.3 wt%),Rb [(932-978)×10-6],Zr [(1707-1953)×10-6],Nb [(853-981)×10-6],Ta [(100-112)×10-6],U [(120-752)×10-6],Th [(121-164)×10-6],Pb [(260-2198)×10-6],Zn [(483-1140)×10-6],Y [(8-304)×10-6],Hf [(67-106)×10-6],and ∑REE [(110-231)×10-6],especially HREE [(91-177)×10-6].The very high Rb/Sr(57.5-88.9),and low Zr/Hf(16.9-25.6),Nb/Ta(7.7-9.8),and Th/U(0.21-1.01) are consistent with very frac-tionated fluorine-bearing granitic rocks that were altered and sheared.The field evidence,textural relations,and compositions of the ore minerals suggest that the main mineralizing event was magmatic(629+/-5 Ma,CHIME monazite),with later hydrothermal alteration and local remobilization of the high-field-strength elements.

Assessment of the Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Groundwater Resources at some Wadis in the East of El Minia Governorate,Eastern Desert,Egypt

The El Minia governorate lies within the Nile Valley,surrounded by calcareous plateaus to the east and west.The present study focuses on the hydrogeochemistry of the Eocene limestone aquifer at some wadis in the east El Minia governorate,Eastern Desert,Egypt.Hydrogeologically,two main aquifers are encountered in the study area,namely the Maghagha marly limestone and the Samalut chalky limestone aquifers.The Maghagha aquifer is composed of alternating layers of marly limestone and shale with thicknesses ranging from 3.49 m to 177.05 m and a groundwater depth ranging from 8.5 m to 59.27 m which reflects low groundwater potentiality.The groundwater salinity representing this aquifer ranges from 603.5 mg/L to 978.5 mg/L,reflecting fresh water type.Samalut aquifer is made up of chalky,cavernous and fractured limestone with thickness ranging from 30 m to 205 m and groundwater depth ranging from 9 m to 86.77 m,which indicates good groundwater potential.The groundwater salinity of the concerned aquifer ranges from 349.7 mg/L to 2043.9 mg/L,reflecting fresh to possibly brackish water types.Groundwater in the study area is of meteoric water origin;recent recharge is mainly controlled through the presence of fractures and their densities.The majority of groundwater samples in the study area are suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes.

Petrology and Geochemistry of Some Ophiolitic Metaperidotites from the Eastern Desert of Egypt:Insights into Geodynamic Evolution and Metasomatic Processes

Ophiolitic peridotites exposed in the Eastern Desert(ED)of Egypt record multiple stages of evolution,including different degrees of partial melting and melt extraction,serpentinization,carbonatization and metamorphism.The present study deals with metaperidotites at two selected localities in the central and southern ED,namely Wadi El-Nabáand Wadi Ghadir,respectively.They represent residual mantle sections of a Neoproterozoic dismembered ophiolite that tectonically emplaced over a volcano-sedimentary succession that represents island–arc assemblages.The studied metaperidotites are serpentinized,with the development of talc-carbonate and quartz-carbonate rocks,especially along shear and fault planes.Fresh relics of primary minerals(olivine,orthopyroxene and Cr-spinel)are preserved in a few samples of partiallyserpentinized peridotite.Most of the Cr-spinel crystals have fresh cores followed by outer zones of ferritchromite and Crmagnetite,which indicates that melt extraction from the mantle protolith took place under oxidizing conditions.The protoliths of the studied metaperidotites were dominated by harzburgites,which is supported by the abundance of mesh and bastite textures in addition to some evidence from mineral and whole-rock chemical compositions.The high Cr#(0.62–0.69;Av.0.66)and low TiO_(2)(<0.3 wt%)contents of the fresh Cr-spinels,the higher Fo(89–92;Av.91)and NiO(0.24–0.54 wt%,Av.0.40)contents of the primary olivine relics,together with the high Mg#(0.91–0.93;Av.91)and low CaO,Al2 O3 and TiO_(2)of the orthopyroxene relics,are all comparable with depleted to highly depleted forearc harzburgite from a suprasubduction zone setting.The investigated peridotites have suffered subsequent phases of metasomatism,from oceanfloor hydrothermal alteration(serpentinization)to magmatic hydrothermal alteration.The enrichment of the studied samples in light rare earth elements(LREEs)relative to the heavy ones(HREEs)is attributed to most probably be due to the contamination of their mantle source with granitic source hydrothermal fluids after the obduction of the ophiolite assemblage onto the continental crust.The examined rocks represent mantle residue that experienced different degrees of partial melting(~10%to 25%for W.El-Nabárocks and~5%to 23%for W.Ghadir rocks).Variable degrees of partial melting among the two investigated areas suggest mantle heterogeneity beneath the Arabian-Nubian Shield(ANS).

