GeoArabia, Vol. 13, No.

2, 2008
Gulf PetroLink, Bahrain

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi:

Implications for structure and evolution of the
frontal fold belts of the Oman Mountains
Mohammed Y. Ali, Manhal Sirat and James Small
ABSTRACT
The area to the southeast of the city of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is part
of an arcuate sedimentary basin whose trend gradually changes from NNW near Al Ain
to NNE at Ras Al Khaimah. The basin is bounded to the east by the generally N-trending
Oman Mountains and on the west by an arcuate, overall west-verging fold-thrust front that
involves Mesozoic carbonates. The fold-thrust front is part of the overall compressional
system of Late Cretaceous age (with Late Tertiary reactivation) associated with obduction
and emplacement of the Semail Ophiolite, Haybi, Hawasina and Sumeini sheets onto the
continental margin of the Arabian Plate. Near Al Ain, the fold-thrust front is expressed as
the remarkable, NNW-trending Jabal Hafit that rises one kilometer above the gravel-filled
Al Jaww Plain. Gravity and magnetic investigations were carried-out in the Al Jaww Plain,
an area of approximately 550 square km. The interpretation of these new data, including
measurements of physical properties of rock samples from the area, were integrated with
a new interpretation of an industry seismic reflection profile to provide constraints on the
modelling of the subsurface structure and evolution of the sedimentary basin beneath Al
Jaww Plain.
We recognised four major tectono-stratigraphic units in the seismic profiles: autochthonous
shelf carbonates, the Hawasina allochthon, Upper Cretaceous foreland basin sediments
(primarily Fiqa Formation), and Tertiary neoauthochthonous units. Along-strike variations
in the residual Bouguer gravity field were interpreted as being due to either variations in
the thickness, or even total absence, of the Hawasina sheet. Comparison of two E-W gravity
profiles, one in the southern part of our study area and the other to the north, suggest that
the Hawasina sheet underlies little of the southern area but almost all of the northern area.
Magnetic anomalies are weak (< 50 nT) over most of the area but peak (> 300 nT) in the
easternmost part of the southern profile, where the high-susceptibility rocks of the Semail
Ophiolite are exposed. Thus, we interpret that no continuation of the ophiolite extends
westward from this outcrop into the subsurface of the study area.
The structural geometries described here have resulted from two major tectonic events. The
first, a Late Cretaceous phase, emplaced the obduction-related allochthonous thrust sheets of
the Oman Mountains westward onto the Mesozoic carbonate platform. This phase primarily
affected the eastern part of the study area and contributed to both the high magnetic
(> 300 nT) and residual Bouguer gravity (> 14.0 mGal) anomalies. The second event, a Tertiary
deformation phase, affected most parts of the area and produced a series of asymmetrical
anticlines and synclines trending in a NNW-SSE direction. This phase contributed to the low
residual gravity anomaly (< -9.0 mGal) in the center of the study area. We modelled that area
as containing a sequence of post-Eocene carbonate sediments with a minimum thickness of
2.0 km.
The Tertiary folding and thrusting formed as a result of a regional compressive deformation,
whose principal compressive stress axes were sub-parallel to those of the Late Cretaceous
compressional stress regime. The younger event reactivated high-angle reverse faults within
the Mesozoic platform succession. Precise timing of the Tertiary deformation is debatable; it is
most likely that the rejuvenation of the E-W to ENE-WSW Cretaceous stress regime took place
in the Late Eocene-Miocene but gradually shifted to become N-S to NE-SW. This shift could be
due to the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian Plates and the opening of the Red Sea which
started during Late Eocene and continues until the present-day.

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Ali et al.

INTRODUCTION
Geophysical techniques have long been employed for the investigation of subsurface geological
features including crustal and mantle structures. In particular, gravity and magnetic techniques have
been used, for example, to delineate and interpret tectonic boundaries (Manghnani and Coleman,
1981; Shelton, 1990; Jallouli et al., 2002; King and Barr, 2004; White et. al., 2005), basement and
sedimentary structures (Waris, 1990; Khattab, 1995; Benson and Floyd, 2000; Hope and Eaton, 2002),
crustal structures and flexural rigidity (Karner and Watts, 1983; Stewart and Watts, 1997; Ravaut et al.,
1997) and shallow faulting (ODonnell et al., 2001; Ursin et al., 2003).
The subsurface structural configuration along the unexposed western leading edge of the deformed
thrust front belt that flanks the Oman Mountains in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is less well
understood compared with the knowledge at the surface of the Oman Mountains. However,
determining the subsurface structures of this area is of great interest for hydrocarbon exploration
as several gas condensate fields, such as Khusub, Margham, Sajaa and Hamidiyah, occur along this
trend (Figure 1).
In this paper we present the findings of geophysical investigations carried-out in the Al Jaww
Plain (Figure 1) using gravity and magnetic techniques, together with an interpretation of a seismic
reflection profile. In addition, rock samples were collected and analysed to obtain densities for gravity
modelling. The results of the survey indicated that the geophysical methods employed are valuable
tools in documenting the deformation style and stratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous section and
its relationship to the Tertiary sequences, as well as identifying the factors that may have influenced
this deformation. The gravity and magnetic methods detected several major subsurface structures
and indicated that the Semail Ophiolite occurs only in the eastern part of the study area, whereas the
Hawasina Complex extends further to the northwest of Al Jaww Plain towards Al-Ain city.

GEOLOGICAL SETTING
Two major compressional events formed the Oman Mountains. The first of these occurred from the Late
Cenomanian to the end of the Early Maastrichtian (Searle and Cox, 1999; Searle, 2007). This tectonic
event involved the emplacement of a number of thrust sheets, each of which has been emplaced
from NE to SW onto the Tethyan rifted continental margin of the Arabian Plate. The margin formed
during the Permian-Early Cretaceous following the breakaway of the Cimmerian Superterrane from
the Arabian Plate and the formation of Tethyan oceanic crust (Glennie et al., 1974; Lippard et al., 1986;
Searle, 1988, 2007; see review in Ruban et al., 2007).
From structurally lowest to highest position, these allochthonous sheets (illustrated in Figures 1 and
2) include the Sumeini Group, comprising shelf-edge and slope-carbonate sediments; the Hawasina
Complex, comprising distal-slope and deep-sea Tethyan sediments; the Haybi Complex, comprising
Mesozoic exotic limestones (Oman Exotics), volcanics (Haybi volcanics), mlanges, sub-ophiolitic
metamorphic rocks, and the Semail Ophiolite complex, a massive slab of oceanic crust and mantle of
Cenomanian-Turonian (c. 9598 Ma) age, which formed above a NE-dipping intra-oceanic subduction
zone. Regionally in the northern Oman Mountains the Semail Ophiolite and subjacent allochthons
dip eastwards (Searle, 1988, 2007).
Westward obduction of the Semail Ophiolite and genetically related westward telescoping of the
eastern Oman continental margin caused loading and down-flexing of the underlying autochthonous
passive margin shelf carbonates. The flexing resulted in the development of the foreland basin and
flexural bulge to the west of the obducted allochthons. The obducted allochthons were intensely
deformed, whereas the underlying Mesozoic shelf carbonates remained undeformed except for minor
extensional faulting associated with the flexural bulge (Warburton et al., 1990; Boote et al., 1990).
However, the regional uplift due to a westward-migrating flexural bulge in the front of advancing
thrust sheets caused removal by erosion of thick shelf carbonates and contributed to the formation
of the break between the Wasia and Aruma groups, which separates passive margin deposits from
foreland deposits (Patton and OConnor, 1988; Robertson, 1987a,b). In the Sharjah area (UAE)

