1887
Volume 38, Issue 1
  • E-ISSN: 1365-2117

Abstract

[ABSTRACT

Extensive deposition of thick marine evaporites occurred during the middle and late Miocene in the Gulf of Suez rift basin, yet their origin remains controversial, particularly regarding marine connectivity, brine sources, and climatic controls. In the St. Paul area, at the western rift margin, stacked, shallowing‐upward cycles of shale, mudstone, and evaporite grade landward into conglomerate and sandstone of proximal fan facies. A detailed sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic study offers new insights into the evolution of these Langhian–Serravallian marginal marine evaporites and their basinal equivalents, clarifying the timing of restriction events and proposing viable models for their accumulation. The evaporites, mainly epigenetic anhydrite, occur as nodular forms with chicken‐wire and enterolithic textures, indicative of deposition in saline mudflats under a hot, arid climate. This marine‐fed, siliciclastic‐rich sabkha flat lacks a modern analog due to its uncommon mud matrix. Periodic continental flooding disrupted the sabkha mudflat, leading to the deposition of laminated and fanned gypsum in ephemeral saline pans. The stratal architecture of the evaporites and associated sediments reveals three depositional sequences, each with a lower retrograding deep subtidal shale and basal channelled sandstone, and an upper prograding shallow subtidal to intertidal siliciclastic mud and supratidal evaporites. Sabkha and salina evaporites mark the late highstand facies, while lowstand evaporites formed in the basin centre when it became isolated and hypersaline due to evaporative drawdown. Three major marine flooding events from the Mediterranean had occurred during the Langhian–Serravallian, prior to complete basin isolation from the north. Each event culminated in extensive evaporite accumulation as the basin became temporarily isolated. Rift‐related tectonics, global cooling, glacio‐eustasy, and changes in basin connectivity were key drivers of temporary restrictions, while arid climate controlled brine concentration. These findings resolve some long‐standing debates on the origin of the Gulf of Suez evaporites and their connection to the northern Mediterranean source during the Miocene.

, Highlights

  • A marine‐fed, siliciclastic‐rich sabkha characterises the St. Paul evaporites.
  • These saline mudflat deposits lack a modern analog due to their uncommon mud matrix.
  • Evaporites offer insights into paleoenvironment, basin connectivity, and paleogeographic evolution.
  • Three Mediterranean floods occurred during the middle Miocene, each ending in temporal basin restriction.
  • Rift tectonics, global cooling, glacio‐eustasy, and basin isolation were key drivers of restrictions.

,

A sabkha mudflat formed on the seaward margin of alluvial fans during the accumulation of the upper part of the middle Miocene Gemsa Formation in the St. Paul area, located on the western rift margin of the Gulf of Suez.

]
Basin Research © 2026 John Wiley & Sons Ltd, European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers and International Association of Sedimentologists © 2026 International Association of Sedimentologists and European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1111/bre.70091
2026-02-14
2026-03-09

  • From This Site

    /content/journals/10.1111/bre.70091
    dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword
    -contentType:Journal -contentType:Contributor -contentType:Concept -contentType:Institution
    10
    5
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Abdel‐Wahab, S.1991. “Ras Shukeir Sabkha and Associated Salina Deposits: Comparison With a Holocene Depositional Equivalent.” Carbonates and Evaporites6: 1–12.
     [Google Scholar]
  2. Abreu, V. S., and J. B.Anderson. 1998. “Glacial Eustasy During the Cenozoic: Sequence Stratigraphic Implications.” AAPG Bulletin82: 1385–1400.
     [Google Scholar]
  3. Al‐Hurban, A., and I.Gharib. 2004. “Geomorphological and Sedimentological Characteristics of Coastal and Inland Sabkhas, Southern Kuwait.” Journal of Arid Environments58: 59–85.
     [Google Scholar]
  4. Ali, Y. A., and I.West. 1983. “Relationships of Modern Gypsum Nodules in Sabkhas of Loess to Compositions of Brines and Sediments in Northern Egypt.” Journal of Sedimentary Research53: 1151–1168. https://doi.org/10.1306/212F8332‐2B24‐11D7‐8648000102C1865D.
     [Google Scholar]
  5. Aqrawi, A. A., and G.Evans. 1994. “Sedimentation in the Lakes and Marshes (Ahwar) of Tigris Euphrates Delta, Southern Mesopotamia.” Sedimentology41: 755–776.
     [Google Scholar]
  6. Aref, M. A., G. H.Bachmann, R. J.Taj, A. A.Khawfany, W. F.Alnasser, and A.Mannaa. 2024. “Primary and Diagenetic Evaporite Minerals in Sabkhas and Saline Pans (Red Sea and Arabian Gulf Coasts).” In Rifting and Sediments in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf Regions, edited by N. M. A.Rasul and I. C. F.Stewart, 267–292. Taylor and Francis Group. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003321415‐20.
