Tectonic setting and seismicity of the Ras Alsheikh Hamid area, northern Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

The Ras Alsheikh Hamid area is located on the northern Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. The area is characterized by its distinct tectonic setting and intense seismic activity. This study is a geohazard assessment based on tectonic activity and field studies. Image processing, seismicity data assessment and field studies are applied in this study. Seismicity ranges from small to moderate magnitudes, as revealed by the seismologic network. Seismicity in this study is determined by plotting earthquake epicentres to estimate the magnitude and the time of their occurrences. The seismicity is recurrently scattered at average depths from 2 to 35 km within the shallow crust; the seismogenic level of the crust is responsible for generating records of the detected seismicity. The interpretation of the entire data set suggests a reconsideration of the tectonic regime associated with seismo-tectonism. The focal mechanism analysis indicates earthquake development along oblique-slip faults. The available structural data observed in the exposed rocks are measured and analysed. Major fault intersections represent zones of weakness and play a significant role during either palaeo or recent seismogenic activity. Oblique-slip faults probably developed during a transtensional regime in the Red Sea rift system. The results of the current study are important for geohazard assessment of the area in future planning for mega projects.