loading page

Comprehensive Geophysical study at Wabar crater, Rub Al-Khali desert, Saudi Arabia
  • +5
  • Sherif Hanafy,
  • Pantelis Soupios,
  • Alexandros Stampolidis,
  • Christian Bender Koch,
  • Khalid Al Ramadan,
  • Abdullatif Al-Shuhail,
  • Theis Solling,
  • Ignatius Argadestya
Sherif Hanafy
KFUPM

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Pantelis Soupios
KFUPM
Author Profile
Alexandros Stampolidis
Aristotle University
Author Profile
Christian Bender Koch
University of Copenhagen
Author Profile
Khalid Al Ramadan
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Author Profile
Abdullatif Al-Shuhail
King Fahd University of Peteroleum and Minerals
Author Profile
Theis Solling
KFUPM
Author Profile
Ignatius Argadestya
KFUPM
Author Profile

Abstract

The study of impact craters on Earth has picked up high worldwide consideration, which can be done by studying the ground surface using remote sensing (satellite), geological outcrops, drilling holes and apply small-scale laboratory experiments trying to build the dynamic models of crater formation and by collecting geophysical data. In this work the near- crater sediments at the young Wabar crater field in Saudi Arabia has been investigated using the magnetic, EM, seismic, and GPR methods. The main targets of this research were exploring the possibility of any remnant major pieces of the meteorite, investigate the meteoroid direction, and map the deformation structure associate with the meteorite impact. Our results shows five different magnetic anomaly types and three layers at the subsurface. The maximum deformation due to the impact of the meteorite is about 25 m as shown by both the seismic traveltime tomogram and the 3D GPR model. Transient EM survey confirmed the geometrical characteristics of the major crater and locate a smaller crater (known as Philby-A). The magnetic survey shows no evidence of any major piece of the meteorite, however, it was used to trace ejecta material containing highly dilute magnetic material. The magnetic carrier is most likely spheres of metal incorporated in the black/green glasses. During the expedition, many small pieces of the meteoroid were found and collected for further geochemical analysis. Based on the geophysical findings, the meteorite direction was found to be from north to south.
Sep 2021Published in Earth and Space Science volume 8 issue 9. 10.1029/2020EA001432