92

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

a

40

50

60

os
gr
Za
ld
Fo
d
an
O

EURASIAN PLATE

B
st
ru
rth
ve

30

30

t
el
Makran Zone

Figure 1b
ARABIAN PLATE
20

20

AFRICAN PLATE

INDIAN PLATE

Earthquakes (19972007)
Magnitude > 4

40

53
-4,000

-3,000

50

54
-2,000

-1,000

60

55
1,000

2,000

56
3,000

Musandam
Peninsula

Topography/Bathymetry (m)

26

Hagab
Thrust

Ras
Al-Khaimah

Hamidiyah

Arabian Gulf

Dibba

Dubai

Recent deposits
25

Maastrichtian Tertiary sediments

Semail Ophiolite
Metamorphic sole
amphibolites,
green schists
Haybi, Hawasina
thrust sheets

Margham

25

Khusub
Figure 3

Sohar

Al-Ain
Al Jaww Plain

Permian-Mesozoic
shelf carbonates

54

55

24

sin
wa
Ha rust
Th

UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES

Gas condensate
fields

53

Gulf of
Oman

Abu Dhabi

Sumeini thrust
sheet
24

Semail Thrust

Sajaa

OMAN

Figure 1: (a) Topography of the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding region showing plate
boundaries which are often delineated by earthquakes (red dots). The data are based on a 1 x 1
minute GEBCO grid (British Oceanographic Data Centre, 2003). (b) Simplified regional geological
map of the UAE and Northern Oman Mountains. Modified from Searle (2007).
93

Ali et al.

a significant amount of the Wasia Group was removed, down-to and including part of the Nahr
Umr Formation (Patton and OConnor, 1988). In central Oman, up to 600 m of uplift and erosion of
the Natih Formation has been caused by flexural bending due to the emplacement of thrust sheets
(Robertson, 1987a).

TERTIARY

Miocene

20

Hasa (Pabdeh)

40

Upper

Wasia
Thamama

Aptian
Barremian
Hauterivian
Valanginian
Berriasian

Albian

Sila

Cenomanian

Zagros
Orogeny
Collision of
Arabia and
Eurasia

East

80

100

Uplift and
erosion

Asmari
Dammam
Rus
Umm er Radhuma

Reservoir
Emplacement
of Semail
Ophiolite
Reservoir

Simsima
Upper Fiqa

Juwaiza

Qahlah

Semail
Ophiolite

Lower Fiqa
Natih
Nahr Umr

Reservoir
140

160

Araej
Izhara
Hamlah

ou

Gr

Marrat

ini

Rifting
Final
continental
break-up

Hawasina
Complex

me

Upper

Hith
Arab
Diyab

Su

180

200

Lekhwair
Habshan

Regional
seal (Hith)
Source
rock
Reservoir

Middle

Haybi
Complex

Shuaiba
Kharaib

120

Lower

TRIASSIC

Lithology

West

Lower Fars

60

Turonian

Middle

Upper

Maastrichtian
Campanian
Santonian
Coniacian

Comments

Upper Fars

Aruma

Eocene

Lower

CRETACEOUS

Age
(Ma)

Oligocene

Paleocene

JURASSIC

Group

Epoch

Fars

Period

The foreland basin was filled with Upper Coniacian to Campanian deep-marine mudstones of the
Fiqa and Juwaiza formations. The sequence thickens to the northeast reaching up to 4,300 m in the
area west of the central Oman Mountains (Glennie et al., 1974). The foreland sequence is, in turn,
overlain by Upper Maastrichtian to Palaeogene conglomerates and shallow-marine limestone of the
Qahlah and Simsima formations (Glennie et al., 1974; Lippard et al., 1986). The stratigraphy along the
western side of the northern Oman Mountains is shown in Figure 2.

Minjur
220

Middle
Lower

Gulailah
240

Sudair

Figure 2: Generalized tectono-stratigraphy of the Northern Oman Mountains showing the

stratigraphic relationship of the Tertiary and Upper Mesozoic groups.

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Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

A second compressional post-obduction event occurred in the Late Eocene-Miocene during which
the Arabian Plate moved north-eastwards and collided with the Eurasian Plate (Searle et al., 1983;
1988). This event produced large-scale folding and the reactivation of deep-seated faults in the frontal
fold and thrust belt and adjacent foreland basin (Boote et al., 1990; Dunne et al., 1990; Searle et al.,
1990). In addition, an uplift of at least 3,000 m has occurred along the western flank of the northern
Oman Mountains near the Al-Ain area (Boote et al., 1990). As a result of this uplift the sedimentary
succession was deeply eroded and the stratigraphic record of its evolution was partially removed.
However, the history of the emplacement of the allochthons and of the Late Tertiary deformation is
recorded in the thick Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary sections, which are still preserved beneath Al
Jaww Plain. Therefore, the use of gravity, magnetic and seismic reflection profile data can be used to
reconstruct the structural and stratigraphic evolution of the area.

DATA ACQUISITION
Survey Location
The geophysical survey was conducted at Al Jaww Plain, which is located in the area east of a N-S
line that passes through the city of Al Ain, east of Abu Dhabi Emirate, and to the Jabal Hafit, and
west of the northern Oman Mountains (Figure 3). The plain is a westward sloping, low-relief alluvial
piedmont that occupies an area of approximately 550 square km. Surface sediments consist mainly of
gravels and other coarse clastics derived from the nearby mountains.
Rocks exposed in the area have undergone complex, compressional deformation (Figure 4). The
eastern side of Al Jaww Plain is characterised by NNW-trending exposures of allochthonous Semail
Ophiolite and Hawasina Complex (Figure 5). These units are unconformably overlain by the neoautochthonous Qahlah and Simsima formations, which are in turn unconformably overlain by
Tertiary units. On the western side of the plain the topographically prominent Jabal Hafit anticline
(Figure 6) exposes shallow-marine carbonates of Eocene to Miocene age in outcrop belts that trend
parallel to the mountain range.

Previous Geological and Geophysical Studies

Detailed geophysical investigations have not been previously carried-out in the study area. However,
several studies have documented a series of folds and thrust faults in Al Jaww Plain and surrounding
areas. Woodward (1994) used seismic reflection data to identify a series of NNW-trending folds and
faults in the eastern Abu Dhabi region, including Al Jaww Plain. The seismic profiles were shallow
(1.5 sec two-way-time, TWT), owing to the focus of the study on shallow aquifers, and so do not show
the Lower Tertiary and Mesozoic sections. Ravaut and Warsi (1997) composed a Bouguer gravity
map over the northern Oman margin, which was based on a compilation of regional gravity datasets
sourced from both industry and academia. The map was used to assess the crustal structures and
flexural rigidity of the region. However, while the dataset is largely restricted to Oman, the Bouguer
gravity map also covers the eastern part of Al Jaww Plain where a distinct negative anomaly was
observed.
Other geological and structural studies that have been carried-out in the surrounding areas include
Jabal Hafit (Warrak, 1996; Nowier, 2000; Sirat et al., 2007), Jabal Malaqet-Jabal Mundassa (Noweir and
Eloutefi, 1997; Osman et al., 2003), Jabal Rawdah (Noweir and Abdeen, 2000), and Jabal Auha-Jabal
Huwayyah (Noweir and Alsharhan, 2000), Jabal Sumeini (Searle et al., 1990), Faiyah range (Noweir
et al., 1999) and Suneinah foreland (Boote et al., 1990). These studies were based on structural
interpretations of outcrops and seismic reflection profiles.

