Khalaf, E. E. D. A. H., T. Sano, and Y. Tsutsumi, "Evolution of monogenetic rift-related alkaline magmatism in south Egypt: Insight from stratigraphy, geochronology, and geochemistry of the Natash volcanics", Journal of African Earth Sciences , vol. 147, pp. 450-476, 2018. AbstractWebsite

The Mesozoic Natash volcanics are rift-related monogenetic volcanic complex that erupted in south Eastern Desert of Egypt. The architecture of their building has evolved through three phases namely: (1) tuff cone consisting of explosive -dominated pyroclastics that stand for an intensity eruption peak; (2) the effusive lava-conquered phase, characterized by prevalent basalt-trachyte-rhyolite fissure eruptions; and (3) late-stage subvolcanic plugs/domes. The first phase began with the emplacement of spatter-rich ignimbrites followed by grain-supported lapilli-tuffs and hyaloclastics in a shallow-water environment (phreatomagmatic phase) with a vent-opening phase. This initial phase is followed by deposition of clast-supported conglomerates of lahar facies that represent significant erosional period, separating the pyroclastics and effusive phases. The second phase comprises multiphases displaying compositional stratification (primitive beneath evolved) of pahoehoe Hawaiian and rubbly vulcanian lavas, overlying the pyroclastic deposits. The third phase is the youngest and comprises plugs of aphyric trachytes. The volcanics occasionally have vesicle sheets, cylinder-elongate vesicles, gas blister, and inflation clefts, reflecting degassing, rupturing, brecciation/quenching history, and pressurized flows. U-Pb zircon ages from two samples of trachyte volcanics gave concordant age of 92 ± 0.9 Ma. One trachyte plug yielded concordant age of 86.6 ± 1.3 Ma. These ages represent two events belonging to the major Senonian volcanic activities. The investigated volcanics have alkaline affinity and display a continuous composition ranging from basalt to trachyte and rhyolite. Their chemical compositions display linear, curvilinear, and scattered trends on the Harker diagrams matched with the petrographic data and reflect comagmatic genesis for the entire sequence. Crystal fractionation of olivine + pyroxene + plagioclase + Fe-Ti oxides + apatite plays a role in the volcanic evolution. The origin of the mafic rocks is derived from deep mantle source in the garnet facies via low degree of partial melting. Such magma source is affected by fluid-rich metasomatism generated by dehydration subducted crust on the EM I, EMII, and HIMU mantle reservoir during Neoproterozoic time. The basalt-trachyte-rhyolite suites and their pyroclastics from the Natash area, together with Mesozoic alkaline volcanics from the surrounding terrains in Africa, constitute a remnant of extensive magmatisms, having large extension, high eruption rate, and OIB-type chemical composition.

Khalaf, E. E. D. A. H., M. Abdelwahed, A. Maged, and H. Mokhtar, "Volcanic Geosites and Their Geoheritage Values Preserved in Monogenetic Neogene Volcanic Field, Bahariya Depression, Western Desert, Egypt: Implication for Climatic Change-Controlling Volcanic Eruption", Geoheritage, pp. 1-19, 2018. AbstractWebsite

Bahariya monogenetic volcanic field is characterized by important geomorphological features (geomorphosites), namely, sub-circular maar-tuff ring, scoria cones, and domal-shaped tumuli. These geomorphosites constitute an asset for geoeducation, geotourism and miscellaneous social activities. They offer important knowledge into the paleoenvironmental and climatic factors that affected the style of volcanism at the occasion, and eventually shaped the diverse landforms found in the volcanic field. Bahariya Oasis is exclusive for its excellent locations where many volcanic heritages of high value give evidence of phreatomagmatic and effusive-controlled phases which formed volcanic landscapes under humid to dry climate. The geoheritage and archeological sites of early settlements are abundant in the Bahariya Oasis, accentuating the scientific magnitude of this region. There have been seven geosites recognized such as (1) the scoria cone, (2) the lava flows and their surface morphological features, (3) the pseudopillow fractures, (4) columnar joints, (5) peperites, (6) tumuli, and (7) rootless cones. These geosites coupled with other unique sites define the Oasis as global geopark. The latter will consider as an excellent logistical network to endorse volcanic geosciences and raise the economic growth in this part of Bahariya Oasis. The diverse geological characteristics at the Bahariya make this area a high volcanic geodiversity that can be used for geoeducational programs and geotourism. Excursions and research programs carried out by universities will contribute to enhanced geoconservation for local sustainable development. Currently, in the Bahariya region, tourism is not well developed, but it is recommended that, roads be improved to give better accessibility to the geomorphosites, and interpretative panels, informative brochures, multi-media presentations, seminars and workshops, scientific lectures, and postcards be produced to inform tourists about the geology of the region.