Classification and origin of the Neoproterozoic ophiolitic mélanges in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt

Geochemistry and Tectonic Setting of Neoproterozoic Rocks from the Arabian-Nubian Shield: Emphasis on the Eastern Desert of Egypt

“…The CED and SED of Egypt are characterized by the widespread distribution of Neoproterozoic ophiolite, ophiolitic mélanges, and intra-oceanic island arc metavolcanic assemblages, along with volcaniclastic metasediments and banded iron formations (e.g., [17][18][19][20]). Locally, nearly complete ophiolitic sequences can be observed including serpentinized peridotites, gabbros, sheeted dykes, pillow lavas, and deep-sea sedimentary rocks such as in Ghadir, Muweilih, Esel, El Sid areas [21].…”

“…The arc-associated ophiolite sequences are exposed in Abu Dahr ophiolite, Esel, and El Sid occurrences. Dismembered ophiolites occur either as individual blocks and sheets tectonically emplaced along tectonic contacts or as blocks and fragments within a sheared matrix of volcaniclastic metasediments or metapyroclastics forming "ophiolitic mélange" [19].…”

“…The volcaniclastic metasediments comprise meta-mudstones, metasiltstones, metagreywackes, metaconglomerates, and schists. The volcaniclastic metasediments together with the metapyroclastics constitute the matrix of the "ophiolitic mélange" [19]. The exotic fragments within melanges are mainly ophiolites of variable sizes and shapes, which include serpentinite and metamorphosed ultramafic rocks, metagabbros, pillowed and massive metabasalts, and minor sheeted dykes and pelagic sedimentary rocks.…”

“…The exotic fragments within melanges are mainly ophiolites of variable sizes and shapes, which include serpentinite and metamorphosed ultramafic rocks, metagabbros, pillowed and massive metabasalts, and minor sheeted dykes and pelagic sedimentary rocks. El Bahariya [19] documents different occurrences of Neoproterozoic ophiolitic melanges in the CED of Egypt and classified the ophiolitic mélanges into: (i) tectonic mélange, (ii) olistostrome, and (iii) olistostromal mélange. Ophiolitic melanges are also recorded in different occurrences in the SED such as Atshan Ophiolite, Gerf, and Abu Dahr [25].…”

The relations between Gondwana and the adjacent peripheral Cadomian domain—constrains on the origin, history, and paleogeography of the peripheral domain

“…North of lat. 25°N a belt of allochthonous ophiolites and associated serpentinites and mé-langes is exposed along the Eastern Desert of Egypt (Azer and Stern, 2007;Farahat et al, 2011;Abd El-Rahman et al, 2012;El Bahariya, 2012). These originated at 745-735 Ma in a supra-subduction zone setting, most likely located in the west, but its relation with a possible (unexposed) prolongation of the Keraf suture north of lat.…”