Crustal thickness and structural pattern evaluation of Sinai Peninsula using three-dimensional density modeling with aeromagnetic and earthquake data

Abstract The Sinai Peninsula is a subplate located between the African and Arabian plates. It an important in world; however, this region poorly understood because of shortage geophysical data. Thus, study focuses on built three-dimensional (3D) high-resolution forward model crustal thickness with new tectonic structural evaluation to understand area tectonically determine its lithospheric thicknesses. Qualitative quantitative interpretations Bouguer gravity, reduced-to-the-pole (RTP) aeromagnetic, earthquake data are explained achieve goals study. Two-dimensional (2D) interactive sequential modeling gravity performed along some well-selected profiles existing layer depth points from previous works studied region. Seventeen 2D models constructed used basement, Conrad (lower crust boundary), Moho (upper mantle boundary) depths build 3D model. Accuracy evaluated by extracting observed, calculated, residual anomaly maps. results show that basement rocks appear surface South deepen (down 4.5 km) toward North. varies approximately 16 km (in northeast southwest Sinai) 22.8 southeast). (i.e., thickness) 28.8 34.2 km, it deepens northeastern southwestern parts Sinai. A tentative structure map horizontal gradient (H-gradient) filter Euler deconvolution RTP aeromagnetic Correlation geological background obtained suggests active, mainly southern portion due movements Gulf Suez Aqaba. increases southward thins northward.