Inception and demise of a Neoproterozoic ocean basin: evidence from the Ougda complex,western Hoggar (Algeria)

The Neoproterozoic Ougda magmatic complex occurs within platformal carbonate rocks in the western part of the Pan-African fold belt of the Tuareg shield (NW Africa). It is composed of - 800 Ma old, relatively high P-T (i.e., Grt + Cpx-bearing: P > 5 kbar; T≈900'Q, tholeiitic mafic/ultramafic cumulates and related rocks intruded by intermediate to mafic calcalkali plutons (e.g., Cpx+Hbl-bearing gabbro) and dikes. Apparent contrasts in structural level of crystallization indicate that the calc-alkali rocks are significantly younger than the tholeiites, which temporally correlate with a period of regional extension in this part of Africa. Intrusion of the calc-alkali rocks may have occurred during the formation of an arc after the tholeiitic rocks had been (diapirically?) emplaced within the shelf carbonates, and prior to (> 630 Ma) the Pan-African orogeny. Data reported herein indicate that the Ougda complex records the inception and demise of a Neoproterozoic ocean basin. Similar crustal sections have been described from collisional (e.g., Aleutian islands) and extensional (e.g., Ivreä-Verbano zone) settings, indicating that processes operating in both environments can generate nearly indistinguishable igneous suites; the prevalence of shallow-level calc-alkali rocks in both settings may mask the presence of more mafic, tholeiitic rocks at depth.     

Reassessment of the structural framework of western Provence (France): consequence on the regional seismotectonic model

Reprocessing and interpretation of the petroleum seismic profile 81SE5b, located between the Luberon Massif and the Arc Basin, have provided new data on the Pyrenean and Alpine thrusting in western Provence. Among the principal results, it is shown that a) the repetition of the Mesozoic succession observed in the Eguilles1 borehole is due to a north-dipping south-verging thrust, and b) the Trévaresse and Aix-Eguilles thrusts are deep structures rooted in the Triassic at a depth of between 7 and 8 km.

The implication of this new knowledge on the seismotectonic model of western Provence is that the front of the Alpine deformation between the Aix-en-Provence and Salon-Cavaillon fault systems, which acted as lateral ramps, lies some 7 km farther south near the northern limb of the Arc syncline. In addition, it is seen that the Alpine-Provence thrusts, considered as still active (having given rise to the 1909 earthquake with an epicentral intensity of VIII-IX), are not shallow reverse faults but correspond to major tectonic structures affecting the full thickness of the Meso-Cenozoic cover.     

Neoproterozoic subductions and differential exhumation of western Hoggar (southwest Algeria): new structural, petrological and geochronological evidence

The western terranes exposed east of the Pan-African suture in western Hoggar (southwest Algeria), are reexamined in the light of new structural, petrologic and by the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar laser probe data on metamorphic micas and amphiboles. To the north, the Tassendjanet nappe includes the Paleoproterozoic basement, its Mesoproterozoic cover and mafic rocks representing the roots of a ca. 680 Ma arc overlain by Late Neoproterozoic andesites and volcanic greywackes. The nappe preserved at rather shallow crustal level in the east was emplaced southward (D_1a) to southeastward (D₂). In the south, two metamorphic suites are distinguished. The Tideridjaouine–Tileouine high-pressure metamorphic belt (T=550–600 °C, P=1.4–1.8 GPa) represents a slab of subducted continental material exposed along the western edge of the In Ouzzal granulite unit interpreted as a microcontinent. Differential exhumation of tectonic slices from the high-pressure belt occurred around 615–600 Ma through a system of west-directed recumbent folds (D_1b). The Egatalis high grade belt in the west was intruded by syn-metamorphic gabbro–norite bodies. It includes unretrogressed low-pressure granulite facies rocks (T around 750–800 °C, P0.45 GPa) cooled at a rate of 15°/m.y. between 600 and 580 Ma, and followed by the emplacement of several late-kinematic granitic plutons. Final exhumation of the low-pressure, high-temperature metamorphic rocks, that are not found as pebbles in the molasse, took place in the Late Cambrian. The early and relatively fast cooling of the high-pressure and high-temperature metamorphic rocks of the southern part of the Tassendjanet terrane is at variance with the slow cooling of central Hoggar where repeated magmatic activity as young as Late Cambrian occurred [Lithos 45 (1998) 245].     

