Application of Geomorphic Signatures in Relative Tectonic Activity Assessment of a Red Sea Coastal Basin between Al Farrah and Heelan, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This work used an analysis of the geomorphic indices to effectively assess the relative tectonic activity of a Red Sea coastal region in Saudi Arabia between Al Farrah and Heelan. This approach is useful in examining topographical and geomorphological signatures in different landscapes. Through a detailed investigation of geomorphic indices, the study basin’s active and inactive characteristics may be observed and distinguished. The applied indices include a rock strength index, stream length gradient index, hypsometric integral index, drainage basin analysis index, mountain front sinuosity index, and valley floor width-to-valley floor height ratio index. The results obtained from this study are discussed and presented as a unique index of relative tectonic activity (Rta), which is divided into three different classes: low, moderate, and high tectonic activity. There have been few studies of active tectonics in the study basin along Saudi Arabia’s eastern Red Sea coast, making it an excellent choice to evaluate and simulate the relative activity based on large-scale basin analysis. The study basin exhibits variable classes of tectonic activity resulting from the Red Sea extension event. The idea that areas with anticipated relatively high rates of tectonic activity are coupled with indicators of Rta index values is examined in this study.