Geophysical survey for geological hazards assessment of Wadi Thuwal area, KSA: a case history

Magnetic and seismic methods have been used in this study as complementary methods to each other to construct a geologic hazard map for Wadi Thuwal area. Magnetic interpretation for deep-seated geologic structures has involved reduction to pole algorithm and downward continuation techniques. It show...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Arabian journal of geosciences 2012-01, Vol.5 (1), p.133-146
Main Authors: Al-Garni, Mansour A., El-Behiry, Mohamed G., Gobashy, Mohamed M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
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Summary:Magnetic and seismic methods have been used in this study as complementary methods to each other to construct a geologic hazard map for Wadi Thuwal area. Magnetic interpretation for deep-seated geologic structures has involved reduction to pole algorithm and downward continuation techniques. It showed that there are three major fault trends: NE-SW and NNE-SSW, NW-SE, and N-S. Furthermore, shear zone has been found close to Harrat Thuwal, which was confirmed by the seismic method. Seismic method revealed three lithologic layers where the depth of the bedrock was found to be ranging between 9 m at the southeastern part of the study area and 24 m at its northern part. It showed also five major fault trends: NW-SE, ENE-WSW, NE-SW, and nearly E-W. Supported by the surface geology, magnetic and seismic results showed that the Wadi Thuwal area can be divided into three zones on the basis of geologic hazards, depending on the presence of geologic features such as faults. It is recommended that before any development plan in Wadi Thuwal area, the delineated hazard zonation should be taken into account.
ISSN:1866-7511
1866-7538
DOI:10.1007/s12517-010-0147-9