Aeromagnetic Studies on the Great Sand Sea Area, Western Desert, Egypt

This study evaluates the basement depth and identifies contact zones of magnetic source bodies in the Great Sand Sea, Western Desert, Egypt, using aeromagnetic data. A reduced-to-pole (RTP) aeromagnetic map reveals anomalies of varying frequency, trends, and magnitudes linked to diverse subsurface sources. Advanced processing techniques, including fast Fourier transform, distinguish residual from regional components and provide a radially averaged power spectrum, identifying three depth components: crustal thickness (~25.8 km), deep sources (~7.8 km), and shallow sources (~3.4 km). Edge detection methods, such as tilt angle and horizontal gradient derivatives, delineate structural frameworks consistent across analyses. Depth to the basement surface, determined through analytical signal and source parameter imaging, ranges from 1 km to 8.5 km. Globally, this research contributes to understanding regional tectonic settings and crustal structures, offering insights into hydrocarbon exploration and geothermal energy potential in similar arid environments worldwide.