Geotectonic significance of the Neoproterozoic ophiolitic metagabbros of Muiswirab area,South Eastern Desert,Egypt:constraints from their mineralogical and geochemical characteristics

Petrological and geochemical studies of Neo-proterozoic metagabbros were carried out in the Muiswirab area,South Eastern Desert of Egypt.The Muiswirab area comprises of ophiolitic metagabbroic rocks(MOM),which are tectonically thrusted over a thick pile of metavolcanic rocks and intruded by syn-and post-tectonic granitoid rocks.The whole-rock geochemical variations coupled with chemical compositions of mineral constituents are used to attain the genesis and tectonic evolution of the studied metagabbros.The geothermobarometric investiga-tion of the analyzed amphiboles from(MOM)revealed that these metagabbros underwent regional metamorphism under lower to upper greenschist facies(biotite zone)conditions(at a temperature of 450 to 500℃and pressure of 1-3 kbar).Geochemically,the metagabbros(MOM)show tholeiitic affinity and cxhibiting both arc-and MORB-like characters as evidenced by their clinopyrox-ene compositions and the Ti/V ratios(11.84-31.65),which considered as prominent features of forearc tectonic regime.The geochemical features suggest a probable fractionation of olivine±clinopyroxene±plagioclase as well as insignificant crustal contamination.The parental magma of the investigated MOM rocks seems to be developed in a sub-arc mantle wedge setting due to the enrichments of LILE(e.g..Rb,Ba,Sr,Pb)over HFSE(e.g,Ti,Nb,Y,Zr,Hf,Ta).The studied MOM rocks have lower values of Nb/U relative to MORB and OIB indicating that their geochemical variation produced due to the enrichment of a lithosphere mantle by OIB like components.The ratios of Zn/Fet,La/Sm,Sm/Yb,Th/Yb and Nb/Yb indicate that the MOM rocks represent a fragment of oceanic crust originated at a supra-subduction zone environment and their parental magma developed by 5-30%partial melting of a spinel lherzolite mantle rather than pyroxenite in an island arc setting and conformable with most of the Egyptian ophiolitic metagabbros.

