Delineation of subsurface structure and radiological hazards utilizing integrated airborne magnetic and spectrometric data

Abstract

The research integrates gamma-ray spectrometric surveys, radiometric mapping, and magnetic data interpretation to evaluate uranium anomalies, thorium and potassium distributions, radiogenic heat production, and their correlation with lithological units and structural trends in the Kulet Niheidat-Abu Had, Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. Results reveal that the uranium concentrations are anomalously high in the Duwi, Tarawan, and Dakhla formations, as well as in younger granitic intrusions, with values reaching up to 20.34 ppm. The thorium enrichment is particularly associated with granitic and metavolcanic rocks, while potassium concentrations are elevated in granites and fanglomerates. Radiogenic heat production exceeds 0.71 μW/m 3 in crystalline lithologies, highlighting their contribution to crustal thermal regimes. Magnetic analysis delineates three major shear zones (S1-S3) trending Northwest–Southeast and Northeast–Southwest, which exert significant control on fluid migration and mineralization processes. Radiation exposure and dose rates, ranging between 0.15 and 0.69 mSv/y, remain below international safety thresholds, indicating no significant health risks to the local population. Collectively, the findings demonstrate a strong spatial correlation between radioelement anomalies, lithological variations, and tectonic structures, underscoring the mineral potential of the study area and its relevance for both environmental monitoring and resource exploration.