Evolution of the Arabian-Nubian Shield in Gabal Samra area, Sinai; implications from zircon U–Pb geochronology

The basement complex of Sinai represents the northern end of the Arabian-Nubian Shield that formed as part of the East African Orogen. Our study focuses on the genesis and development of the crystalline rocks in the Gabal Samra area, Sinai, Egypt, using LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating. We delineate three distinct magmatic pulses including: 1) island arc (ca. 871-804 Ma) magmatic activity represented by the Baba metamorphic belt; 2) syn-tectonic (ca. 753-733 Ma) magmatic activity represented by calc-alkaline and alkaline granitic rocks, and; 3) post-tectonic (ca. 622-535 Ma) magmatic activity represented by dykes, calc-alkaline and alkaline granitic rocks. We found limited evidence for pre-Neoproterozoic basement involvement in the study area except for several xenocrysts with ages of 2123 ± 17, 1808 ± 17, 1740 ± 20, 1256 ± 18, and 972 ± 14 Ma. Younger zircon grains yield ages ranges between 509 ± 11 and 469 ± 8 Ma, which indicate younger magmatic events in the region.