Seismically induced soft-sediment microstructures (seismites) from Meikleour, western Strathmore, Scotland

At the distal portion of a large glacial outwash fan in eastern Scotland, a suite of both macro- and microstructures was examined. The macrostructures reveal intense soft-sediment deformation indicative of liquefaction, fluidization and loading processes possibly associated with neotectonic effects of seismic activity along the nearby Highland Boundary Fault. The section at Meikleour has already been examined at the macroscale and an interpretation put forward. In a follow-up study, microstructures were examined using micromorphological techniques to attempt to establish if this technique could be successfully used, and to reconsider the macroscale interpretation. In light of micromorphological analyses, a similar interpretation of neotectonic deformations associated with seismic activity is suggested. Microstructures, never hitherto observed in fine glaciofluvial outwash, were interpreted as those possibly associated with strong seismic tremors, since no evidence existed for subsequent overriding by glacial ice, mass movement or related processes that might otherwise explain such unusual microstructures. This work further establishes the validity and reliability in using micromorphological analyses.     

Pinch-and-swell structures at the Middle/Upper Muschelkalk boundary (Triassic): evidence of earthquake effects (seismites) in the Germanic Basin

A limestone bed with synsedimentary deformations is described from the Middle/Upper Muschelkalk boundary (Middle Triassic) of Thuringia, Germany. The deformation structures have an elongated geometry in a preferential N-S to NNW-SSE direction and are several metres across in size. They are similar to ball-and-pillow structures but differ from these by absence of significant loading into underlying beds. Their development is interpreted as a result of bed-internal deformation with bed thickening due to lateral contraction and bed thinning due to stretching. This deformation mechanism is comparable to the one producing boudinage structures, in particular pinch-and-swell structures. The deformation style and size of these structures and their widespread occurrence together with other synsedimentary deformation structures support their interpretation as earthquake-induced structures (seismites). Synsedimentary deformation structures are common features that occur in a narrow stratigraphic unit at the Middle/Upper Muschelkalk boundary in different parts of the Germanic Basin and point to tectonically influenced changes in the depositional regime and basin organization. Further examples of pinch-and-swell structures from the Lower and Upper Muschelkalk suggest that tectonics significantly influenced the sedimentation in the Germanic Basin during Middle Triassic time.     

Modelling wind-erosion risk in the Laghouat region (Algeria) using geomatics approach

Wind-erosion risk is a challenge that threatens land development in dry-land regions. Soil analysis, remote sensing, climatic, vegetal cover and topographic data were used in a geographic information system (GIS), using multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to map wind-erosion risk (R_we) in Laghouat, Algeria. The approach was based on modelling the risk and incorporating topographic and climatic effects. The maps were coded according to their sensitivity to wind erosion and to their socio-economic potential, from low to very high. By overlapping the effects of these layers, qualitative maps were drawn to reflect the potential sensitivity to wind erosion per unit area. The results indicated that severe wind erosion affects mainly all the southern parts and some parts in the north of Laghouat, where wind-erosion hazard (H_we) is very high in 43% of the total area, and which was affected mainly by natural parameters such as soil, topography and wind. The results also identified features vulnerable to R_we. The product of the hazard and the stake maps indicated the potential risk areas that need preventive measures; this was more than half of the study area, making it essential to undertake environmental management and land-use planning.     

Shape and amount of the Quaternary uplift of the western Rhenish shield and the Ardennes (western Europe)

A good evaluation of the Quaternary uplift of the Rhenish shield is a key element for the understanding of the Cenozoic geodynamics of the western European platform in front of the alpine arc. Previous maps of the massif uplift relied on fluvial incision data since the time of the rivers' Younger Main Terrace to infer a maximum post-0.73 Ma uplift of ~ 290 m in the SE Eifel. Here, we propose a new interpretation of the incision data of the intra-massif streams, where anomalies in the terrace profiles would result from knickpoint retreat in the tributaries of the main rivers rather than from tectonic deformation. We also use additional geomorphological data referring to (1) deformed Tertiary planation surfaces, (2) the history of stream piracy that severely affected the Meuse basin in the last 1 Ma, and (3) incision data outside the Rhenish shield. A new map of the post-0.73 Ma uplift of the Rhenish shield is drawn on the basis of this enlarged dataset. It reduces the maximum amount of tectonic uplift in the SE Eifel to ~ 140 m and modifies the general shape of the uplift, namely straightening its E–W profile. It is also suggested that an uplift wave migrated across the massif, starting from its southern margin in the early Pleistocene and currently showing the highest intensity of uplift in the northern Ardennes and Eifel. These features seem to favour an uplift mechanism chiefly related to lithospheric folding and minimize the impact on the topography of a more local Eifel plume.     

Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian) ammonites from southern Morocco and south western Algeria

On the basis of nine lithostratigraphical profiles, 23 cephalopods taxa (nautilus and ammonites) are described from the Preafrican Trough and the Kem Kem region. Among them, a new species is proposed: Spathites (Jeanrogericeras) asflaensis nov. sp. This fauna is placed in its biostratigraphical framework and correlated with the standard zonation of the late Cenomanian–early Turonian. Moreover, stratigraphic correlations are proposed for the whole Maghreb from the Tarfaya Basin in the west to central Tunisia in the east. Selected taxa reveal the paleogeographical context of the western Tethys; a complex distribution of emerged areas and epicontinental seas impacted by an important marine trangression that constantly modified the costaline.     

Impacts of simultaneous action of drought and overpumping on Quaternary aquifers of Glafkos basin (Patras region, western Greece)

 The Glafkos river basin extends southeast of Patras and is the city's main groundwater reservoir. In the last few years, a steady decline of the groundwater level has been observed in 19 wells due to overpumping and prolonged drought periods. The present paper assesses the adverse simultaneous effects of drought and overpumping on the groundwater regime. Analysis of the rainfall data of the last 60 years shows a decrease of precipitation during the last decade. Runoff measurements show a decrease in the outflow of the Glafkos river. The increased water pumping and the decrease of recharge during the last decades have resulted in depletion of the aquifers. Chemical analyses showed a constant reduction of the groundwater quality. Comparison of piezometric maps of two periods with a 19-year interval shows a clear decline of the general piezometry as a result of overpumping and drought. Received: 11 January 1995 · Accepted: 21 November 1995     

Late Quaternary and current deformation in the western Tunka system of basins: evidence from structural geomorphology and seismology

Integrated seismological and structural geomorphological studies of the western Tunka system of basins in the southwestern Baikal rift show that the historic seismicity reflects the general Late Quaternary evolution trend of structures. Crustal deformation occurs mainly as transpression. Compression follows block boundaries and the northern mountainous borders of basins, whereas extension acts upon basin inner parts which remain in “tectonic shadow” during left-lateral strike-slip motions on W-E faults. Principal stresses inferred from earthquake mechanisms are most often a combination of horizontal NW extension and oblique or vertical compression in the basins and vertical extension with horizontal NE compression in the bordering ridges and along block boundaries. The general deformation style in the region is dominated by strike-slip faulting, and compression (shortening) dominates over extension.     

Quaternary palaeoceanographic changes in the northern South China Sea (ODP Site 1146): radiolarian evidence

The abundance and accumulation rates of siliceous microfossils in the northern South China Sea, including radiolarians, diatoms and sponge spicules, increased during most glacial intervals within the past 1100 kyr. Similar trends are observed in the index of thermocline surface radiolarians (TSR), diatom accumulation rates (DAR), charcoal accumulation rates (CAR) and the abundance of radiolarian species Cycladophora davisiana davisiana. Decreasing sea‐surface temperature accompanied by increased seasonality since 900 ka is indicated by a decline in the tropical radiolarian assemblage, including Tetrapyle octacantha and Octopyle stenozona, and by an increase in the subtropical assemblage, including Pterocorys zancleus, Peromelissa phalacra and Ommatartuts tetrathalamus tetrathalamus. Rapid increases at about 800 to 700 ka of siliceous microfossils, charcoal, subsurface and intermediate radiolarians, as well as the TSR index and the DAR, imply a fundamental shift in climate and a shoaling thermocline. Although these fundamental changes in the silicious fauna and flora of the South China Sea take place within the context of a developing 100‐kyr cycle, they do not change in step with changing sea‐level as indicated by marine δ¹⁸O. This is most clearly illustrated by the step‐like increase in silica accumulation (radiolaria, diatoms and sponge spicules) at 680 ka. Rather, these fundamental changes probably reflect intensified surface productivity associated with enhanced East Asian winter‐monsoon circulation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anthropogenic contamination of groundwater with nitrate in arid region: case study of southern Hodna (Algeria)

