Classification and origin of the Neoproterozoic ophiolitic mélanges in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt

The Eastern Desert of Egypt is part of the Neoproterozoic Arabian–Nubian Shield and displays different occurrences of Neoproterozoic ophiolitic mélanges. The mélanges contain exotic and native blocks and fragments of variable sizes and types set in a sheared and schistose volcaniclastic matrix. The main exotic blocks are ophiolitic and include metamorphosed ultramafic rocks, metagabbros, massive and pillowed metabasalts and pelagic sedimentary rocks. Based on the mode of occurrences of the ophiolitic components and the processes of mélange formation, the ophiolitic mélanges of the Central Eastern Desert are classified and mapped into tectonic mélange, olistostrome and olistostromal mélange. The whole rock associations of these mélanges were subjected to two different events of deformation (D1 and D2) and contemporaneous metamorphism (M1 and M2).The metagreywackes of the mélange matrix are similar to oceanic island arc sandstone and appear to have been deposited in a back-arc or inter-arc basin. The blocks of ophiolitic metabasalts within the mélange show tholeiitic affinity and have back-arc basin (BAB) tectonic origins. Metamorphosed ultramafic blocks in the mélange display both mid-ocean ridge (MOR) and suprasubduction zone (SSZ) affinities. The ophiolitic components represent fragments of oceanic lithosphere that formed in a back-arc/arc environment, and were incorporated into the mélange through tectonic and/or sedimentary processes. Both tectonic and sedimentary processes played a major role during mélange formation in a back-arc or inter-arc setting.

► Ophiolitic mélange of Egypt.
► Classification and origin of melanges.
► 3-back arc basin deformation.