     [Google Scholar]
  7. Aref, M. A. M., O. E. A.Attia, and A. M. A.Wali. 1997. “Facies and Depositional Environment of the Holocene Evaporites in the Ras Shukeir Area, Gulf of Suez.” Egypt. Sedimentary Geology110: 123–145.
     [Google Scholar]
  8. Attia, O. E., T. K.Lowenstein, and A. M. A.Wali. 1995. “Middle Miocene Gypsum, Gulf of Suez: Marine or Nonmarine?” Journal of Sedimentary ResearchA65: 614–626.
     [Google Scholar]
  9. Baby, G., A.Delaunay, D.Rouby, J.Ye, T.Pensa, and A. M.Afifi. 2024. “Sediment Routing Systems of the Eastern Red Sea Rifted Margin.” Earth‐Science Reviews249, no. 104: 679.
     [Google Scholar]
  10. Becker, F., and T.Bechstädt. 2006. “Sequence Stratigraphy of a Carbonate–Evaporite Succession (Zechstein 1, Hessian Basin, Germany).” Sedimentology53: 1083–1120. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365‐3091.2006.00803.x.
     [Google Scholar]
  11. Beleity, A.1982. The Composite Standard and Definition of Paleo‐Events in the Gulf of Suez, In Proceedings of the 6th EGPC Exploration Seminar, 181–189. Cairo.
     [Google Scholar]
  12. Bellah, A. M., and H.Hassouba. 1995. “Quaternary Sediments From the Coastal Plain of Northwestern Egypt (From Alexandria to el Omayid).” Carbonates and Evaporites10: 8–44.
     [Google Scholar]
  13. Bosworth, W.2015. “Geological Evolution of the Red Sea: Historical Background, Review, and Synthesis.” In The Red Sea, edited by N. M. A.Rasul and I. C. F.Stewart, 45–78. Springer Earth System Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/978‐3‐662‐45,201‐1_3.
     [Google Scholar]
  14. Bosworth, W., P.Huchon, and K.McClay. 2005. “The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Basins.” Journal of African Earth Sciences43: 334–378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2005.07.020.
     [Google Scholar]
  15. Bosworth, W., and K.McClay. 2001. “Structural and Stratigraphic Evolution of the Gulf of Suez Rift, Egypt: A Synthesis.” In Peri‐Tethys Memoir 6: Peri‐Tethyan Rift/Wrench Basins and Passive Margins, edited by P. A.Ziegler, W.Cavazza, A. H. F.Robertson, and S.Crasquin‐Soleau, vol. 186, 567–606. Mémoires du Muséum national d'hastoire naturelle.
     [Google Scholar]
  16. Butler, G. P., P. H.Harris, and C. G. S. C.Kendall. 1982. “Recent Evaporites From the Abu Dhabi Marginal Flats.” In Depositional and Diagenetic Spectra of Evaporites—A Core Workshop, edited by C. R.Handford, R. G.Loucks, and G. R.Davies, 33–64. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Core Workshop 3.
     [Google Scholar]
  17. Butler, R. W. H., W. H.Lickorish, M.Grasso, H. M.Pedley, and L.Ramberti. 1995. “Tectonic and Sequence Stratigraphy in Messinian Basins, Sicily; Constrains on the Initiation and Termination of the Mediterranean Salinity Crisis.” AAPG Bulletin107: 425–439.
     [Google Scholar]
  18. Catuneanu, O., W. E.Galloway, C. G.Kendall, et al. 2011. “Sequence Stratigraphy: Methodology and Nomenclature.” Newsletters on Stratigraphy44: 173–245.
     [Google Scholar]
  19. Christie‐Blick, N.1991. “Onlap, Offlap, and the Origin of Unconformity‐Bounded Depositional Sequences.” Marine Geology97: 35–56.
     [Google Scholar]
  20. Cornacchia, I., M.Brandano, and S.Agostini. 2021. “Miocene Paleoceanographic Evolution of the Mediterranean Area and Carbonate Production Changes: A Review.” Earth‐Science Reviews221, no. 103: 785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103785.
     [Google Scholar]
  21. Darwish, M., and M.El‐Azabi. 1993. “Contributions to the Miocene Sequences Along the Western Margin of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt.” Egyptian Journal of Geology37: 21–47.
     [Google Scholar]
  22. Darwish, M., and M.El‐Azabi. 1995. “The Miocene Lithostratigraphic Sequence of St. Paul Area, Western Margin, Gulf of Suez; a Field Description.” Egyptian Journal of Geology39: 37–55.
