Evolution of the Maastrichtian-Paleocene sedimentary basin in the Safaga-Quseir region, Red Sea Coast, Egypt

Integrated field, litho- and bio-stratigraphic analyses were carried out on three Maastrichtian-Paleocene successions exposed at the Gabal Wasif, Wadi Syatin and Gabal Hamadat sections, in the Safaga-Quseir region, Red Sea Coast, Egypt. Two formations are recognized; the Dakhla Fm. and the overlying Tarawan Fm. High resolution planktonic foraminiferal investigations resulted in the identification of eleven planktonic foraminiferal zones that represent four hiatuses caused by three syn-sedimentary tectonic events (I, II and III). These events are related to the onset of the Syrian Arc Orogeny. Tectonic Events I and II coincide with the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) and Danian/Selandian (D/S) boundaries, respectively, while Tectonic Event III occurred at the end of the Paleocene (latest Paleocene). Five paleo-relief profiles demonstrate the relative magnitudes of these tectonic events and their impact on the evolution of the sedimentary basin. Tectonic Event I had a regional effect and is seen in two sedimentary basins that are separated by a submarine paleohigh identified in the W. Syatin section. Tectonic Event II reached a maximum in magnitude toward the north in the Safaga area, forming a paleohigh in the G. Wasif and W. Syatin sections, while the G. Hamadat section represents the depocenter. Tectonic Event III had a limited impact toward the north in the Safaga area, where it formed a paleohigh at G. Wasif.