Data Acquisition Procedures

The seismic profile was part of a large seismic survey collected in 1982 for hydrocarbon exploration
in the area. The acquisition and processing parameters were designed primarily to image the Lower
Cretaceous shelf carbonates of the Wasia Group. The total length of the profile is approximately 12 km

95

Ali et al.

BAHRAIN

54

QATAR

5542'
Abu
Dhabi
UAE

58

26

5548'

5554'

5600'

Gulf of Oman

Study Area

Muscat

OMAN
22

22

SAUDI ARABIA

0
18

YEMEN

2418'

Arabian
Sea

200

km

2418'

18
54

58

Profile 1

Buraimi

5542'

Al Ain
2412'

2412'

Seismic Profile

1,000

tary
Mili e
Sit

900
800

2406'

2406'

al H

Jab

600

afit

2400'

10

5548'

5554'

2400'

400
300

km
5542'

500

Profile 2

Elevation (m)

700

5600'

200

Figure 3: Map of Al Jaww Plain and surrounding regions. Topography data is based on Shuttle
Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data. The E-W dark blue profiles represent the gravity and
magnetic profiles and crosses are gravity stations. The NE-SW purple line represents the seismic
reflection profile. The inset map shows location of the survey site within Oman and the United
Arab Emirates.

and it runs across Al Jaww Plain with an orientation of ENE-WSW. The shot-detector configuration
used was 96 channels split-spread, with shots located midway between geophone groups 48 and 49.
The shot interval was 90 m with a 10-station shotpoint gap resulting in a near-trace offset of 495 m.
The vibroseis source consisted of an array of four vibrators to generate the sweep signal. In addition,
uphole surveys were acquired at 2 km intervals along the seismic line.
Gravity measurements were acquired using a Scintrex CG5 gravimeter (with a cited instrument
precision of 0.01 mGal) in April 2006 at 416 stations over an area of approximately 500 square km
(Figure 3). The gravity stations were spaced approximately 1.0 km apart, except in areas where
logistical difficulties limited physical access. A base station was established at the centre of the survey
area to monitor the drift of the gravimeter and was visited every 35 hours. Care was taken to minimise
measurement errors, and any ambiguous measurements were double-checked. Latitude, longitude,

96

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

5542'
Recent deposits

5548'

5554'

5600'

Miocene (Fars Formation)

Oligocene (Asmari Formation)
Eocene (Dammam and
Rus formations)
Maastrichtian (Simsima
and Qahlah formations)

Jabal
Qatar

Jabal
Auha

Semail Ophiolite

Jabal

Haybi, Hawasina thrust sheets

2418'

Jabal
Umm
Dhawan

Jabal
Bin
Khartum

Buraimi

Reverse/Thrust fault

Jabal
Huwayyah

la
Haqa

Folds

Jabal
Al Hamar

Al Ain
Jabal
Zarub

2412'

2412'

Jabal
Malaqat

Al Jaww Plain
Jabal
Mundassa

2406'

Jabal
Hafit

Saah
Plain

Jabal
Jabal Saah
Al Dharuf

2400'

Jabal
Khatamah

10

2400'

km

5542'

5554'

5600'

Figure 4: Geological map of Al Jaww Plain and surrounding areas. The subsurface structures of
Al Jaww Plain are obtained from Woodward (1994).

and elevation were taken at each station using a handheld Garmin GPS receiver. These readings were
corroborated with SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) data. Additionally, two E-W gravity
profiles of 15 km and 22 km lengths with 1.0 km station spacing were acquired for detailed modelling
of the subsurface structure.
Twenty rock samples were collected representing each of the main rock types at various locations
throughout the Al Jaww Plain (Table 1). Although the number of samples available for measurement
was limited, some clear trends emerged. The Semail Ophiolite and Hawasina rocks were generally
found to have higher densities than the Tertiary sediments.
Magnetic field data (total field anomaly) were acquired using a Geometrics G-858 magnetometer
(with a cited instrument precision of 0.05 nT) along the same two E-W survey profiles as the gravity,
but with 500 m spacing between stations. At least two magnetic readings were taken at each station
and averaged. Typically, the largest variation in the readings at any station was in the range of only
810 nT. Thus the effects of cultural and other forms of magnetic noise were minimal in this study.

97

Ali et al.

Table 1
Grain densities of rock samples from Al Jaww Plain and surrounding areas.
(A) FORMATIONS, ROCK TYPES AND GRAIN DENSITIES
Formation

Rock Type

Sample Number

Density (g/cm3)

Asmari

Bioclastic nodular limestone

AS1

2.588

Dammam

Nummulitic limestone

DM1

2.667

Dammam

Nummulitic limestone

DM2

2.667

Dammam

Marly limestone

DM3

2.678

Rus

Nodular limestone

RS1

2.704

Rus

Dolomitised limestone

RS2

2.712

Rus

Nodular limestone

RS3

2.694

Rus

Massive limestone

RS4

2.688

Simsima

Fine grained packstone

SM1

2.687

Simsima

Fine grained packstone

SM2

2.705

Semail Ophiolite

Serpentinised peridotite

SO1

2.98

Semail Ophiolite

Peridotite

SO2

2.79

Semail Ophiolite

Serpentinised peridotite

SO3

2.82

Semail Ophiolite

Peridotite

SO4

2.75

Semail Ophiolite

Peridotite

SO5

2.78

Semail Ophiolite

Serpentinised peridotite

SO6

2.85

Hawasina

Red chert

HW1

2.77

Hawasina

Red chert

HW2

2.60

Hawasina

Green chert

HW3

2.59

Hawasina

Red chert

HW4

2.73

(B) RANGE OF GRAIN DENSITIES FOR SEQUENCES

Sequence

Density (g/cm3)

No. of Samples

Standard
deviation (g/cm3)

Upper Tertiary (Asmari)

2.588

Lower Tertiary
(Dammam Simsima)

2.667 2.712

0.016

Semail Ophiolite

2.75 2.98

0.082

Hawasina

2.59 2.77

0.091

DATA PROCESSING AND MODELLING

Seismic

A standard processing sequence was applied to the seismic data by a data processing service
company. The noise content and clarity of the data was primarily reduced by the application of
three fundamental processes: deconvolution, CMP (Common Mid-Point) stacking, and migration.
In addition, secondary processes were applied, which included corrections for weathering-related
statics derived from uphole surveys and a bandpass filter of 640 Hz.

Gravity

The gravity data were corrected for instrumental drift, Earth tides, elevation, latitude and terrain. The
drift was assumed to be linear between consecutive base station readings and was subtracted from
the observed value. The effect of latitude was corrected using the 1967 International Gravity Formula
(Mittermayer, 1969):
g = 978031.846(1+0.005278895 sin2 ) + (0.000023462 sin4 )
where g is the predicted value of gravity in mGal and is the latitude. The data were reduced to
Bouguer anomaly using an average density of 2,600 kg/m3 rather than the more commonly used

98

Allochthon unit (Serpentinised ultramafic)

Southeast

99

North

Figure 6: Panoramic view of the eastern limb of Jabal Hafit structure showing overturned limb, and box fold affecting Eocene and Oligocene shallow
water sediments.