     [Google Scholar]
  23. Dean, W. E., G. R.Davis, and R. Q.Anderson. 1975. “Sedimentological Significance of Nodular and Laminated Anhydrite.” Geology3: 267–272.
     [Google Scholar]
  24. El‐Azabi, M. H.1997. “The Miocene Marginal Marine Facies and Their Equivalent Deeper Marine Sediments in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt; A Revised Stratigraphic Setting.” Egyptian Journal of Geology41: 273–308.
     [Google Scholar]
  25. El‐Azabi, M. H.2004. “Facies Characteristics, Depositional Styles and Evolution of the Syn‐Rift Miocene Sequences in Nukhul‐Feiran Area, Sinai Side of the Gulf of Suez Rift Basin, Egypt.” Sedimentology (Egypt)12: 69–103.
     [Google Scholar]
  26. El‐Azabi, M. H.2024a. “Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy of Shallow and Deeper Marine Miocene Deposits: A Case Study From St. Paul and Gebel El‐Zeit Blocks, Gulf of Suez, Egypt.” Basin Research36: e12836. https://doi.org/10.1111/bre.12836.
     [Google Scholar]
  27. El‐Azabi, M. H.2024b. “Sedimentary Evolution of the Miocene Syn‐Rift Marginal and Deeper Marine Facies in the Gulf of Suez Rift Basin, Egypt: A Review.” Earth‐Science Reviews258: 104944. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2024.104944.
     [Google Scholar]
  28. Evans, A. L.1988. “Neogene Tectonic and Stratigraphic Events in the Gulf of Suez Rift Area, Egypt.” Tectonophysics153: 235–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040‐1951(88)90018‐2.
     [Google Scholar]
  29. Fawzy, H., and A.Abdel‐Aal. 1984. Regional Study of Miocene Evaporates and Pliocene–Recent Sediments in the Gulf of Suez, 49–74. Proceedings of the 7th EGPC Exploration Seminar.
     [Google Scholar]
  30. Friedman, G. M., A.Sneh, and R. W.Owen. 1985. “The Ras Muhammed Pool: Implications for the Gavish Sabkha.” In Hypersaline Ecosystems, the Gavish Sabkha, edited by G. M.Friedman and W. E.Krumbein, 218–237. Springer‐Verlag.
     [Google Scholar]
  31. Gavish, E., W. E.Krumbein, and G. M.Friedman. 1985. “Geomorphology, Mineralogy and Groundwater Geochemistry as Factors of the Hydrodynamic System of the Gavish Sabkha.” In Hypersaline Ecosystems, the Gavish Sabkha, edited by G. M.Friedman and W. E.Krumbein, 186–217. Springer‐Verlag.
     [Google Scholar]
  32. Gawthorpe, R. L., A. J.Fraser, and R. E. L. I.Collier. 1994. “Sequence Stratigraphy in Active Extensional Basins: Implications for the Interpretation of Ancient Basin‐Fills.” Marine and Petroleum Geology11: 642–658.
     [Google Scholar]
  33. Goodall, I. G., G. M.Harwood, A. C.Kendall, T.Mckie, and M. E.Tucker. 1992. “Discussion on Sequence Stratigraphy of Carbonate–Evaporite Basins; Models and Application to the Upper Permian (Zechstein) of Northeast England and Adjoining North Sea.” Journal of the Geological Society of London149: 1050–1054.
     [Google Scholar]
  34. Gradstein, F. M., J. G.Ogg, M. D.Schmitz, and G. M.Ogg. 2020. Geologic Time Scale 2020. Vol. 2, 1357. Elsevier.
     [Google Scholar]
  35. Griffin, D. L.2002. “Aridity and Humidity: Two Aspects of the Late Miocene Climate of North Africa and the Mediterranean.” Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology182: 65–91.
     [Google Scholar]
  36. Handford, C. R.1988. “Depositional Interaction of Siliciclastics and Marginal Marine Evaporites.” In Evaporites and Hydrocarbons, edited by B. C.Schreiber, 139–181. Columbia University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  37. Handford, C. R., and R. G.Loucks. 1993. “Carbonate Depositional Sequences and Systems Tracts—Responses of Carbonate Platforms to Relative Sea‐Level Changes.” In Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy, Recent Development and Applications, edited by R. G.Loucks and J. F.Sarg, vol. 57, 3–41. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Memoir.
     [Google Scholar]
  38. Haq, B., C.Gorini, J.Baur, J.Moneron, and J. L.Rubino. 2020. “Deep Mediterranean's Messinian Evaporite Giant: How Much Salt?” Global and Planetary Change184: 103,052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2019.103052.
     [Google Scholar]
  39. Haq, B. U., J.Hardenbol, and P. R.Vail. 1987. “Chronology of Fluctuating Sea Levels Since the Triassic (250 Million Years Ago to Present).” Science235: 1156–1167. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.235.4793.1156.
