Sequence stratigraphy, sea-level dynamics, and syn-sedimentary tectonic evolution of the Late Cretaceous/Paleocene basin on the western shoulder of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Abstract

Upper Cretaceous-Lower Paleogene successions (up to 120 m) consists of fine-grained siliciclastic and carbonate outcrops in the northeastern Desert of Egypt. It extends along the eastern escarpment face of the Southern Galala Plateau on the western shoulder of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Depending on the stratigraphic range of the index planktonic foraminiferal species, several biozones are defined ranging in age from Late Cretaceous to Early Paleogene. The studied stratigraphic record includes five third-order depositional sequences, which are confined by eight sequence boundaries and their correlative conformities. Each sequence includes an early retrogradational parasequence suit topped by a marine-flooding surface and a late progradational parasequence suit covered by a sequence boundary. Herein, the lowstand systems tracts were not formed because of the low-relief of the ramp status. Sequential analyses for the study area will contribute significantly to the sub-surface geology of the northern part of the Eastern Desert in Egypt, which is viewed as a potential source rocks and hydrocarbon reservoirs. Comparison of the regional sequences with the eustatic curve including uncertainties, nevertheless, a few of the sea-level changes recorded might be tied to eustatic sea-level oscillations. It is important to state that the present study was conducted in an area that was tectonically active during the Late Cretaceous-Early Paleogene and experienced major uplifting during this interval.