In southern Hodna, an arid region of Algeria, the extension of irrigated agriculture and overexploitation of groundwaters have led to a rupture with traditional land use by pastoralism. Due to the arid conditions, groundwaters are the only water resources for man and irrigation. This study focuses on nitrate contamination of groundwaters and its increase since the last 40 years, on the basis of two archives and recent analyses. The chemical facies of waters is sulphate-chloride, the risk of salinity is moderate to large. The sodicity risk, as estimated by the SAR, is low due to the large salinity and the sandy soil texture. Nitrate contamination of deep groundwater is a clear evidence when recent data are compared to the historical data. From 1996 to 2008, the proportion of samples with NO ₃ ^? concentrations larger than 50 mg/L increases from 24 to 61 %, the proportion of samples with NO ₃ ^? concentrations larger than 100 mg/L increases from 12 to 27 %. The study points at a general contamination of aquifers from anthropic origin: phreatic water was already contaminated when pastoralism was dominant (1967); as population increased and irrigation agriculture developed with large use of N-fertilizers and organic amendments, contamination extended spatially and vertically to deep aquifer. To remediate this contamination, fertilizers should be fractionated and limited to plant requirements on the basis of soil and plant analyses. Excess of irrigation should be avoided. Soil surface should be continuously covered to prevent nitrate leaching. Secondly, more efficient irrigation techniques, such as localized irrigation, should be implemented, with adaptation of crop systems and fertilizer inputs to arid conditions. Farmers should then be trained; simultaneously, local agronomic references that are presently lacking should be acquired.     

Hydrographic network as a marker of Quaternary tectonics: the example of El Mencha River from the Kaous region,Jijel, Algeria

A river can be an excellent marker of Quaternary tectonics. This method is applied to the El Mencha River case study (Jijel), which is an active region of Northern Algeria. In the Kaous locality (wilaya of Jijel), El Mencha River shows, at some points of its course, a difference in the banks’ altitude and a sinuosity that contrasts with the gentle slope. The right bank is in a high position with respect to the left bank. Bank uplift is emphasized notably by the staging of the stepped alluvial terraces. The oldest of these terraces is found about 6 m from the current level of the riverbed. On the left bank, the floodplain is very flared, with traces of abandoned or immature channels. Prospecting by electrical imaging has highlighted (i) superficial resistant unstratified and lenticular fluvial layers above conductive stratified deposits; (ii) an abnormal contact between the resistant and the conductive layers interpreted as a NE-SW fault zone, and (iii) the evidence of filled paleovalley which manifests as a V-shaped incision in stratified deposits. Channel pattern adjustment involving a lateral migration of the riverbed and the uplifted alluvial terraces are a consequence of the fault activity during the Quaternary period.     

Quaternary reactivation of flexural-slip folds by diapiric activity: example from the western Ebro Basin (Spain)

In the western sector of the Ebro Basin two types of structures deform the Quaternary terraces and pediments developed by the Ebro River and its tributaries: (1) folds up to 10 km long in the lower levels of fluvial terraces and (2) normal listric faults that produce tilting and rollover anticlines of the Quaternary deposits. Both types of structures are linked to the geometrical and lithological features of the Tertiary beds that underlie the Quaternary deposits. Quaternary folds, whose axes are parallel to the strike of the Tertiary beds, are the result of reactivation of Tertiary large-scale (60 km long) folds due to diapirism of their gypsum cores, where the gypsum units reach a maximum thickness of 3 000 m. This reactivation produced flexural-slip in some beds on the limbs of the folds, bringing about the folding of the overlying Quaternary terraces. The mechanism of Quaternary folding involves layer-parallel shear in alternating Tertiary units and folding linked to detachments and reverse layer-parallel faults. Normal listric faults are widespread throughout the studied area. They are partly parallel to low dipping Tertiary beds and are the result of a NNE-SSW tectonic extension, compatible with minor structures and focal mechanisms of recent earthquakes. The relationship between the two kinds of Quaternary structures indicates that diapirism of the gypsum cores of the anticlines was activated by extensional tectonics.     