     [Google Scholar]
  40. Haq, B. U., and J. G.Ogg. 2024. “Retraversing the Highs and Lows of Cenozoic Sea Levels.” GSA Today34: 4–11. https://doi.org/10.1130/GSATGG593A.1.
     [Google Scholar]
  41. Hardenbol, J., J.Thierry, M. B.Farley, T.Jacquin, P.‐C.de Graciansky, and P. R.Vail. 1998. “Mesozoic‐Cenozoic Sequence Chronostratigraphy Framework of Europian Basins.” In Sequence Stratigraphy of European Basins, edited by P.‐C.de Graciansky, J.Hardenbol, T.Jacquin, and P. R.Vail, vol. 60, 3–14. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication.
     [Google Scholar]
  42. Hardie, L. A., and T. K.Lowenstein. 2004. “Did the Mediterranean Sea Dry Out During the Miocene? A Reassessment of the Evaporite Evidence From DSDP Legs 13 and 42A Cores.” Journal of Sedimentary Research74: 453–461.
     [Google Scholar]
  43. Hassan, F., and S.El‐Dashlouty. 1970. “Miocene Evaporites of the Gulf of Suez Region and Their Significance.” American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin54: 1686–1696.
     [Google Scholar]
  44. Holbourn, A., W.Kuhnt, S.Clemens, W.Prell, and N.Andersen. 2013. “Middle to Late Miocene Stepwise Climate Cooling: Evidence From a High‐Resolution Deep Water Isotope Curve Spanning 8 Million Years.” Paleoceanography28: 688–699. https://doi.org/10.1002/2013PA002538.
     [Google Scholar]
  45. Holliday, D. W.1970. “The Petrology of Secondary Gypsum Rocks: A Review.” Journal of Sedimentary Petrology40: 734–744.
     [Google Scholar]
  46. Holliday, D. W.1973. “Early Diagenesis in Nodular Anhydrite Rocks. Transactions.” Institution of Mining and Metallurgy Sec B82: 81–84.
     [Google Scholar]
  47. Holz, M., E.Troccoli, and M.Viera. 2014. “Sequence Stratigraphy of Continental Rift Basins I: A Conceptual Discussion of Discrepant Models.” In Strati 2013, edited by R.Roch, J.Pais, J. C.Kullberg, and S.Finney, 9–13. Springer International Publishing.
     [Google Scholar]
  48. Howell, J., and S.Flint. 1996. “A Model for High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy Within Extensional Basins.” In High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy: Innovations and Applications, edited by J. A.Howell and J. F.Aitken, vol. 104, 129–137. London, Special Publication.
     [Google Scholar]
  49. Hsü, K. J.1973. “The Desiccated Deep‐Basin Model for the Messinian Events.” In Messinian Events in the Mediterranean, edited by C. W.Drooger, 60–67. North‐Holland Publicatin Co.
     [Google Scholar]
  50. Hughes, G. W., S.Abdine, and M. H.Girgis. 1992. “Miocene Biofacies Development and Geological History of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt.” Marine and Petroleum Geology9: 2–28.
     [Google Scholar]
  51. Hughes, G. W., and Z. R.Beydoun. 1992. “The Red Sea Gulf of Aden: Biostratigraphy, Lithostratigraphy and Palaeoenvironments.” Journal of Petroleum Geology15: 135–156.
     [Google Scholar]
  52. Hui, Z., J.Zhang, Z.Ma, et al. 2018. “Global Warming and Rainfall: Lessons From an Analysis of Mid‐Miocene Climate Data.” Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology512: 106–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2018.10.025.
     [Google Scholar]
  53. Hussain, M., and J. K.Warren. 1989. “Nodular and Enterolithic Gypsum: The ‘Sabkhatization’ of Salt Flat Playa, West Texas.” Journal of Sedimentary Petrology64: 13–24.
     [Google Scholar]
  54. Imlay, R. W.1940. “Lower Cretaceous and Jurassic Formations of Southern Arkansas and Their Oil and Gas Possibilities.” Arkansas Geological Survey Information Circular12: 35–36.
     [Google Scholar]
  55. James, N. P., and J. A. D.Clarke. 1997. “Shallow Marine Deposition of Shales and Their Relationship With Wave Base and Storm Processes.” Sedimentary Geology108: 271–287.
     [Google Scholar]
  56. Jolivet, L., R.Augier, C.Robin, J.‐P.Suc, and J. M.Rouchy. 2006. “Lithospheric‐Scale Geodynamic Context of the Messinian Salinity Crisis.” Sedimentary Geology188: 9–33.
