Comprehensive Geophysical Study at Wabar Crater, Rub Al‐Khali Desert, Saudi Arabia

• Main Authors: Sherif M. Hanafy, Pantelis Soupios, Alexandros Stampolidis, Christian Bender Koch, Khalid Al‐Ramadan, Abdullatif Al‐Shuhail, Theis Solling, Ignatius Argadestya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2021-09-01
• Series: Earth and Space Science
• Subjects: magnetic; TEM; seismic; GPR
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020EA001432

Abstract Interest in impact craters on the earth's surface has increased worldwide and is being investigated by using remote sensing, geological, boreholes, geophysical, and laboratory measurements. These measurements are used to build dynamic models to study crater formation. In this work, the near‐crater sediments at the young Wabar crater field in Saudi Arabia have been investigated using magnetic, transient electromagnetic (TEM), seismic, and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) methods. The main objectives of this research were to (a) explore the possibility of any remnant major pieces of the meteorite, (b) investigate the meteoroid direction, and (c) map the deformational structures associated with the meteorite impact. Our results show five different magnetic anomaly types and three layers in the subsurface. The maximum depth of deformation due to the impact of the meteorite is about 25 m as shown by the seismic travel time tomogram, the quasi‐2D TEM, and the 3D GPR model. TEM survey confirmed the geometrical characteristics of the major crater and located another small crater (known as Philby‐A). The magnetic survey shows no evidence of any remnant major pieces 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.