New insights into structural and tectonic evolution of Safaga-Semna shear belt, Eastern Desert, Egypt: advanced integration of aeromagnetic, remote sensing and field studies

Abstract Shear zones play an essential role in controlling the distribution of ore resources, including Au and associated mineral deposits. Our study integrates aeromagnetic, structural, and remote sensing (RS) data to analyze the geodynamics, tectonics, and mineral potentiality of the Safaga-Semna shear belt (SSSB), Eastern Desert, Egypt. Improved logistic (IL) and Logistic function of the total horizontal gradient advanced edge techniques are applied to reduced-to-pole (RTP) data and upward continuation (UPWC) of RTP at depths of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 km, allowing the outlining of shallow and deep structural elements. The application of Landsat-8 imagery, Sentinel-2B color composites, and Sentinel-1A SAR data is essential for the processes of lithological and alteration mapping, as well as for the extraction of lineaments. This methodology reveals a significant correlation between the distribution of alteration zones, the density of lineaments, and the presence of gold deposits. The Safaga-Semna shear belt (SSSB) represents a multifaceted assemblage of rock units characterized by diverse deformation attributes. The most significantly deformed rocks consist of volcaniclastic metasediments and Hammamat sediments, whereas the least deformed group encompasses metavolcanic rocks, meta gabbro-diorite, and synorogenic granites. Notably, the central area of the belt displays intense deformation, with north–south shearing and folding predominantly affecting the volcaniclastic metasediments and metavolcanics. The SSSB has experienced four major deformation phases, designated as D1, D2, and D3. Shear zones striking northwest exert an influence on gold quartz veins located in Semna, Rodriun, and Massaghat, while north–south shear zones play a critical role in controlling gold mineralization across Gidami, Abu Marawat, Mirinda, and Abu Gaharish gold mines. Our multidisciplinary integrated approach highlights the tectonic evolution of SSSB and its implications for exploring mineralization. By integrating aeromagnetic, structural, and RS data, this study provides a detailed interpretation of the tectonic development and structural controls on mineralization. The results underscore the potential of integrating multiscale geological and geophysical datasets to improve our understanding of shear zones and associated mineralization processes.