South

Figure 5: Field photograph of the Jabal Mundassa (east of Al Jaww Plain), showing serpentinised ultramafic rocks of the Semail Ophiolite unconformably
overlain by the neo-autochthonous carbonates of Eocene in age. View towards northeast.

Neo-autochthonous unit (Eocene sediments)

Northwest

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

Ali et al.

value of 2,670 kg/m3 in surveys in other parts of the world, because 2,600 kg/m3 reflects the average
value for the different kinds of rocks outcropping in the study area. The survey was tied to the Sharjah
base station (2521.1N 5524.2 E; g= 978887.900 mGal).
Terrain corrections were applied to obtain the Complete Bouguer anomaly which corrects for
irregularities due to variations in terrain in the vicinity of the gravity stations. Geosoft MontageTM
software was used to calculate the terrain corrections. The software utilises a combination of the
methods described by Nagy (1966) and Kane (1962). Finally, the regional gradient was removed from
the data by applying a high-pass filter with cut-off wavelength of 40 km. By filtering out the regional
trend (long wavelength, generally deep sources) from the Bouguer data, a residual gravity data set
(shorter-wavelength, near surface source) was obtained.
The two E-W gravity profiles were modelled using the 2.5-D GM-SYS program in order to determine
the subsurface structure of the area. The models are based on the main lithologies that crop out
in the surrounding areas. The models were constrained by the existing seismic reflection data, and
additional constraints for the gravity modelling were provided by bedrock density measurements.

Grain Density

Density measurements were conducted on bedrock samples collected in the field. The grain volume
of rock samples were obtained at ambient lab conditions using a conventional Boyles law helium
expansion digital porosimeter. Measurements were made by compressing a known volume of helium
gas at a known pressure into a core plug that was originally at atmospheric pressure. The grain
density (g in grams per cubic centimetre) was determined using the equation:
g = Wdry/Vg
where Wdry is the dry weight in grams and Vg is the grain volume in cubic centimeters. The obtained
results are summarised in Table 1.
Measured densities of the ultramafic rocks of Semail Ophiolite are slightly lower than the values cited
by Telford et al. (1990). Densities of originally olivine-rich ultramafic rocks decrease greatly, with
increasing serpentinisation, from values of about 3,300 kg/m3 for fresh dunites and harzburgites to
less than 2,400 kg/m3 for highly serpentinised ultramafics. Thus, we suspect that our samples are, on
average, more serpentinised than those of Telford et al. (1990).

Magnetic

The main magnetic field of the Earth, as defined by the International Geomagnetic Reference Field
(IGRF 1990), was removed from all observed readings to yield field residual values. In addition,
diurnal variations were corrected using repeated readings at a base station. Magnetic modelling was
not attempted because magnetic susceptibility measurements were not conducted in the field and
there were no measurements of remnant magnetization available for the rocks in the study area.

DATA INTERPRETATION
Seismic Reflection Profile (Figure 7)
Although there was no well data available in the study, the lateral continuity of seismic horizons
allowed interpretation of the geometric features on the seismic profile. As a result, the seismic
stratigraphy of the area has been subdivided into four main sequences: (1) Mesozoic shelf carbonates,
(2) allochthons, (3) foreland basin sequence, and (4) a Tertiary sequence (Figure 7). The foreland
and Tertiary sequences are then subdivided into Lower and Upper sub-sequences. These sequences
were delineated on the basis of their seismic character, reflector terminations (onlap and toplap) and
reflection style including prominent reflectors, continuity and amplitude (e.g. Mitchum et al., 1977;
Sheriff and Geldart, 1995).

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Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

Mesozoic Shelf Carbonates Sequence (Wasia Group)

The regional Upper Turonian Wasia-Aruma break is recognised as a local toplap with truncating
terminations to Lower Fiqa reflectors. This has been interpreted as a period of plate margin uplift
and erosional stripping caused by the development of a flexural bulge during the initial phases of
emplacement of the allochthons. Internally the Mesozoic shelf-carbonate sequence exhibits high
amplitude with continuous to discontinuous reflectors. In addition, the seismic section suggests the
presence of low-displacement normal faults that offset the top of the sequence but do not continue
upward into the overlying Lower Fiqa (Figure 7).

Foreland Basin Sequence

The sequence is sub-divided into two units (Lower Fiqa and Upper Fiqa), which are continuous over a
large area. The thickness of the sequence is more than 1.5 sec TWT. However, the maximum thickness
is expected to occur in the southeast sector of the survey area where the lowest gravity anomalies
are observed. The internal geometry of the sequence provides strong evidence for the tectonic and
sedimentary response of the Arabian margin to emplacement of the allochthons.

Lower Fiqa

The base of this sub-sequence is marked by an unconformity expressed as toplap and truncations
of the underlying shelf carbonates sequence. This is interpreted to be the contact between the Late
Cretaceous foreland basin sequence and underlying Mesozoic shelf carbonates sequence (Wasia
Group). Internally the unit displays low-to-medium amplitude, sub-parallel, discontinuous, lowfrequency reflectors. This seismic unit has been suggested to be Late Coniacian to Early Santonian in
age (Boote et al., 1990).

Upper Fiqa

Upper Fiqa sub-sequence conformably overlies the Lower Fiqa sub-sequence in the southwestern
region of the profile. However, in the northeastern part the unit shows progressive onlap as it overlies
the emplaced wedge of allochthonous units. The top of the unit is laterally continuous with highto-moderate amplitude reflectors. At the southwestern end of the profile the unit displays internal
seismic reflections that show variable-amplitude, discontinuous, low-frequency and chaotic patterns.
Here the boundary with the underlying Lower Fiqa unit becomes indistinct and probably passes into
a correlative conformity. To the northeast of the profile the Upper Fiqa sub-sequence exhibits high-tomedium amplitude, strong and continuous reflectors.
It is possible that the top section of the unit is largely composed of Upper Campanian chert-rich
Juwaiza turbidites, which are composed of debris derived from the allochthonous units of Hawasina
and Haybi complexes, and Semail Ophiolite. The Juwaiza unit crops out north of the study area near
Shwaib. Well data from south of the study area have also encountered the unit (Boote et al., 1990).
The seismic characteristics of foreland basin sequence suggest that the Lower Fiqa was deposited
immediately after the development of the foreland basin as a response to loading of the allochthonous
units. In contrast, the Upper Fiqa units were deposited during the final stages of the emplacement of
the allochthonous units.

Allochthonous Sequence

The base of the sequence is not well-defined and consists of medium-to variable amplitude and
moderately continuous reflectors. To the southwest, the top of the sequence is similarly not well
defined with reflectors displaying highly variable continuity and amplitudes. To the centre of the
profile, the top of the sequence is marked by moderate to high amplitude reflectors. Internally the
sequence is composed of thrust-stacking of numerous duplexes with a seismic character having
variable-amplitude and discontinuous reflectors. We interpret this sequence as part of the Hawasina
sheet complex, as discussed below in the section on gravity modelling.
The sequence is wedge-shaped with a maximum thickness of more than 3,000 m (2.0 sec TWT) in the
most northeastern portion of the profile. The sequence can be traced from outcrops of the Hawasina
complex in the east (Jabal Zarub; see Figure 15) into the subsurface where it gradually pinches out
at the boundary between the Upper and Lower Fiqa units. This relation suggests that the allochthon
propagated from east to west.
101

(a)

Ali et al.