Fluoride contents in groundwaters and the main consumed foods (dates and tea) in Southern Algeria region

In the Algeria South, the dental fluorosis is a “silent” epidemic spreading within the populations. The present study was aimed to determine the fluoride content in water, dates and tea that are widely consumed. The results reveal that 35% of water wells had excessive fluoride levels (>1.5 mg/L). The eastern areas where dental decay is the most widespread pathology present the highest contents. Dates, tea and water are considerable sources of fluoride, with a daily contribution of 10, 20 and up to 70%, respectively. For these three sources, the daily intake of fluoride ingested by an adult exceeds the proposed safe threshold of 0.05–0.07 mg/kg day.     

楚雄盆地西缘下侏罗统冯家河组震积岩特征及其地质意义

震积岩是古地震事件的重要记录,依托大比例尺区域地质调查,在滇西楚雄盆地西侧陆相红层冯家河组中识别出一套陆相震积岩体系。通过对宏观露头和岩石薄片微观观察,总结了该套地层的震积岩标志,主要包括微断裂、震褶岩、液化变形构造、砂岩脉、沙火山、负荷构造、火焰构造、枕状构造、球状构造、角砾岩化、地裂缝等原地相的震积构造及震浊积岩、震积泥石流等异地相震积岩。综合地层柱状结构图,建立了冯家河组陆相震积岩垂向震积岩结构序列。冯家河组震积岩的发现对研究楚雄盆地构造演化具有重要意义,并为楚雄盆地油气勘探提供了地质依据。     

Field and petrological evidence for a Late Palaeozoic (Upper Carboniferous–Permian) age of the Erfaulet orthogneiss (Gran Paradiso,western Alps)

In the Gran Paradiso massif (western Alps), the boundary between the Erfaulet orthogneiss and the overlying metasediments (Money Complex) is interpreted as a Late Palaeozoic intrusive contact. Major arguments in favour of this hypothesis are: (i) the obliquity of the sedimentary layering with respect to the contact; (ii) the presence of aplitic dykes within the Money Complex; (iii) the lack of a mylonitic zone; and (iv) rare relics of an early generation of garnet in the Money metasediments, interpreted as evidence of the contact metamorphism of the Erfaulet granite. To cite this article: B. Le Bayon, M. Ballèvre, C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004).     

Focal mechanism inversion in the Giudicarie–Lessini seismotectonic region (Southern Alps, Italy): Insights on tectonic stress and strain

A set of 41 focal mechanisms (1989–2006) from P-wave first polarities is computed from relocated seismic events in the Giudicarie–Lessini region (Southern Alps). Estimated hypocentral depths vary from 3.1 to 20.8 km, for duration magnitudes (M_D) in the range 2.7–5.1. Stress and strain inversions are performed for two seismotectonic zones, namely G (Giudicarie) and L (Lessini). This subdivision is supported by geological evidence, seismicity distribution, and focal mechanism types. The available number of data (16 in G, 22 in L) does not make possible any further subdivisions. Seismotectonic zones G and L are undergoing different kinematic regimes: thrust with strike-slip component in G, and strike-slip in L. Principal stress and strain axes in each sub-region show similar orientations. The direction of maximum horizontal compressive stress is roughly perpendicular to the thrust fronts along the Giudicarie Belt in zone G, and compatible with right-lateral strike-slip reactivation of the faults belonging to the Schio-Vicenza system in zone L. On the whole, kinematic regimes and horizontal stress orientations show a good fit with other stress data from focal mechanisms and breakouts and with geodetic strain rate axes.     

Quaternary mammal remains from the Krasniy Yar locality (Tomsk region,Russia)

The geological structure and faunal content of one of the principal localities for Quaternary mammal remains in Western Siberia, Krasniy Yar (Tomsk region, Russia) are considered. This locality contains 3 layers of bone remains: lower (Middle Neopleistocene), middle (the end of Late Neopleistocene) and upper (end of Neopleistocene—beginning of Holocene). The richest horizon in number of species and the quantity of remains is the middle horizon, which contains the mammoth fauna.