Compositional Variations and Tectonic Settings of Podiform Chromitites Associated with Ultramafic Rocks of the Pan-African Proterozoic Ophiolites from South Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Precambrian podiform chromitites associated with ophiolites are abundant in Pan-African belt in central Eastern Desert(CED)and south Eastern Desert(SED),Egypt and range from 690 to 890 Ma in age.The studied chromitites associated with Neoproterozoic ophiolites are distributed in southern Eastern Desert,Egypt in Baranis-Shalaten sheet and occur as lenticular bodies with variable dimensions in ultramafic component(serpentinites).We present geochemical and mineralogical data from three areas of ophiolites and associated chromitites namely Gebel Abu Dahr(D),Gebel Arais(A)and Gebel Anbat in the Wadi Hodein area(H)(Fig.1).The paper studies the compositional variations and tectonic settings of podiform chromitites associated with ultramafic rocks,in addition to the alteration process of chromite during metamorphism.The ophiolite in the present areas is composed of the ultramafic rocks(mainly serpentinites)with minor relics of fresh dunite and harzburgite.All these rocks are affected by metamorphism and subsequent retrograde during subduction and exhumation.Six samples selected from the serpentinites geochemically analyzed for major,trace and some REE elements and the geochemical results reflect that harzburgite and dunite compositions are typical of depleted mantle peridotite.Microprobe analyses and SIMS investigations were carried out for three massive podiform chromitite ore bodies and disseminated chromites in serpentinites(1215 spot probe analyses),and silicate minerals in serpentinite rocks such as serpentine and olivine(102 spots).Serpentine minerals are mainly antigorite with some chrysotile in serpentinite rocks and in chromitites,mainly filling cross-cutting veins.In this study,we consider that the alteration occurred in two stages:during the first one chromite reacted with olivine and water to form Cr-and Fe-rich,porous chromite and chlorite;during the second event magnetite filled the pores,created in the porous chromite and defused into this chromite to form homogeneous magnetite.According to this,the composition of chromite is a key factor controlling the metamorphic reaction between olivine and chromite because if the primary chromite is very poor in Al,the chlorite-forming reaction hardly takes place.In this case,during the second event,the addition of magnetite only contributes to create a magnetite corona around the former chromite grains without any diffusion at the chromite-magnetite boundary as suggested by Gerbilla et al.(2012).Barnes(2000)studied the chromite in komatiites and modification during green schist to mid amphibolite facies metamorphism.He suggested that the chromite cores continually equilibrated with magnetite rims document metamorphic grade conditions.Barnes(2000)suggested that the relative proportions of Cr3+,Al3+and Fe3+of chromite are not affected by metamorphism up to lower temperature amphibolite facies implying restricted mobility of these elements occurred under lower amphibolite facies.So,the chromite in lower temperature amphibolite facies preserves its primary igneous chemistry and can be used to estimate the metamorphic grade.Sack and Ghiorso(1991)and Barnes(2000)suggested that all chromite cores are equilibrated at temperature below^500–550℃corresponding to lowest amphibolite facies metamorphism and reflect magmatic composition not influenced by metamorphism.In this study,there is no alteration but only nearly pure magnetite deposition and development with restricted Cr-solubility at<500℃in the chromite rims on crystal boundaries and within fractures as shown in Fig 2a,b.Also magnetite alters later to hematite.The podiform chromitites are common in the Moho transition zone(MTZ)to the mantle section of ophiolites or harzburgite dominant peridotite massifs(e.g.,Arai,1997;Miura et al.,2012).They have been interpreted as a product of peridotite/melt reaction and subsequent melt mixing within the MTZ to the upper mantle;they are basically magmatic cumulates that formed at the upper mantle level(e.g.,Arai and Yurimoto,1994;Zhou et al.,1994).They are thus a good marker of peridotite/melt reaction(e.g.,Arai,1997).The Pan-African podiform chromitites mayh ave formed in the same way as the Phanerozoic,namely by melt-harzburgite reaction and subsequent melt mixing.The podiform chromatites and disseminated chromites are high-Cr chromites and have range in Cr#(Cr/Cr+Al)atomic ratio from 0.75 to 0.95 and low Ti with boninitic affinity(Fig.3a),indicating an island arc setting in supra-subduction zone setting.The present massive chromitites and disseminated chromites in serpentinites fall in the field of chromites de Bou Azer,chromites de Cordoba,Argentinia in the Cr#versus Mg#diagram(Fig.3 b,c)(Gervilla et al.,2012)The studied chromatites contain some grains of platinumgroup minerals(PGM)such as sulfides(Os-rich laurite)and Os–Ir alloy as shown in Fig.4 and as reported in South Eastern Desert by Ahmed(2007).

Mapping the Dyke Swarms of the Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Eastern Desert of Egypt hosts numerous undeformed to slightly deformed mafic dyke swarms which have previously been poorly characterized.Systematic use of full resolution Google Earth?images yields an initial

Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater in the Precambrian Rocks, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

This work refers to the characterization of the hydrochemistry of the southern part of the Eastern Desert in Egypt, on the basis of physico-chemical properties of groundwater occurring in the fractured Precambrian rocks inland and in sedimentary formations on the coastline of the Red Sea. Thirty-five groundwater samples have been collected from the study area for hydrochemical investigations to understand the sources of dissolved ions and assess the chemical quality of the groundwater. Several methods were used to interpret the hydrochemical data, i.e. graphical methods, principal components analysis, ions exchanges indices and saturation indices of various minerals. The results show that the major ionic relationships are Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ and Cl- > > HCO3- and that groundwater chemical characteristics are controlled by natural geochemical processes but also, to a lesser extent, by anthropogenic activities. Natural minerals dissolution, ion exchanges and evaporation play a prominent role in the ion enrichment of groundwater. A comparison of groundwater quality in relation to WHO water quality standards proved that most of the water samples are not totally suitable for drinking water purpose.

