Detection of subsurface basaltic sheets and associated structures utilising forward modelling and inversion of 2D electrical resistivity data: A case study from Jebel-Qatrani, Fayoum, Egypt

In the north of Fayoum Governate, Egypt, numerous extrusive flows basalt rocks exposed on surface and affected by weathering erosion, forming altered sheets which is case Jebel-Qatrani. The study objective comes in two main folds: first, to choose optimum parameters required for filed survey generating forward models using several arrays with 3% Gaussian random noise, simulating geology area deploying a finite element modelling approach; second, acquire real field data generate electrical resistivity tomograms ascertain existence, extension, characteristics basaltic subsurface. Hence, four profiles Wenner-alpha array 48 electrodes, 5 metre electrode spacing, total length 235 metres were acquired suitable locations based previous aeromagnetic results vicinity area. These inverted derive true distribution Another detect near-surface, Oligocene normal faulting structures associated rifting Red Sea. Results from show possible fault cutting through early Qatrani Formation at same time as red sea rifting, confirming geological studies region satellite imagery, data, outcrops. It concluded that near these faults, sheet-like body relatively high values, representing extrusions, was detected, presence structural zones.