102

Two-way Time (second)

103

680

km

Toplap

Top Wasia

Onlap

West-Southwest

720

Upper Fiqa

760

Lower Fiqa

Onlap

Lower Tertiary and

Upper Cretaceous

Upper Tertiary

Onlap

800

Common Mid-Point

840

st

Thru

Mesozoic Shelf Carbonates

ate

Imb
ric

ust
Thr
f
o
Ro

880

Toplap

Imb

920

rica

hru

st

Floo
r Th
rust

960

Allochthon (Hawasina)

te T

East-Northeast

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

Figure 7: (a) Uninterpreted seismic profile across Al Jaww Plain (for location see Figure 3). (b) Interpreted seismic profile showing series of folds and a
high angle thrust fault in the Tertiary section. The main fold is a syncline whose axis is about 7.0 km to the east of Jabal Hafit. The profile also illustrates
the stratigraphic correlation of Tertiary, Fiqa, Allochthon and Mesozoic sequences. The allochthon sequence is characterised by extensive duplex
thrusting (yellow lines). The left end of the section represents the vertical stratigraphy before the structural deformation. The numbers in red indicate
the possible time sequence of the thrusts.

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

(b)

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

Two-way Time (second)

Ali et al.

Tertiary Sequence

The Tertiary sequence is characterised by highly deformed concordant reflections over most of the
length of the section. Internally the sequence displays strong amplitude and continuous, parallel
reflectors that can be mapped throughout the seismic section. The bottom section of the sequence
is conformable with the Upper Fiqa and is characterised by prominent high-amplitude, continuous
reflectors. This is interpreted to represent shallow-marine transgressive carbonates deposited as the
margin subsided and was transgressed during Maastrichtian times. These units are named the Qahlah
and Simsima formations respectively, and are exposed in Jabal Auha and Jabal Huwayyah to the
north of the study area (Noweir and Alsharhan, 2000). The thickness of the Lower Tertiary and Upper
Cretaceous sub-sequence is consistent throughout the seismic section and reaches approximately
1,000 m (0.7 sec TWT), whereas the thickness of the Upper Tertiary sub-sequence varies due to the
uplift which caused erosion of large part of the sub-sequence.

Structure

The seismic section shows a series of anticlines and synclines, which appear to have orientations
similar to that of Jabal Hafit. The amplitude of the folds increases southwestwards to Jabal Hafit,
which has the largest structural relief of all anticlines in the area. The seismic profile also shows that
the anticline whose axis is at CMP 925 in Figure 7 is bounded on the east by a steep, west-dipping
reverse fault. A similar structure has been observed in Jabal Hafit. The structure was interpreted
as a detachment fold above a basal Fiqa or Lower Fiqa decollement (Warrak, 1996; Noweir, 2000),
or a reactivation of pre-existing NNW-trending segments of deeper block faults possibly extending
through to basement (Boote et al., 1990). However, the Mesozoic shelf carbonates exhibit little vertical
displacement making it difficult to trace the reverse fault down to the Mesozoic section.
In addition, the seismic section illustrates that the leading edge of the allochthonous sequence is
bounded, top and bottom, by thrust faults with an opposite sense of vergence forming a wedgeshaped triangular geometry. Similar triangular geometries have been widely recognised in many
foreland thrust and fold belts (e.g. Banks and Warburton, 1986; Jones, 1996; Cooper, 1996; Medd,
1996; Xu and Zhou, 2007). The roof thrust lies at the top of the allochthonous sequence and the base
of the Upper Fiqa sub-sequence where all thrusts flatten upward into it. The details of the deeper
floor thrust and imbricate geometry is not well-imaged in the seismic section due to the poor-quality
of the reflection profile. Nevertheless, the floor thrust is identified as a sub-horizontal to shallowly
ENE-dipping discontinuous reflector at around 2.5 sec TWT that can be traced faintly across the
entire section and which probably lies at the base of Upper Fiqa sub-sequence. The reflector cannot
be interpreted as a multiple reflection since no overlying reflection has such a dip. Furthermore, the
weak ENE-dipping fault plane reflections within the allochthon sequence provide evidence for at
least four imbricate fault strands.
The tilted Upper Fiqa sub-sequence on the frontal allochthonous sequence shows thinning towards
the top of the roof thrust which may indicate periodic uplift of the region caused by the duplex
wedging during Late Cretaceous times. In contrast, the WSW end of the profile shows the sequences
in their original stratigraphic depth before structural deformation.

Gravity
Contour maps of the gravity data were constructed using the GeosoftTM Montage software. The data
were gridded using the minimum curvature method and a 330 m cell size. A blanking distance of
2,000 m was used to prevent extrapolation into areas without gravity stations.

Bouguer Anomaly

The Bouguer anomaly map of Al Jaww Plain is shown in Figure 8. The eastern area contains highfrequency gravity anomalies (>- 58.0 mGal) associated with the thrusted Semail Ophiolite. The
central area is associated with strong low-gravity anomalies (<- 75.0 mGal), whereas the western area
is associated with weak anomalies (>- 70.0 mGal). This observation is consistent with the regional
Bouguer gravity map of the Northern Oman Mountains compiled by Ravaut and Warsi (1997) which
shows pronounced negative Bouguer gravity anomalies of around 80.0 to 60.0 mGal over Al Jaww
Plain, and relatively higher Bouguer anomalies (>- 50.0 mGal) towards the east.

104

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

The Bouguer anomaly map contains effects of anomalies caused by the mass of Jabal Hafit reducing
the gravitational attraction by exerting an upward pull on the gravimeter. This effect is most relevant
for the stations within about 3.0 km of Jabal Hafit (Figure 9c). Furthermore, the Bouguer anomaly
map contains effects of anomalies caused by the lateral density changes within the crust and upper
mantle; in particular a regional gradient trending NNW-SSE with values increasing towards the
Oman Mountains dominates the map. Hence, the interpretation was greatly enhanced by applying
terrain corrections and removing the regional field of the data.

Complete Bouguer anomaly

The Complete Bouguer anomaly was obtained by combining the Bouguer anomaly and the terrain
corrections. SRTM data with a 90 m resolution was used for the terrain corrections as there are no
local DEM data available (Figures 9a and 9b). The Complete Bouguer anomaly map (Figure 10) shows
higher anomalies close to eastern limb of Jabal Hafit.

Regional anomaly

The regional anomaly map of Al Jaww Plain (Figure 11) indicates a gentle decrease of the regional
gravity from 64.0 mGal along the eastern edge of the survey area to 72.0 mGal along the western
edge. This gradient probably reflects westward thickening of the crust. This interpretation is consistent

5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

5558'

5600'

2416'

2416'

-50.7

-52.4
-64

-6

-71

-68

2414'

-60
-61
-62

-67

2414'

-54.1

-55.8
2412'

-70

-67

2412'

-57.5
-58

-7

-59.3

2410'

2410'

-68

-62.7

-73

-69

-68
-67

248'

248'
-64.4

-74
5
-7

-66.1

246'

-70

246'
-67.8

-71
-72

-73
-74

244'

244'

-73
-72

-7

Gravity (mGal)

-66

-61.0

-69.5

-71.2
-71

-6
8
-6

242'

242'

-73.0

N
0
5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

-74.7

km
-76.4

Figure 8: Bouguer anomaly map of Al Jaww Plain showing gravity anomaly lows in the centre and
gradual increase to the east of the survey area. Crosses indicate the gravity stations. Illumination
from northeast.

105

Ali et al.

