The Feiran tilted blocks: An example of a synthetic transfer zone, Eastern side of the Suez rift

Abstract

A number of SW dipping domino fault blocks in the Wadi Feiran area, east side of the Suez rift, have anomalous dip relative to the surrounding parts of the rift. These blocks owe their existence to a synthetic transfer zone formed between the ends of two major, down-to-the-SW normal faults that die out as they approach each other. The transfer zone has the form of a large SW dipping ramp dissected by several NE dipping normal faults. Some of the Feiran tilted blocks are affected by broad fault-drag synclines adjacent to their bounding faults. The block-bounding faults seem to die out northwestward along strike by decreasing their throw and dip so that the faults finally merge into bedding surfaces.