Open AccessA Geophysical Study of the Red Sea *
Author(s) -
Drake C. L.,
Girdler R. W.
Publication year - 1964
Publication title -
geophysical journal of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.302
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1365-246X
pISSN - 0016-8009
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-246x.1964.tb06303.x
Subject(s) - geology , rift , bouguer anomaly , geophysics , crust , trough (economics) , gravity anomaly , magnetic anomaly , seismology , seismic refraction , igneous rock , rift valley , rift zone , tectonics , paleontology , macroeconomics , oil field , economics
Summary A description is given of the bottom topography, seismic refraction profiles, magnetic and gravity observations in the Red Sea. The deep trough along the centre is associated with positive Bouguer gravity anomalies, large magnetic anomalies and seismic velocities of 7.1 km/s. It appears that this represents a fissure in the continental crust, partly filled with basic, igneous material. A structural map, based on all the geophysical evidence, has been prepared and it is suggested that the complex Red Sea rift was formed as a result of crustal tension. Finally, a discussion is given of the Red Sea as part of the world rift system.