5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

5558'

5600'

2416'

1,520

1,395
2414'

2414'
1,270

2412'

2412'

1,145

1,020
2410'

2410'
914

300

248'
702

Elevation (m)

808
248'

596
246'

246'

c
e9

ur

Fig

489

244'

244'

383

277
242'

242'

171

N
0
5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

83

km
-17

Figure 9: (a) Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) used to calculate the terrain corrections.
Contour interval is 50 m.

with the geodynamic model of central Oman presented by Al-Lazki et al. (2002), which showed an
increase of crustal thickness from 35 km in northeastern coastal plain to 40 km in the foreland basin
except in Jabal Akhdar area where the crustal thickness is around 50 km.

Residual anomaly

By removing the regional effects from the map, the resulting residual gravity map (Figure 12) reflects
the composite effects of density changes within the upper crust. Therefore, the residual gravity map
defines local anomalies related to the density distribution within the sedimentary fill of the Al Jaww
basin more clearly than does the simple Bouguer map (Figure 8). A spectacular negative anomaly of
<- 9.0 mGal is observed in the southeastern part of the survey area. This is consistent with a model
whereby the Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary sequences are thicker (> 6.0 km). The anomaly is also
coincident with a syncline mapped from the seismic data.
To the east, the residual Bouguer anomaly map shows a steep gradient in the gravitational field where
gravity values increase by more than 10.0 mGal. This is correlated to the Semail Ophiolite that is
exposed in the area. Furthermore, the residual gravity map provides strong evidence for the presence
of NNW-trending anomalies. These trends coincide with the Tertiary structures mapped in the area.
Generally where there is a syncline, a gravity low is observed due to thicker Upper Cretaceous and
Tertiary sediments; where an anticline occurs, the gravity is high due to Tertiary uplift which caused

106

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

8.8

5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

5558'

5600'

2416'

8.4
8.0
7.7

2414'

2414'
7.3
6.9

2412'

2412'

6.5
6.1
5.8

2410'

2410'

5.4

4.6
248'

248'

4.2
3.9

Gravity (mGal)

5.0

3.5
246'

re

u
Fig

246'

9c

4 3

2.7
2.3

244'

3.1

244'

1.9

2
1

1.6
242'

242'

N
0
5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

0.8
5

km

5556'

1.2

0.4
0.0

Southwest

Northeast

c
8.0
500

6.0

Calculated terrain
corrections

4.0
400

2.0

350

Elevation

0.0

300
0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

Distance (km)

107

Elevation (m)

Gravity (mGal)

450

Figure 9 (continued):
(b) Calculated terrain
corrections showing higher
anomaly close to Jabal Hafit.
Illumination from northeast.
(c) Comparison of the elevation
and calculated terrain
corrections east of Jabal
Hafit (for location see
Figures 9a and 9b). The
effect of gravitational
attraction of Jabal Hafit is
important for only those
stations within about 3 km
of Jabal Hafit.

Ali et al.

2416'

5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

5558'

5600'

2416'

-71

2414'

-60
-61
-62

-68

-6

-52.2

-63
-64

-67

2414'

-70

-50.5

-53.9

-55.7

2412'

2412'
-58

-67

-57.4

-7

-59.1

2410'

2410'

-68

-62.5

-73

-69

-68
-67

248'

248'
-64.3

-74
5
-7

246'

-70 -71
-72 -73

-73

246'

-6
4

-7

-66.0

-67.7

-73
-72

244'

Gravity (mGal)

-66

-60.8

244'

-69.4

8
-6 6
-6

0
-71.1

-71

242'

242'

-72.8

N
5

0
5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

-74.6

km
-76.3

Figure 10: Complete Bouguer anomaly map of Al Jaww Plain showing slight increase towards
Jabal Hafit. Crosses indicate the gravity stations. Illumination from northeast.

erosion of the sediments. To the west and close to Jabal Hafit, the residual gravity anomalies gradually
increase. This has been interpreted to reflect basement uplift due to reactivation of deep faults during
the Tertiary.

Gravity Modelling with Geological and Geophysical Constraints

The Bouguer residual anomalies were used in modelling and to assist in the interpretation of the
subsurface geology. However, the modelling of the gravity anomalies can be complex due to the
problem of non-uniqueness (Blakely, 1995). This can be minimised by constraining the models using
other geological and geophysical data. In this study the geometry of subsurface structures of the
models were constrained by outcrop data at the flanks of the plain, a seismic reflection profile, and
density measurements.
The final subsurface models (Figures 13 and 14) all show a good fit between the observed and
calculated anomalies. The fit was quantified by a root-mean squared (RMS) error computed by the
software. The best-fit solutions of the models were determined by reducing RMS error to less than
2.0% of the total dynamic range of the gravity profile. In addition, the average depth to the base of the
modelled Fiqa sequence is in reasonable agreement with that observed from the seismic data.

108

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

2416'

5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

5558'

5600'

2416'
-63.3

-63.8

2414'

2414'
-64.4

-65.0

2412'

2412'
-70

-65.6

-66.2

2410'

2410'

-67.4

248'

248'
-68.0

246'

246'

-68.6

-64

-69.2

-66

244'

Gravity (mGal)

-66.8

244'

-69.8

-68

-70.3

-70

242'

242'

-70.9

N
0
5546'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

-71.5

km
-72.1

Figure 11: Regional gravity map of Al Jaww Plain approximated by applying a low pass filter of
cut-off wavelength of 40 km to the Complete Bouguer anomaly data shown in Figure 8.

The models indicate that Al Jaww Plain is underlain by a series of folds that comprise a central
anticline flanked by synclines, and an easterly dipping reverse fault located near the eastern boundary
of the plain. The models also suggest that the Hawasina Complex extends further to the west on the
northern profile (Profile 1) than it does on the southern profile (Profile 2). Finally, the models indicate
that the Semail Ophiolite is not present in the subsurface of the Al Jaww Plain. These inferences are
consistent with interpretations of the magnetic and seismic data (Figures 13 and 14).

Magnetic

Analysis of the magnetic profiles (Figures 13b and 14a) show that the observed magnetic anomaly
values are weak (< 50 nT) over most of the study area. This implies that the plain is underlain by
low-susceptibility rocks of the Tertiary and Hawasina groups. The increase in the magnitude of the
magnetic anomalies (> 300 nT) towards the eastern corner of the survey area (Figure 14a) is attributed
to the high-susceptibility rocks of Semail Ophiolite that crop out at the end of Profile 2.
Furthermore, the observed magnetic profiles suggest that the Semail Ophiolite does not extend to
the northwest of the area (Figure 13b) although the method cannot discriminate between the Tertiary
and Hawasina rocks since both rock types have low magnetic susceptibility. However, both seismic
and gravity data indicate the presence of a thick allochthonous sheet in the plain. Therefore, it is
concluded that the Hawasina Complex extends further to the northwest of the study area.

109

Ali et al.

DISCUSSION
Style of Deformation
The geophysical investigations involving gravity, magnetic and seismic surveys have provided
additional data of the subsurface geology and assisted in the identification of the structures within the
study area. Furthermore, optimal results are achieved when a variety of techniques are undertaken
and the results combined to yield an integrated subsurface model. Figure 15 shows the combined
interpretation of the geophysical and geological data of Al Jaww Plain and surrounding areas.
The results reported here demonstrate the presence of a series of anticlines and synclines extending
from Jabal Malaqat-Jabal Mundassa to Jabal Hafit. This series of folds comprise a central anticline
flanked by synclines and steeply dipping thrust faults located near the eastern boundary of the plain.
The main fold in Al Jaww Plain is a syncline whose axis is about 7.0 km to the east of Jabal Hafit. All
folds and faults have axial traces that are sub parallel to Jabal Hafit, which has an axial trace striking
about NNW-SSE.

