THE SEISMIC HAZARDS STUDY AT KHARGA OASIS, NEW VALLEY, EGYPT

Abstract

Events of astonishing significance are generated by natural, physical and environmental processes near or on the surface of the earth. Such events are generally seen as natural hazards. The end effect may be disastrous, sometimes leading to property injuries, humans and other animals being injured and even lives being lost dramatically. Natural hazards are considered natural occurrences in these situations. In mitigating such disasters, the scientific world plays a very critical role in accurately evaluating and determining their origins. The seismic hazard represents the biggest natural hazard. Continuing from this, this thesis is performed for scientific analysis and practical assessment of seismic hazard within El-Kharga Oasis, as a step towards seismic risk mitigation in this topographic feature. For this purpose, the current thesis is organized into four main chapters as follows:

Chapter One: It offers a brief account of the Western Desert’s geologic setting, structures and tectonic elements, and an outline of the geologic characteristics of El-Kharga Oasis. The succession exposed within the study area ranges in age from Early Cretaceous (Albian) to Quaternary. Additionally, it shows that, the main structures include folds and faults, whereas the minor structures comprise joints and the lineaments developed in the sedimentary rocks surrounding El-Kharga Oasis.

Chapter Two: The seismicity of the study area is presented through the