     [Google Scholar]
  57. Kendall, A. C.1988. “Aspects of Evaporite Basin Stratigraphy.” In Evaporites and Hydrocarbons, edited by B. C.Schreiber, 11–65. Columbia University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  58. Kendall, A. C., and G. M.Harwood. 1996. “Marine Evaporites: Arid Shorelines and Basins.” In Sedimentary Environments: Processes, Facies and Stratigraphy, edited by H. G.Reading, 281–324. Blackwell Science Ltd.
     [Google Scholar]
  59. Khalil, S. M., and K. R.McClay. 2001. “Tectonic Evolution of the NW Red Sea‐Gulf of Suez Rift System.” In Non‐Volcanic Rifting of Continental Margins: A Comparison of Evidence From Land and Sea, edited by R. C. L.Wilson, R. B.Whitmarsh, B.Taylor, and N.Froitzheim, vol. 187, 453–473. Geological Society of London, Special Publication.
     [Google Scholar]
  60. Kinsman, D. J. J.1969. “Modes of Formation, Sedimentary Associations and Diagnostic Features of Shallow‐Water and Supratidal Evaporites.” AAPG Bulletin53: 830–840.
     [Google Scholar]
  61. Kirkland, D. W., R. E.Denison, and W. E.Dean. 2000. “Parent Brine of the Castile Evaporites (Upper Permian), Texas and New Mexico.” Journal of Sedimentary Research70: 749–761.
     [Google Scholar]
  62. Kominz, M. A., J. V.Browning, K. G.Miller, P. J.Sugarman, S.Mizintsevaw, and C. R.Scotese. 2008. “Late Cretaceous to Miocene Sea‐Level Estimates From the New Jersey and Delaware Coastal Plain Coreholes: An Error Analysis.” Basin Research20: 211–226.
     [Google Scholar]
  63. Krebs, W. N., W. A.Wescott, D.Nummedal, I.Gaafar, G.Azazi, and S.Karamat. 1997. “Graphic Correlation and Sequence Stratigraphy of Neogene Rocks in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt.” Bulletin de la Société Géologique de France168: 63–71.
     [Google Scholar]
  64. Krijgsman, W., F. J.Hilgen, I.Raffi, F. J.Sierro, and D. S.Wilson. 1999. “Chronology, Causes and Progression of the Messinisn Salinity Crisis.” Nature400: 652–655.
     [Google Scholar]
  65. Leyrer, K., C.Strohmenger, K.Rockenbauch, and T.Bechstaedt. 1999. “High‐Resolution Forward Stratigraphic Modeling of Ca2‐Carbonate Platforms and Off‐Platform Highs (Upper Permian, Northern Germany).” In Computerized Modeling of Sedimentary Systems, edited by J.Harff, W.Lemke, and K.Statteger, 307–339. Springer.
     [Google Scholar]
  66. Lugli, S., V.Manzi, M.Roveri, and B. C.Schreiber. 2015. “The Deep Record of the Messinian Salinity Crisis: Evidence of a Non‐Desiccated Mediterranean Sea.” Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology433: 201–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2015.05.017.
     [Google Scholar]
  67. Maiklem, W. R.1971. “Evaporative Drawdown—A Mechanism for Water‐Level Lowering and Diagenesis in the Elk Point Basin.” Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology19: 485–501.
     [Google Scholar]
  68. Maiklem, W. R., D. G.Bebout, and R. P.Glaister. 1969. “Classification of Anhydrite—Practical Approach.” Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology17: 194–233.
     [Google Scholar]
  69. Meulenkamp, J. E., and W.Sissingh. 2003. “Tertiary Palaeogeography and Tectonostratigraphic Evolution of the Northern and Southern Peri‐Tethys Platforms and the Intermediate Domains of the African–Eurasian Convergent Plate Boundary Zone.” Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology196: 209–228.
     [Google Scholar]
  70. Miall, A. D.2022. Stratigraphy: A Modern Synthesis, 518. Springer‐Verlag.
     [Google Scholar]
  71. Miller, K. G., J. V.Browning, W. J.Schmelz, R. E.Kopp, G. S.Mountain, and J. D.Wright. 2020. “Cenozoic Sea Level and Cryospheric Evolution From Deep‐Sea Geochemical and Continental Margin Records: Science Advances.” 6: eaaz1346. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aaz1346.
  72. Miller, K. G., M. A.Kominz, J. V.Browning, et al. 2005. “The Phanerozoic Record of Global Sea‐Level Change.” Science310: 1293–1298. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1116412.
     [Google Scholar]
  73. Mitchell, N. C., M.Ligi, P.Feldens, and C.Hübscher. 2017. “Deformation of a Young Salt Giant: Regional Topography of the Red Sea Miocene Evaporites.” Basin Research29: 352–369. https://doi.org/10.1111/bre.12153.
