Tectonic and climate changes influences on distribution and morphology of Quaternary travertine, Kurkur oasis, Egypt

• Published in: Journal of African earth sciences (1994) Vol. 218; p. 105365
• Main Authors: Abou Elmagd, Kamal, Mohamed Fathy, Al-Hussein, Abdelwahab, Wael, Hassan Younis, Mohammed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-10-2024
• Subjects: Kurkur oasis; Morphotectonics; Quaternary; Tectonic setting; Travertine; Tectonic setting; Quaternary; Travertine; Morphotectonics; Kurkur oasis
• ISSN: 1464-343X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2024.105365

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between tectonic activity, climate changes and Quaternary travertine deposition around Kurkur Oasis in the southern Western Desert of Egypt. Our findings, based on field observations and structural investigations, revealed that extensional tectonics played a significant role in the formation and the distribution of travertine deposits in the study area. Three main travertine morphotypes are documented: fissure ridge, spring mound, and terrace mound along with four lithotypes: crystalline crust, fine-grained lithoclast, paper-thin raft, and reed. The spatial distribution of these travertine occurrences indicates that travertines located closest to the springs exhibit crystalline crust and paper-thin raft lithotypes. While, the reed and the fine-grained lithoclastic types are situated farther from the water sources. Terraces mounds are related to pluvial episodes, which led to travertine deposition in the suitable tectonically created depressions. A two-stage hypothesis for travertine deposition are proposed herein, involving tectonic fissuring and the circulation of carbonated water. These results may enhance our understanding of travertine formation and have broader implications for geological research in similar tectonic environments.
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•Extensional tectonics significantly influence travertine formation in Kurkur Oasis.•Three travertine morphotypes and four lithotypes identified in the study area.•Crystalline crusts, rafts form near springs; reeds, lithoclasts form farther away.•Travertine terraces linked to pluvial episodes in tectonically created depressions.•Proposed two-stage model: tectonic fissuring and circulation of carbonated water.