Seismotectonics of the passive continental margin of Egypt

The results of focal mechanisms determination for the recent seismic activity (earthquakes of 1951, 1955, 1987, 1988, and 1998) in the passive continental margin of Egypt may shed some light on the local stress field in this area. Moreover, studying the source mechanism of these events provides an opportunity to understand the structural style of the passive margin of Egypt, as well as the tectonic setting beside its variation in space and time. This study reveals that there are two types of tectonic regimes which caused these mechanisms. The first is a tensional regime, represented by NW oblique (normal-dextral) faults and the second is a compressive one represented by E-W to ENE (reverse-sinstral) faults. These fault trends probably indicate rejuvenation of inherited E-W Mesozoic and NW Oligo-Miocene faults.