     [Google Scholar]
  74. Mitchell, N. C., W.Shi, A. Y.Izzeldin, and I. C. F.Stewart. 2021. “Reconstructing the Level of the Central Red Sea Evaporites at the End of the Miocene.” Basin Research33: 1266–1292. https://doi.org/10.1111/bre.12513.
     [Google Scholar]
  75. Moretti, I., and B.Colletta. 1987. “Spatial and Temporal Evolution of the Suez Rift Subsidence.” Journal of Geodynamics7: 151–168.
     [Google Scholar]
  76. Moustafa, A. M.1976. Block Faulting in the Gulf of Suez, 1–35. Proceedings of the 5th EGPC Exploration Seminar.
     [Google Scholar]
  77. National Stratigraphic sub‐Committee of the Geological Sciences of Egypt ‘NSSC’ . 1974. “Miocene Rock Stratigraphy of Egypt.” Egyptian Journal of Geology18: 1–69.
     [Google Scholar]
  78. Orszag‐Sperber, F., G.Harwood, A.Kendall, and B. H.Purser. 1998. “A Review of the Evaporites of the Red Sea‐Gulf of Suez Rift.” In Sedimentation and Tectonics of Rift Basins, Red Sea‐Gulf of Aden, edited by B. H.Purser and D. W. J.Bosence, 409–426. Chapman and hall.
     [Google Scholar]
  79. Orszag‐Sperber, F., J.‐C.Plaziat, F.Baltzer, and B. H.Purser. 2001. “Gypsum Salina–Coral Reef Relationships During the Last Interglacial (Marine Isotopic Stage 5e) on the Egyptian Red Sea Coast: A Quaternary Analogue for Neogene Marginal Evaporites?” Sedimentary Geology140: 61–85.
     [Google Scholar]
  80. Patton, T. L., A. R.Moustafa, R. A.Nelson, and S. A.Abdine. 1994. “Tectonic Evolution and Structural Setting of the Suez Rift.” In Interior Rift Basins, edited by S. M.Landon, vol. 59, 9–55. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Memoir.
     [Google Scholar]
  81. Peryt, T. M., F.Orti, and L.Rosell. 1993. “Sulfate Platform‐Basin Transition of the Lower Werra Anhydrite (Zechstein, Upper Permian), Western Poland: Facies and Petrography.” Journal of Sedimentary Petrology63: 646–658.
     [Google Scholar]
  82. Plaziat, J.‐C., C. P.Montenat, P.Barrier, M.‐C.Janin, F.Orszag‐Sperber, and E.Philobbos. 1998. “Stratigraphy of the Egyptian Syn‐Rift Deposits: Correlations Between Axial and Peripheral Sequences of the North‐Western Red Sea and Gulf of Suez and Their Relations With Tectonics and Eustacy.” In Sedimentation and Tectonics in Rift Basins Red Sea‐Gulf of Aden, edited by B. H.Purser and D. W. J.Bosence, 211–222. Springer.
     [Google Scholar]
  83. Popov, S. V., F.Rögl, A. Y.Rozanov, F. F.Steininger, I. G.Shcherba, and M.Kovac. 2004. “Lithological–Paleogeographic Maps of Paratethys, 10 Maps Late Eocene to Pliocene.” Courier Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg250: 1–46.
     [Google Scholar]
  84. Posamentier, H. W., M. T.Jervey, and P. R.Vail. 1988. “Eustatic Controls on Clastic Deposition. I. Conceptual Framework.” In Sea‐Level Changes—An Integrated Approach, edited by C. K.Wilgus, B. S.Hastings, C. A.Ross, H.Posamentier, J.van Wagoner, and C. G. C.Kendall, vol. 42, 110–124. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication.
     [Google Scholar]
  85. Raffi, I., B. S.Wade, H.Pälike, et al. 2020. “The Neogene Period (Chapter 29).” In Geologic Time Scale 2020, edited by F. M.Gradstein, J. G.Ogg, M. D.Schmitz, and G. M.Ogg, vol. 2, 1141–1215. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978‐0‐12‐824,360‐2.00029‐2.
     [Google Scholar]
  86. Ramzy, M., B.Steer, F.Abu‐Shadi, et al. 1996. Gulf of Suez Rift Basin Sequence Models—Part B, Miocene Sequence Stratigraphy and Exploration Significance in the Central and Southern Gulf of Suez, In Proceedings of the 13th EGPC Exploration and Production Conference, 242–256. Cairo.
     [Google Scholar]
  87. Rateb, R.1988. Miocene Planktonic Foraminiferal Analysis and Its Stratigraphic Application in the Gulf of Suez Region, In Proceedings of the 9th EGPC Exploration and Production Conference, 275–307. Cairo.
