Red Sea

Red Sea Synopsis

Red Sea: Historical Significance, Properties and Economic Importance opens with a discussion on oceanic spreading beginning in the Pliocene (~5 Ma) (after advanced continental drifting) and continuing to the present day, as demonstrated by the intense volcanic and seismic activity in the area during the last 10,000 years. The authors present geochemical features that are typical of mid ocean ridge basalts (MORB), which allow the Red Sea to be regarded as a newborn ocean. Additionally, its development resembles the early stages of the Atlantic Ocean. Next, this compilation discusses the Wadi Masilah Basin in the southeasternmost part of Yemen, which hosts promising base metal and barite prospects. This terrain has a complex geological and structural history, including oblique divergence (transtension) related to the opening phases of the greater Red Sea. The fisheries reserve of the Sudanese Red Sea is dominated by different assemblages of ecologically and commercially important stock of invertebrates, demersal finfish and pelagic fish. The authors address how the national fisheries standing stock remains largely under-exploited with the exception of Mother of Pearl (Pinctada margeritifera) and Trochus (Tectus dentatus) which are efficiently utilized.