Advanced integrated strategy for structural and mineralogical exploration of inaccessible regions employing remote sensing and multiscale analysis of aeromagnetic data

Rugged terrains and remote desert environments present notable challenges for geological data analyses due to limited accessibility and scarcity of surface and subsurface data. One of such challenging areas is Wadi Dif, located in South Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt. This study presents an integrated approach combining aeromagnetic and remote sensing data to effectively investigate such environments. A Multiscale Derivative Analysis (MDA), utilizing the Enhanced Horizontal Derivative (EHD)of, is applied to reduced-to-the-pole aeromagnetic data of Wadi Dif area. This method is formed by a weighted sum of increasing order derivatives of the field data and enables high-resolution delineation of both deep-seated and shallow geologic structures. Additionally, color composites imagery derived from remotely sensed data played a vital role in lithological and structural mapping. The obtained results from remote sensing and geophysical observations for shallow and deep structures were used to outline the deformation history of Wadi Dif area. This deformation history begins with early NNE-SSW crustal shortening, followed by NNW-SSE folds and crenulation cleavage in phase D2. Crenulations and kink folds emerge from oblique non-coaxial deformation of cleaved rocks. The Kharit graben and Cretaceous sediments are formed in phase D4, followed by ENE-WSW dextral and N-S sinistral strike-slip faults that further alter preexisting rocks and displaced earlier structures. The distribution of lineament density and surface alteration zones yielded two maps highlighting areas with possible ore deposits. Alteration zones which are mainly propylitic zones, CO3 and Mg-OH bearing minerals are associated with areas of moderate to high lineament density, which facilitated fluid movement. However, not all high-density areas showed alteration, likely due to differing rock composition. Lineament trends mainly follow N-S and NW directions, aligning with the Hamisana shear zone and Najd fault system, suggesting they are pathways for ore fluids. The integration of MDA of aeromagnetic data with remote sensing data improves structural interpretation and mineral potential appraisal in inaccessible regions where traditional fieldwork is inoperable like Wadi Dif area. This approach proves effective in delineating fault systems, geological boundaries, and deformation patterns, presenting an invaluable tool for mapping deep-seated and shallow structures and mineral potentials in arid remote environments.