     [Google Scholar]
  88. Richardson, M., and M. A.Arthur. 1988. “The Gulf of Suez–Northern Red Sea Neogene Rift: A Quantitative Basin Analysis.” Marine and Petroleum Geology5: 247–270.
     [Google Scholar]
  89. Riding, R., J. C.Braga, and J. M.Martin. 1999. “Late Miocene Mediterranean Desiccation: Topography and Significance of the ‘Salinity Crisis’ Erosion Surface On‐Land in Southeast Spain.” Sedimentary Geology123: 1–7.
     [Google Scholar]
  90. Rohais, S., A.Barrois, B.Colletta, and I.Moretti. 2016. “Pre‐Salt to Salt Stratigraphic Architecture in a Rift Basin: Insights From a Basin‐Scale Study of the Gulf of Suez (Egypt).” Arabian Journal of Geosciences9: 1–24.
     [Google Scholar]
  91. Rouchy, J. M., D.Noël, A. M. A.Wali, and M. A. M.Aref. 1995. “Evaporite and Biosiliceous Cyclic Sedimentation in the Miocene of the Gulf of Suez—Depositional and Diagenetic Aspects.” Sedimentary Geology94: 277–297.
     [Google Scholar]
  92. Rouchy, J. M., C.Pierre, and F.Sommer. 1995. “Deep‐Water Resedimentation of Anhydrite and Gypsum Deposits in the Middle Miocene (Belayim Formation) of the Red Sea, Egypt.” Sedimentology42: 267–282.
     [Google Scholar]
  93. Roveri, M., R.Flecker, W.Krijgsman, et al. 2014. “The Messinian Salinity Crisis: Past and Future of a Great Challenge for Marine Sciences.” Marine Geology349: 113–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2014.02.002.
     [Google Scholar]
  94. Sarg, J. F.1988. “Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy.” In Sea‐Level Changes–an Integrated Approach, edited by C. K.Wilgus, B. S.Hastings, C. A.Ross, H.Posamentier, J.van Wagoner, and C. G. C.Kendall, vol. 42, 155–181. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication.
     [Google Scholar]
  95. Sarg, J. F.2001. “The Sequence Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, and Economic Importance of Evaporite–Carbonate Transitions: A Review.” Sedimentary Geology140: 9–42.
     [Google Scholar]
  96. Schlager, W.2005. Carbonate Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy. Vol. 8, 200. SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology), Concepts in Sedimentology and Paleontology Special Publications.
     [Google Scholar]
  97. Schreiber, B. C.1986. “Arid Shorelines and Evaporites.” In Sedimentary Environments and Facies, edited by H. G.Reading, 189–228. Blackwell Scientific Publications.
     [Google Scholar]
  98. Schreiber, B. C.1988. “Subaqueous Evaporite Deposition.” In Evaporites and Hydrocarbons, edited by B. C.Schreiber, 182–255. Columbia University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  99. Schreiber, B. C., and M.El Tabakh. 2000. “Deposition and Early Alteration of Evaporites.” Sedimentology47: 215–238. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365‐3091.2000.00002.x.
     [Google Scholar]
  100. Schreiber, B. C., G. M.Friedman, A.Decima, and E.Schreiber. 1976. “Depositional Environments of Upper Miocene (Messinian) Evaporite Deposits of the Sicilian Basin.” Sedimentology23: 729–760.
     [Google Scholar]
  101. Schreiber, B. C., M. S.Roth, and M. L.Helman. 1982. “Recognition of Primary Facies Characteristics and the Differentiation of These Forms From Diagenetic Overprint.” In Depositional and Diagenetic Spectra of Evaporites—A Core Workshop, edited by C. R.Handford, R. G.Loucks, and G. R.Davies, 1–32. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Core Workshop 3.
     [Google Scholar]
  102. Segev, A., Y.Avni, J.Shahar, and R.Wald. 2017. “Late Oligocene and Miocene Different Seaways to the Red Sea‐Gulf of Suez Rift and the Gulf of Aqaba‐Dead Sea Basins.” Earth‐Science Reviews171: 196–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2017.05.004.
     [Google Scholar]
  103. Shearman, D. J.1966. “Origin of Marine Evaporites by Diagenesis.” Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy75: 208–215.
     [Google Scholar]
  104. Shearman, D. J.1978. “Evaporites of Coastal Sabkha.” In Marine Evaporites, edited by W. E.Dean and B. C.Schreiber, vol. 4, 6–42. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Short Course.
     [Google Scholar]
  105. Sneh, A., and G. M.Friedman. 1984. “Spit Complexes Along the Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Suez.” Sedimentary Geology39: 211–226.
