Unveiling the concealed igneous complex intrusive based on geophysical potential field data from the Mesaha‐east Oweinat area in the south western desert of Egypt

Abstract The Mesaha‐east Oweinat area is a part of the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS) located in the southern part of the western desert of Egypt, which is considered an important development area. The study presents an interpretation in a geological context based on the integrated analysis of Bouguer and aeromagnetic data to depict the concealed geological patterns and provide insight into tectonic and structural patterns that control the mineralization, besides the groundwater pathways in the Nubian sandstone aquifer. The data reveal multiple prominent magnetic and gravity anomalies, which are interpreted to reflect substantial igneous features, including intrusions and possible volcanic plugs. The smaller magnetic anomalies indicate the presence of thinner mafic doleritic basalt layers, which focus on the northwest of the area and crosscut the Precambrian basement rocks and the Paleozoic and Mesozoic sandstones. The thick layer of dolomite/marble is well represented within the Mesaha graben in the western portion, based on the positive Bouguer anomalies and core sample analysis from the Mesaha well. The structure lineaments are most likely related to the Nubian fault system (NFS) and the Trans‐African Lineaments (TAL) dextral mega‐shear structures and lead to isolating the Nubian sandstone basin into sub‐basins directed in NNW–SSE, NE–SW, and NW–SE directions. The constrained 2D and 3D modelling is carried out and reveals that the depths vary between 65 m and 2850 m. Based on the findings, the high‐amplitude potential field anomalies in the northwest likely indicate igneous intrusions. In contrast, the eastern portion, characterized by a shallower basement and a thinner sedimentary cover, appears favourable for mineral exploration. Furthermore, areas with low gravity and low amplitude magnetic anomalies, particularly in the southwestern part of the Mesaha graben, show potential for groundwater resources. Additional groundwater prospects are also suggested by the low magnetic signatures along the eastern portion.