A tectonic model of the Sinai Peninsula based on magnetic data

The present work deals with the tectonic position of the Sinai Peninsula based on the interpretation of magnetic data. A high-resolution magnetic survey was undertaken, combined with aeromagnetic data, GPS and seismic stress-tension analysis. The magnetic data was interpreted using the analytical signal, horizontal gradient, Euler and Werner deconvolutions and 2.5 dimensional magnetic modelling methods. The seismological focal mechanism and stress-tension forces have also been evaluated. We conclude that the structural trend N35 degrees- N45 degrees west reflects the most predominant tectonic force in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula, with a secondary N45 degrees-N65 degrees east tectonic trend. Interestingly, this situation is reversed in the northern part of the peninsula. The depth of the basement rocks ranges from zero at the southern end to more than 4 km below sea level at the northern end of the studied area. Furthermore, we found that the depth of the basement rocks increases from east to west, which is consistent with available well log data. This reflects a source of stress situated in the south that is pushing in the NE direction. Correlating the seismological and GPS analysis has enabled the construction of a tectonic model for the Sinai Peninsula.