5546'

2416'

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

5558'

5600'

2416'

14.2
12.9

Hawasina Thrust

-1

Profile 1

11.5
10.1

-4

9.0
2412'

10
8

8.0
6.9

Seismic
Profile

2414'

2412'

-1

-4

2414'

-1

2410'

5.8

- 4

12

4.7

hr
248'

us

248'

2.6
1.5

-2

Gravity (mGal)

3.7

il T

ma

2 0

Se

-2

2410'

0.4

-9

246'

246'

-0.8

1
-2.1

Profile 2
7

-4

- 7
-5 6

-6

244'

-8

244'

-4.7

-3

-1

242'

-5.9

-2

242'

N
0

5546'

-3.4

5548'

5550'

5552'

5554'

5556'

-7.2
-8.5

km
-9.8

Figure 12: Residual Bouguer anomaly contour map of Al Jaww area. Contour interval is 1 mGal. The
E-W dark blue profiles represent the gravity and magnetic profiles, and crosses are gravity stations.
The NE-SW purple line represents the seismic reflection profile. Also shown are the approximate
positions of folds, thrust fault and the Hawasina and Semail Ophiolite thrust fronts.

110

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

West-Southwest

(a)

East-Northeast

0.0

Two-way Time (second)

Upper Tertiary

Upper Tertiary
Density = 2,600 kg/m3

Lower Tertiary and

Upper Cretaceous

1.0

Onlap

Upper Fiqa

Imb

Onlap
Onlap

2.0

ricat

Roo

ust
Thr

e Th

3
?

km
680

720

te T

hru

Hawasina
Density = 2,700 kg/m3

st

Allochthon (Hawasina)
hrust

Mesozoic Shelf Carbonates

760

Fiqa (Upper Cretaceous)

Density = 2,600 kg/m3

rica

Semail Ophiolite
Density = 3,000 kg/m3

? Floor T

Toplap

3.0

Imb

rust

Lower Fiqa

Top Wasia

Lower Tertiary and

Upper Cretaceous
Density = 2,700 kg/m3

840

800

Toplap

880

920

Mesozoic Shelf Carbonates

Density = 2,800 kg/m3

960

Common Mid-Point

West

(b)

East
Observed Gravity
Calculated Gravity

50

0
-2.0

Error

-50

Magnetic Anomaly

-100

Magnetic Anomaly (nT)

Residual Bouguer Gravity (mGals)

100
0.0

-4.0
-150

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

Distance (km)

(c)
0.0

0.0

Upper Tertiary Density

= 2,600 kg/m3

and
Tertiary
Lower Cretaceous 3
Upper 2,700 kg/m
y=
Densit
2.0

Upper Fiqa
(Upper Cretaceous)
Density = 2,600 kg/m3

Hawasina
Density = 2,700 kg/m3
4.0

4.0

6.0

6.0

Lower Fiqa
(Upper Cretaceous)
Density = 2,600 kg/m3

Mesozoic Shelf Carbonates

Density = 2,800 kg/m3
8.0

8.0
0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

Distance (km)

Figure 13: (a) Interpreted seismic profile. (b) Magnetic anomaly, observed and calculated residual
gravity anomaly values of Profile 1 for the model in Figure 13c. Magnetic anomaly shows low
magnetic values associated with thick carbonate sediments and Hawasina Complex. (c) Gravity
model for Profile 1. The model extends beyond gravity residual endpoints to avoid edge effects.
For location see Figure 12.
111

Depth (km)

Depth (km)

2.0

Ali et al.

(a)

West

East
350
300

Observed Gravity

250
200

-2.0

Calculated Gravity

Magnetic Anomaly (nT)

Residual Bouguer Anomaly (mGals)

0.0

150

Error

100

-4.0
50
0
-6.0

Magnetic
Anomaly

50
100

-8.0

150
0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

22.0

Distance (km)

(b)

Semail Ophiolite
Density = 3,000 kg/m3

0.0

0.0

Upper Tertiary Density

= 2,600 kg/m3

Fiqa
(Upper Cretaceous)
Density = 2,600 kg/m3

4.0

6.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

Mesozoic Shelf Carbonates

Density = 2,800 kg/m3

8.0

8.0
0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

22.0

Distance (km)

Figure 14: (a) Magnetic anomaly, observed and calculated residual gravity anomaly values of
Profile 2 for the model in Figure 13b. (b) Gravity model for Profile 2. The model extends beyond
gravity residual endpoints to avoid edge effects. Magnetic anomaly shows low magnetic values
associated with Semail Ophiolite. Profile 2 extends to the east of the study area closer to where the
Semail Ophiolite outcrops. For location see Figure 12.
Gravity and magnetic data were useful in defining the leading edge of the Semail Ophiolite and
Hawasina Complex. The Semail Ophiolite is magnetically distinct, permitting its lateral extent to be
well-defined, whereas the Hawasina Complex has very low degrees of magnetisation; therefore, the
interpretation has been greatly enhanced by the inclusion of the magnetic profiles. The Semail and
Hawasina thrust fronts show an interesting relationship: north of Al Jaww Plain the Hawasina front
occurs further west towards the foreland than the Semail thrust sheet. This is interpreted as a result of
deep-seated structures which controlled the propagation of the thrust sheets. This is consistent with
the observation which Dunne et al. (1990) reported in the area south of Hatta Zone (90 km north of
study area) where the Hawasina front occurs more towards the foreland than the Sumeini front.
The interpretation of these results is consistent with the other published work in Al Jaww Plain and
surrounding areas. For example, Woodward (1994) has documented the presence of steep easterly
dipping thrust faults and tight double-plunging folds that trend NNW. Their interpretation was
based on detailed mapping of the subsurface structures in Al Jaww Plain and northern Al-Ain using
reprocessed seismic reflection data. Noweir and Eloutefi (1997) have mapped the Jabal Malaqat-Jabal

112

Depth (km)

Depth (km)

Hawasina
Density = 2,700 kg/m3

Lower Tertiary and Upper Cretaceous

Density = 2,700 kg/m3

2.0

Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

Mundassa area east of Al Jaww Plain and recognised an asymmetrical anticlinal structure, the MalaqetMundassa anticline, which is oriented in a NNW direction with thrust faults running east and parallel
to the fold axis. The structure has been interpreted as a consequence of structural ramping of the preexisting basal thrust beneath the ultramafic rocks (Noweir and Eloutefi, 1997). In addition, studies in
Jabal Hafit (Warrak, 1996; Noweir, 2000; Sirat et al., 2007), Jabal Auha-Jabal Huwayyah (Noweir and
Alshahran, 2000), Jabal Rawdah (Noweir and Abdeen, 2000), Jabal Sumeini (Searle et al., 1990), and
the Suneinah foreland (Boote et al., 1990) have all suggested NNE-trending folds and thrust faults.