Petrological and Geochemical Constraints on the Evolution of EI-Kahfa Alkaline Ring Complex, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

El-Kahfa complex locates at the intersection of Lat. 24°8′18″ N and Long. 34038′55″ E, South Eastern Desert of Egypt. It comprises an outer ring composed of alkaline syenites, ranging from barrento quartz-bearing syenites, an inner ring which varies in composition from leucocratic to melanocratic syenites, and a central stock formed essentially of alkali gabbros. These alkali gabbros are cut by small bodies of alkaline syenites, which occasionally grade into nepheline syenites. The country rocks are represented mainly by metavolcanics and epidiorites. El-Kahfa syenites lack any primary hydrous mafic silicates indicating that their magma was anhydrous. Major and trace elements geochemistry of EI-Kahfa rocks reflects the crystallization of early plagioclase followed by Fe-Ti oxides. Salic members in the complex are co-magmatic and related to crystal liquid fractionation. The REE （rare earth elements）＇s tetrad is obvious on the primitive mantle normalized pattern of El-Kahfa rocks. The M-type tetrads clearly appear in the more evolved rocks. These tetrad effects are either a feature of magma-fluid system before crystallization or inherited from external fluid during or after the emplacement of the magma. Generally, El-Kahfa rocks parental magma was probably derived from Nb-enriched or at least under-plate mantle source within the continental East-Africa rift zone, where it may be subjected to minor contamination through their fractional crystallization.

Depth and Structural Parameters Determination of the Sedimentary Basin in Atmur Nuqra Area, South Eastern Desert, Egypt Using Aeromagnetic Data Analysis

The study area is located at the south of the eastern desert of Egypt between latitudes 24°N to 25°N and longitudes 33°E to 33°50'E covering an area of about 9407 km2. The study area is mainly covered with sediments whose age extends from the upper Cretaceous to the Quaternary, in addition to the presence of some basement rocks such as younger granites, metasediments and metagabbro. The research aims essentially to determine the thickness of the sedimentary basin by determining the depth to the top of basement and delineating the subsurface geological structures which affected this sedimentary basin. The Euler depth map exhibited that the north parts of the area have shallow depth values from 1000 m to 2000 m. The southern parts also show a shallow to moderate depths ranging from 1000 m to 2400 m. The deepest parts are located at the middle and at the western parts and are ranging in value from 3000 m to more than 4000 m. The horizontal derivative and tilt derivative techniques proved that the most effective trends all over the study area are NW-SE and NE-SW directions as mentioned in geologic lineaments map. The basement tectonic map shows clearly all the faults affected the area. It shows that there are many high blocks trending mainly in NW-SE and NE-SW directions. All high blocks surround a large sedimentary basin reaches depth of about more than 4000 m. All the results produced from 2D-modeling illustrate that the sedimentary basinal area (G2) is the deeper basin all over the area and it is controlled by some faults and fractures. 3D inversion was used and resulted in that the area of study have many high blocks at shallow to moderate depths which surrounding a large sedimentary basinal area with very deep depth values. All the techniques which applied in this research led to that the largest sedimentary basin is located at the center of the study area with NW-SE trend and depth value of about 4000 m.

Integrating of Remote Sensing and Airborne Magnetic Data to Outline the Geologic Structural Lineaments That Controlled Mineralization Deposits for the Area around Gabal El-Niteishat, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Gabal (G.) El-Niteishat area lies in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt which is known for various mineral resources and geological structures. Umm Gheig, Umm Naggat, Umm Shaddad, Wadi (W.) Zeidun and Sigdit represent some important regions that contain mineral deposits in the study area. Various filters such as first vertical derivative (FVD), horizontal gradient magnitude (HGM), tilt derivative (TDR) and near-surface were applied to the airborne magnetic data for the study area to deduce the structural lineaments and magnetic source edges which were controlled by the presence of mineral deposits. Processed Landsat ETM+ images are used for delineating the rock unit boundaries that are exposed in the study area such as serpentinite, metagabbro, metavolcanics and metasediments. Also, band ratios, principal component analysis (PCA) and false-color composite image (Crosta alteration image) were applied to get specific results about the alteration zones. The structural lineaments analysis illustrated that the common trends that affected the study area were NW-SE, NE-SW, E-W and N-S. Integration of remote sensing and airborne magnetic data exhibited the relation between mineralization and structural lineaments.

