STRUCTURAL CONTROLS ON DRAINAGE PATTERN: A CASE STUDY FROM NORTHERN GEBEL ATAQA, GULF OF SUEZ RIFT, EGYPT

Abstract

Drainage patterns are valuable indicators of geological structures and tectonic processes, especially in rift zones where structural elements play a significant role in shaping surface hydrology. This study investigates the structural controls on drainage patterns in northern Gebel Ataqa, situated along the western margin of the Gulf of Suez rift, Egypt. The region is characterized by extensional tectonics, with a complex network of normal faults, transfer zones, and fractures that influence drainage development. Using an integrated approach that combines field observations, remote sensing data, and geomorphometric analysis, the study identifies and classifies drainage patterns and their relationships with underlying structural features. Drainage density and stream order, reveal a strong correlation between fault orientations and drainage anomalies, including stream offsets and deflections. The findings demonstrate that the NW-SE and WNW-ESE fault systems act as primary controls, guiding drainage alignment and contributing to the development of dendritic, parallel, and trellis drainage patterns in different lithological and tectonic settings. This interplay between structural and geomorphological factors not only reflects the extensional tectonic regime of the Gulf of Suez but also provides insights into the region's tectonic evolution and surface processes. This study highlights the importance of integrating geological and geomorphometric techniques to understand the structural-geomorphic interplay in rift settings, offering a framework for similar investigations in other extensional regions.