NEW EVIDENCES FOR TECTONIC ESCAPE MODEL AS ORIGIN OF THE
NAJD FAULT SYSTEM
Interpretation of gravity and magnetic data indicates that the Najd shearing domain
extends beyond the exposed Arabian Shield into the whole Arabian plate. The shear
movement diminishes towards the northwest due to splaying of the shear strands
along the N-S Nabitah weakness planes. Between these major shear zones, some
sinistral translation planes are common associated with S-shaped drags of the N-S
Nabitah fabric. This paper indicates a tectonic escape model is most probable origin
for the Najd fault system NFS. Potential field data were comprehensively used to map
the tectonic fabric of the NFS and its extension beneath the Phanerozoic cover,
enabling a better understanding of basement evolution. In addition, ten gravity
profiles with detailed GPS levelling were also acquired in the field and used to model
the Najd fault system. The numerous sets of magnetic and gravity surveys were
merged to form a new seamless high-resolution data set, showing more detailed
features of the NFS and, Arabian Shield and the Cover Rocks than any of the existing
compilations. The use of potential field, geological and geochronological data,
integrated within a GIS environment, has helped to obtain a better understanding of
the tectonic development of the NFS .