Origin of Some Neo-Proterozoic Ophiolites from Eastern Desert of Egypt:Geochemical Constraints

The Neo-Proterozoic ophiolites occur in the central and southern Eastern Desert along suture zone as dismemberedmassesinvolcano-sedimentary assemblages.The ophiolite component includes ultramafic rocks mainly serpentinites,mafic rocks,minor bodies of trondhjemite,sheeted dykes,metabasalts,and pillow lavas.The Present studies include two ophiolites in Central and southern eastern Desert named Mubarak–El Mayet and Ghadir respectively(Fig.1).The first one named after wadi Mubarak and wadi El Mayet area(55 km north Marsa Alam city)and the second named after Wadi Ghadir(30 km south Marsa Alam city).The dismembered ophiolite components in MubarakEl Mayet mainly composed mainly of serpentinites,ophiolitic metagabbros,sheeted dykes and Pillow lavas.All components occur as thrusted blocks and sheets in metavolcano-sedimentary assemblages(matrix).Gabbros sometimes occur as coarse grained gabbros(appenites)whereas pillows range in size from 30 cm to 1 m(Fig.2a).The second ophiolite sequence expose in Wadi Ghadir and its tributary.It consists of serpentinized peridotites,layered gabbro,massive isotropic gabbro,1fine grained gabbro,sheeted diabase dykes,pillowed basaltic lavas and minor plagiogranites.The serpentinizedperidotites,metapyroxenitesand serpentinites occur as allochthonous dismembered blocks,fragments and sheets in highly sheered metasediments and metavolcanics(mélange)(Fig.2b,c).The massive and layered gabbros occur in the main wadi(Fig.2d,f)and in many places contain some veins and pockets from plagiogranites.The present gabbros intruded by syenogranites from the east.Pillow lavas occur between metasedimentary mélange and ophiolitic gabbros in wadi El Beda as tributary of Wadi Ghadir and sometimes occur as fragments in mélange.The pillows range in size from 40 cm to 1 m(Fig.2f)and are mainly amygdaloidal and porphyritic basalt and spilite.Sheeted dykes cut the gabbros and pillow lavas in the Wadi El Beda and composed mainly from diabase(Fig.2g,h).In the present study,47 samples for major,trace and REE elements from different rock types in Mubarak-El Mayet(18 samples)and Ghadir ophiolite(29 samples)were analyzed.The field work and the geochemical data will discussed in the present work to evaluate the tectonic setting,origin and mantle source for two ophiolite suites.

Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) of Bostonite Rocks, Um-Gir and El-Atshan-II Uranium Prospect Areas, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Um-Gir and El-Atshan-II areas represent important structurally-controlled radioactive anomalies and have become promising areas for U exploration. The bostonite rocks represent the most promising rock unit in the two studied areas. They form the most promising rocks due to their high radioactivity and, hence uranium mineralization. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) measurements was carried out for Um-Gir and El-Atshan-II bostonite rocks. The AMS results show that the mean magnitude of magnetic susceptibilities is low, of the order of 10-5 S.I. units. Consequently, the bostonite rocks of the two areas are considered as non-magnetic, reflecting the presence of hematite as the main ferromagnetic mineral. These results are in agreement with the measurements of initial remnant magnetization (NRM) and the results of isothermal remnant magnetization (IRM) for the two areas. Besides, the results of magnetic anisotropy degree (PJ), refer to and concluded that the magnetic fabric of bostonite of two the areas has secondary fabric. AMS results clearly show the differences between the bostonite dyke of Um-Gir and Bostonite sill of El Atshan-II. The lineation (P1) > foliation (P3), and the negative values of the ellipsoid shape (T) of Um-Gir bostonite reflect clearly magnetic lineation (prolate ellipsoid). However, in El Atshan-II, (P3 > P1), the values of T are positive, which indicate the predominance of magnetic foliation (oblate ellipsoid) over lineation. Furthermore, the foliation planes of the bostonite dyke of Um-Gir possess a shallow to moderate inclination and a nearly N-S direction, while, the foliation planes of the bostonite sill of El-Atshan-II show a shallow to moderate inclination and a NNE direction. Finally, the AMS method is a powerful tool for detecting the structures that affect the bostonite rocks of the two studied areas.

