In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Scientific Reports*, researchers have unveiled a comprehensive map of the Arabian-Nubian Shield’s (ANS) geothermal structure, offering new insights into its lithospheric architecture and geodynamic evolution. This research, led by Menna Haggag from the Geology Department at Mansoura University, integrates multiple geophysical and geological tools to provide a detailed analysis of the region’s crustal and upper mantle architecture.
The Arabian-Nubian Shield, a complex Neoproterozoic tectonic mosaic, has long been a subject of interest due to its potential for geothermal energy. However, its lithospheric structure and geothermal regime have remained poorly understood—until now. Haggag and her team have combined S-wave tomography, seismic velocity models, lithospheric density data from the Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite, and Land Surface Temperature (LST) derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery to create a multi-parametric framework.
The results are striking. The study reveals stark contrasts in the lithospheric structure across the ANS. The stable Arabian Platform, for instance, boasts a thick, cold lithosphere with a Moho depth of approximately 32.5 kilometers and a lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) exceeding 200 kilometers. This region exhibits low heat flow, ranging from 40 to 50 milliwatts per square meter (mW/m²).
In contrast, the Arabian Shield and the Red Sea rift display a much thinner lithosphere, with Moho depths ranging from 25 to 30 kilometers and LAB depths between 60 and 120 kilometers. These areas are characterized by high heat flow, ranging from 70 to 90 mW/m², low S-wave velocities (≤ 3920 meters per second), reduced mantle density, and high-temperature anomalies. These anomalies suggest active mantle upwelling and lithospheric thinning, making these zones prime targets for geothermal exploration.
“This multi-parametric framework not only identifies zones of pronounced lithospheric thinning but also provides new insights into the Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the ANS,” Haggag explained. “Our findings have significant implications for geothermal energy exploration and could shape future developments in the energy sector.”
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. By pinpointing areas with high geothermal potential, the study offers a roadmap for energy companies looking to invest in sustainable and renewable energy sources. The Arabian-Nubian Shield, with its diverse geothermal landscape, could become a hotspot for geothermal energy projects, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
“This research is a game-changer,” said a senior geologist at a leading energy company. “It provides a clear, data-driven approach to identifying high-potential geothermal sites, which is crucial for the energy sector as we transition towards cleaner energy sources.”
The study’s findings were published in *Scientific Reports*, a prestigious journal known for its rigorous peer-review process and high standards of scientific excellence. The research not only advances our understanding of the ANS’s geothermal structure but also sets a precedent for future geophysical and geological studies.
As the world continues to seek sustainable energy solutions, this research offers a beacon of hope. By leveraging advanced geophysical tools and integrating multi-parametric data, scientists and energy companies can work together to unlock the vast geothermal potential of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, paving the way for a greener and more energy-secure future.