     [Google Scholar]
  106. Steckler, M. S., F.Berthelot, N.Lyberis, and X.LePichon. 1988. “Subsidence in the Gulf of Suez: Implications for Rifting and Plate Kinematics.” Tectonophysics153: 249–270.
     [Google Scholar]
  107. Strohmenger, C., M.Antonini, and G.Jager. 1996. “Zechstein 2 Carbonate Reservoir Facies Distribution in Relation to Zechstein Sequence Stratigraphy—An Integrated Approach.” Sedimentary Geology103: 1–35.
     [Google Scholar]
  108. Strohmenger, C., E.Voigt, and J.Zimdars. 1996. “Sequence Stratigraphy and Cyclic Development of Basal Zechstein Carbonate–Evaporite Deposits (Upper Permian, Northwest Germany).” Sedimentary Geology102: 33–54.
     [Google Scholar]
  109. Tucker, M. E.1991. “Sequence Stratigraphy of Carbonate–Evaporite Basins: Models and Application to the Upper Permian (Zechstein) of Northeast England and Adjoining North Sea.” Journal of the Geological Society148: 1019–1036.
     [Google Scholar]
  110. Vail, P. R., J. R.Mitchum, R. G.Todd, et al. 1977. “Seismic Stratigraphy and Global Changes of Sea Level, Part 4: Global Cycles of Relative Changes of Sea Level.” In Seismic Stratigraphy—Applications to Hydrocarbon Exploration, edited by C. E.Payton, vol. 26, 49–62. American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
     [Google Scholar]
  111. Van Den Belt, F. J. G., and P. L.De Boer. 2007. “A Shallow‐Basin Model for ‘Saline Giants’ Based on Isostasy‐Driven Subsidence.” In Sedimentary Processes, Environments and Basins, edited by G.Nichols, Williams, and C.Paola, vol. 38, 241–252. International Association of Sedimentologists Special Publication.
     [Google Scholar]
  112. Van Den Belt, F. J. G., and P. L.De Boer. 2014. “An Intra‐Basinal Mechanism for Marine‐Evaporite Cyclicity.” Journal of the Geological Society171: 461–464.
     [Google Scholar]
  113. Van Wagoner, J. C., H. W.Posamentier, R. M.Mitchum, et al. 1988. “An Overview of the Fundamentals of Sequence Stratigraphy and Key Definitions.” In Sea‐Level Changes—An Integrated Approach, edited by C. K.Wilgus, B. S.Hastings, C. A.Ross, H.Posamentier, J.van Wagoner, and C. G. C.Kendall, vol. 42, 39–45. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication.
     [Google Scholar]
  114. Wade, B. S., P. N.Pearson, W. A.Berggren, and H.Pälike. 2011. “Review and Revision of Cenozoic Tropical Planktonic Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy and Calibration to the Geomagnetic Polarity and Astronomical Time Scale.” Earth Science Reviews104: 111–142.
     [Google Scholar]
  115. Warren, J. K.2006. Evaporites: Sediments, Resources and Hydrocarbons, 1035. springer.
     [Google Scholar]
  116. Warren, J. K.2010. “Evaporites Through Time: Tectonic, Climatic and Eustatic Controls in Marine and Nonmarine Deposits.” Earth‐Science Reviews98: 217–268.
     [Google Scholar]
  117. Warren, J. K., K. G.Havholm, M. R.Rosen, and M. J.Parsley. 1990. “Evolution of Gypsum in the Kirschberg Evaporite Member Near Fredericksburg, Texas.” Journal of Sedimentary Petrology60: 721–734.
     [Google Scholar]
  118. Warren, J. K., and C. G. S. C.Kendall. 1985. “Comparison of Sequences Formed in Marine Sabkha (Subaerial) and Salina (Subaqueous) Settings‐Modern and Ancient.” AAPG Bulletin69: 1013–1023.
     [Google Scholar]
  119. Wood, W. W., W. E.Sandford, and A. R.Al‐Habashi. 2002. “Source of Solutes to the Coastal Sabkha of Abu Dhabi.” Geological Society of America Bulletin114: 259–268.
     [Google Scholar]
  120. Zachos, J., M.Pagani, L.Sloan, E.Thomas, and K.Billups. 2001. “Trends, Rhythms, and Aberrations in Global Climate 65 Ma to Present.” Science292: 686–693.
     [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.1111/bre.70091
Loading
Miocene Siliciclastic‐Rich Sabkha Type Deposits of the St. Paul Area: A Regional Reference Model for Sedimentation and Sequence Stratigraphic interpretation in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Basin Research 38, e70091 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1111/bre.70091
/content/journals/10.1111/bre.70091
/content/journals/10.1111/bre.70091
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): basin model; depositional sequences; Gulf of Suez rift basin; Miocene evaporites; sea‐level changes; siliciclastic sabkha

Most Cited This Month Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error