Geochemistry of an Alaskan-type mafic-ultramafic complex in Eastern Desert, Egypt:New insights and constraints on the Neoproterozoic island arc magmatism

Mikbi intrusion(MI) is a part of the Neoproterozoic Nubian Shield located along the NE-SW trending major fracture zones prevailing southern Eastern Desert of Egypt. In this study, we present for the first time detailed mineralogical and bulk-rock geochemical data to infer some constraints on the parental magma genesis and to understand the tectonic processes contributed to MI formation. Lithologically, it is composed of fresh peridotite, clinopyroxenite, hornblendite, anorthosite, gabbronorite, pyroxene amphibole gabbro, amphibole gabbro and diorite. All rocks have low Th/La ratios(mostly <0.2) and lack positive Zr and Th anomalies excluding significant crustal contamination. They show very low concentrations of Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf together with sub-chondritic ratios of Nb/Ta(2-15) and Zr/Hf(19-35),suggesting that their mantle source was depleted by earlier melting extraction event. The oxygen fugacity(logfO_2) estimated from diorite biotite is around the nickel-nickel oxide buffer(NNO) indicating crystallization from a relatively oxidized magma. Amphiboles in the studied mafic-ultramafic rocks indicate relative oxygen fugacity(i.e. ΔNNO; nickel-nickel oxide) of 0.28-3 and were in equilibrium mostly with 3.77-8.24 wt.% H_2 O_(melt)(i.e. water content in the melt), consistent with the typical values of subduction-related magmas. Moreover, pressure estimates(0.53-6.79 kbar) indicate polybaric crystallization and suggest that the magma chamber(s) was located at relatively shallow crustal levels. The enrichment in LILE(e.g., Cs, Ba, K and Sr) and the depletion in HFSE(e.g., Th and Nb) relative to primitive mantle are consistent with island arc signature. The olivine, pyroxene and amphibole compositions also reflect arc affinity. These inferences suggest that their primary magma was derived from partial melting of a mantle source that formerly metasomatized in a subduction zone setting. Clinopyroxene and bulkrock data are consistent with orogenic tholeiitic affinity. Consequently, the mineral and bulk-rock chemistry strongly indicate crystallization from hydrous tholeiitic magma. Moreover, their trace element patterns are subparallel indicating that the various rock types possibly result from differentiation of the same primary magma. These petrological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics show that the MI is a typical Alaskan-type complex.

Mineralogy and radioactivity of pegmatites from South Wadi Khuda area,Eastern Desert,Egypt

Radioactive minerals in pegmatites associated with granitic rocks are commonly encountered in the south of the Wadi Khuda area and found as dyke-like and small bodies.They are observed within garnet-muscovite granites near the contact with older granitoids.Field surveys indicated that the studied pegmatites vary in dimensions ranging from 2 to 10 m in width and from 10 to 500 m in length.They are composed mainly of intergrowth of milky quartz,reddish-pink K-feldspar and plagioclase together with small pockets of muscovite.Field radiometric measurements indicated that radioactivity in pegmatites is more than twice that of their enclosing country rocks.Radionuclide measurements revealed that the average contents of U and Th increase gradually from rocks of dioritic to granodioritic composition(1.5×10-6 U and 4.3×10-6 Th) and increase significantly in biotite granites(5.8×10-6 U and 15.2×10-6 Th) but drastically decrease in muscovite granites(2.2×10-6 U and 5.6×10-6 Th).The average contents of U and Th of anomalous pegmatites are 95.3×10-6 and 116.9×10-6,respectively,indicating their uraniferous nature.In the south of the Wadi Khuda area,pegmatites are low in average Th/U(1.4) and high in average U/K(35.6),which suggests that uranium concentrating processes did not affect the pegmatites,indicating poor source-rocks.Mineralogical investigations of the studied pegmatites revealed the presence of secondary uranium minerals(kasolite and autunite),in addition to zircon,thorite,apatite,garnet and biotite.Primary and secondary radioactive mineralizations indicated that the mineralization is not only magmatic,but also post-magmatic.Electron microprobe analyses showed distinct cryptic chemical zoning within thorite where UO2 decreases from core to rim.This feature in thorite is sporadic,suggesting non-uniform redistributions of UO2 within thorite during magmatic processes.

