Evolution of the Paleocene–lower Eocene sedimentary basin in the Safaga–Quseir region, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Stratigraphy of three Paleocene–Eocene successions (Wasif, Syatin, and Hamadat) in the Safaga–Quseir region (Eastern Desert, Egypt) were achieved. These successions consist of four lithostratigraphic units: the Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna, and Thebes formations. Eight planktonic foraminiferal zones were identified, which led to detect two hiatuses caused by two syn-sedimentary tectonic events (I and II), related to the Syrian Arc Orogeny. These tectonic events were restricted to the northern part of the study area (Wasif), where they led to uplift of the sedimentary basin and forming two paleohighs. Tectonic Event I took placed at the end of the Paleocene, whereas the Tectonic Event II took placed at the Paleocene/Eocene (P/E) boundary. The southern portion of the study area has complete strata at the Syatin and Hamadat sections, and it represents the depocenter during these two events. In addition, the Dababiya Quarry Member, which marks the P/E boundary in Egypt, was well represented at the Syatin and the Hamadat sections. © 2021, Saudi Society for Geosciences.