Timing of Deformation
Detailed geophysical investigations in Al Jaww Plain have led to the recognition of two major phases
of deformation. A Late Cretaceous phase developed in the eastern part of Al Jaww Plain, which
resulted from the emplacement of the Semail Ophiolite and associated sedimentary and volcanic
rocks (Sumaini Group and Hawasina and Haybi complexes) onto the eastern margin of the Arabian

5542'
Recent deposits

5548'

5554'

5600'

Miocene (Fars Formation)

Oligocene (Asmari Formation)
Eocene (Dammam and
Rus formations)
Maastrichtian (Simsima
and Qahlah formations)

Jabal
Qatar

Jabal
Auha

Semail Ophiolite
Haybi, Hawasina thrust sheets

Jabal
Haqalah

Folds

Jabal
Huwayyah

Buraimi

Reverse/Thrust fault

2418'

Jabal
Al Hamar

Jabal
Umm
Dhawan

Jabal
Bin
Khartum

Seismic profile

Jabal
Zarub
2412'

Jabal
Malaqat

Hawasin

2412'

a Thrus

Al Ain

Gravity and magnetic profiles

il T

ma
Se
hru

Al Jaww Plain

st
Jabal
Mundassa

2406'

Jabal
Hafit

Saah
Plain

Jabal
Jabal Saah
Al Dharuf
Jabal
Khatamah

N
2400'

10

2400'

km

5542'

5554'

5600'

Figure 15: Combined interpretation of the data, which is consistent with all available geological
and geophysical data. The position of folds and reverse faults are shown. The E-W dark blue lines
represent the gravity and magnetic profiles and the NE-SW purple line represents the seismic
reflection profile. Also shown are the approximate positions of the Hawasina and Semail Ophiolite
thrust fronts.

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Ali et al.

carbonate shelf. A Tertiary deformation phase, well-developed in the central and western part of
Al Jaww Plain, was responsible for the folding and thrusting of the allochthonous units and of the
Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary neo-autochthonous units; it is correlated with the Zagros Orogeny
in southwest Iran (Searle et al., 1983, 1985, 1990; Searle, 1988). This phase can be seen on the seismic
profile (Figure 7) and is likely due to rejuvenation of E-W to ENE-WSW Cretaceous stress regime that
occurred in Late Eocene-Miocene.
The younger regime has gradually shifted to N-S to NE-SW with the collision of the Arabian-Eurasian
Plates and with the opening of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden which started during the Late Eocene
and continues till present-day. This shift is most obvious in the Musandam Peninsula where crustal
shortening by thrust stacking is transferred from the NE-trending Dibba Zone to the NS-trending
Musandam Zone (Searle, 1988). Furthermore, these pre-existing thrust faults are likely to be reactivated
at depth as strike-slip faults giving rise to a more complicated pattern of deformation as propagated
upwards throughout the Tertiary rocks cover.
The age of the two phases of deformation cannot be proven directly from the current data set. However,
the timing of the deformation can be interpreted in the context of major tectonic events that affected
the Arabian Plate in the Late Cretaceous and Tertiary times.

CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrates how the integration of gravity and magnetic methods with seismic reflection
data can be employed to optimally map subsurface geological structures. The integrated geophysical
survey provided key subsurface information needed to better understand the structure of Al Jaww
Plain and surrounding areas.
In summary the study found that:
(1) The study area is underlain by a series of folds with axial traces that are sub-parallel to Jabal Hafit.
The axial traces of all folds generally trend NNW to SSE and appear to be fault controlled. Both
the seismic reflection profile and the gravity data identified these structures.
(2) Seismic stratigraphy of the area can be subdivided into four sequences on the basis of their seismic
character, these are: shelf carbonates, allochthonous, foreland basin and Tertiary sequences.
(3) The Semail Ophiolite is magnetically distinct thus permitting its lateral extent to be well-defined,
whereas the Hawasina and Tertiary groups have very low degrees of magnetisation.
(4) The measured gravity anomaly gradually decreases from a high near the outcrops of the Semail
Ophiolite in the east, to a low over the synclines in the center of the study area.
(5) The gradual increase in the gravity anomaly to the west can be explained by the presence of
uplifted basement beneath Jabal Hafit. This is consistent with the presence of the back thrust,
which has been interpreted as a result of reactivation of deep-rooted faults.
(6) A major thrust fault that dips at a steep angle to the east and strikes parallel to the fold axes is
modelled at the eastern edge of the plain.
(7) Geophysical data suggest that the Semail Ophiolite is limited to the east of the study area. The data
also suggest that the Hawasina Complex extends further to the west in the north of Al Jaww Plain
close to Al-Ain city.
(8) There are two major phases of tectonic events in the area. The first, a Late Cretaceous phase in
the eastern part is associated with both high magnetic (> 300 nT) and bouguer gravity (>-58
mGal) anomalies. These effects are a result of from the emplacement of the obduction-related
allochthonous thrust sheets of the Oman Mountains. The second, a Tertiary deformation phase is
developed in most parts of the plain and produces a series of plunging asymmetrical anticlines
and synclines. The Tertiary folding and thrusting is formed as a result of regional compressive
deformation due to the rejuvenation of the Late Cretaceous thrust faults during post-Middle
Eocene times.

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Geophysical investigation of Al Jaww Plain, eastern Abu Dhabi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, for its sponsorship of this project and ADNOC
for permission to publish the seismic profile. We thank Mike Searle for many valuable discussions,
Ahmed Fayad for field assistance and Bechir Mtawaa for density analyses of outcrop samples.
Computer software used included GMT, Geosoft Montage and GMS-SYS. Two anonymous reviewers
greatly improved the manuscript. The final design and drafting by GeoArabia Graphic Designer
Nestor Nio Buhay is appreciated.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Mohammed Y. Ali has a degree in Exploration Geology, a MSc in
Geophysics, Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and a PhD in Marine
Geophysics from Oxford University. His current research projects focus on
exploration geophysics in the areas of seismic processing, passive seismic,
seismic stratigraphy and reservoir characterisation and modelling. Other
research interests include basin analysis, crustal studies, and structure of
passive margins. Mohammed joined the Petroleum Institute in 2003 as an
Assistant Professor of Geophysics, prior to which he had been a Researcher at
Oxford University. He is a member of the SEG, EAGE, AAPG and AGU.
mali@pi.ac.ae
Manhal Sirat has a PhD in Structural Geology from Uppsala University.
He has more than 15 years of multi-disciplinary experience working as
an Engineering and Structural Geologist in industry and academia
with project management skills. Prior to joining the Petroleum Institute
(PI) as an Assistant Professor of Geology in July 2004, Manhal worked
as a Researcher at the University of Hawaii, as Assistant Professor at
Philadelphia University, and as Visiting Professor at Aachen University.
Currently, he acts as Project Manager for the Faults and Fractures
Characterization and Modeling Project at PI and ADNOC. His research
interests are focused on the fractured reservoirs of Abu Dhabi, including
fracture characterisation, analysis and modelling using structural and geo-statistical analyses,
and neural networks approach. Other interests include geomechanical properties and physical
analog modeling of carbonate reservoirs. Manhal is a member of the EAGE, SEG, SPE and the
Secretary of MERock (Emirate and Middle East Chapter of ISRM).
msirat@pi.ac.ae

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Ali et al.

James Small is a Geophysical Engineer at the Petroleum Institute in

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He completed his BSc from Deakin
University, Australia, in 1980 with majors in Computer Science and
Physics, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Exploration Geophysics
from Macquarie University, and more recently a Masters in Education
Technology from the University of Southern Queensland. James has
over 20 years experience working as a Geophysicist and IT Specialist in
both the minerals and oil exploration industries throughout Australia,
Southeast Asia, Iran and the UAE. He currently instructs UAE students
in geophysical acquisition and data processing techniques.
jsmall@pi.ac.ae

Manuscript submitted August 20, 2007

Revised November 8, 2007
Accepted November 12, 2007
Press version proofread by the authors February 14, 2008

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