Mineralogy,M-type tetrad effect and radioactivity of altered granites at the G.Abu Garadi shear zone,central Eastern Desert,Egypt

The G. Abu Garadi area is covered mainly by metasediments, alkali feldspar granites and stream sediments. The alkali feldspar granite is traversed by a major strike-slip fault trending in an N-S direction as well as two subordinate sets of faults trending NW to WNW for the first one and NE for the second one. These faults represent the shear zones affected by magmatic (syngenetic) as well as hydrothermal (epigenetic) activities causing alteration of the granitic rocks. The most common alteration features are albitization, greisenization and koalinitization. The mass balance calculations of the studied altered samples show enrichments in Zr, Y, Ni, U, Th and Ga and depletions in Zn, Sr, Nb, Ba, Pb, Cu and V. Only the greisenized samples exhibit a significant enrichment in Nb, ∑REE budget and pronounced lanthanide tetrad effect (M-type), especially TE1,4, while weakly expressed tetrad effects are for the other albitized and koalinitized samples. Mineralogically, the common accessory minerals in the altered samples include samarskite-(Y), betafite, uranothorite, zircon, fluorite and cassiterite. The greisenized granites contain high eU and eTh than the other altered types, where they are characterized by an assemblage of the radioactive minerals; samarskite-(Y), betafite, uranothorite in addition to zircon. The inter-element relationships between U and Th and also their ratios illustrate that the radioelement distribution in these granites is mainly governed by magmatic processes, in addition to post-magmatic ones. The distribution of chemical elements and the fractionation of some isovalents within the shear zone are largely controlled by the newly formed mineral phases. With respect to uranium mobilization, uranium migrated from the host alkali feldspar granites of G. Abu Garadi, while the shear zones acted as traps for the migrated uranium. Moreover, U migrated in the shear zone during greisenization and albitization, and migrated out during koalinitization.

Fluid Inclusions in the Gold-Bearing Quartz Veins at Um Rus Area, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Fluid inclusions in the gold-bearing quartz veins at the Um Rus area are of three types: H\-2O, H\-2O-CO\-2 and CO\-2 inclusions. H\-2O inclusions are the most abundant, they include two phases which exhibit low and high homogenization temperatures ranging from 150 to 200℃ and 175 to 250℃, respectively. The salinity of aqueous inclusions, based on ice melting, varies between \{6.1\} and 8 equiv. wt% NaCl. On the other hand, H\-2O-CO\-2 fluid inclusions include three phases. Their total homogenization temperatures range from 270 to 325℃, and their salinity, based on clathrate melting, ranges between \{0.8\} and \{3.8\} equiv. wt% NaCl. CO\-2 fluid inclusions homogenize to a liquid phase and exhibit a low density range from \{0.52\} to \{0.66\} g/cm\+3. The partial mixing of H\-2O-CO\-2 and salt H\-2O-NaCl fluid inclusions is the main source of fluids from which the other types of inclusions were derived. The gold-bearing quartz veins are believed to be of medium temperature hydrothermal convective origin.

Characterization of a Post Orogenic A-Type Granite, Gabal El Atawi, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt: Geochemical and Radioactive Perspectives

The alkali feldspar granite of Gabal El Atawi is post orogenic granite originated from subalkaline magma in extensional suite. It is developed within plate tectonic setting and has A2-type character which generated from apparent crustal source. The petrographic, geochemical and radioactive characteristics of El Atawi granite meet and fulfill the requirements of being fertile granite and it can be considered as promising uraniferous granite. Fluid inclusion studies of the altered granite elucidated two different solutions acting on the host granitic pluton. The first is NaCl-CaCl low temperature fluid with a wide range of salinity. The second is high temperature and salinity Fe-Mg-Na chloride solution. Different fractures in the granite acted as good channels for the hydrothermal fluids that leached uranium from its bearing minerals disseminated all over the host granite and redeposited it in the alteration zones.