Growth-strata geometry in fault-propagation folds: a case study from the Gafsa basin, southern Tunisian Atlas

The structural and sedimentological study of fault-propagation folds in Southern Tunisia highlights a special geometry of the growth strata (strata deposited simultaneously with the formation or growth of a fold). This distinct geometry is visible in the uppermost growth-strata beds and consists of one flank with unconformity as opposed to the other flank with perfect conformity. This geometry can be explained by the mechanism of fault-propagation folding, with asymmetrical flank dips and hinge migration kinematics. This kinematics was originally predicted by the fault-propagation fold model, which facilitates the study of this special geometry in a narrow domain of sedimentation-to-shortening ratios. A plot projection provides a generalisation of the results of all types of fault-propagation folds by revealing the expected geometry of the growth strata. This study constitutes one of the most complete examples of kinematic model validation on a field scale.     

Lithostratigraphy and geodynamic evolution of Lower Cretaceous sedimentary depocenter infilling,in Western Saharan Atlas (Algeria)

The Lower Cretaceous series, in the Western Saharan Atlas, shows important detritic deposits, particularly continental to nearshore red sandstones. Lithologically, it is an alternation of red clay and sandstone intercalated with some carbonate levels at the lower part of the series. These series can be subdivided into three lithostratigraphic units corresponding to Valanginian-Hauterivian, Barremian, and Aptian-Lower Albian. The lithostratigraphic analysis used to reconstitute the important subsidence in the Lower Cretaceous period, particularly in the Lower Albian. The Lower Cretaceous series could be considered as a geodynamic model characterized by individualization of independent depocenter filled with different detritic material and separated by Jurassic structures. This new situation appeared in the beginning of Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian-Hauterivian), following the Neocimmeriean tectonic phase, and it is increasing in the Early Albian, where differences of thicknesses are more important and allow the distinction of the depocenter. The biostratigraphic analysis of the clay samples yielded some foraminifera and palynomorphs. Benthic and planktonic foraminifera confirmed the Hauterivian age of the basal formation, also, two dominant forms of palynomorphs were recognized; according to the large stratigraphic distribution of the identified forms, it can be attributed to the Lower Cretaceous.     

Kinematic Evolution Model of Fault-Related Anticline based on the Study of the Striated Pebbles of the Related Growth-Strata: A Case Study of the Es Satah Anticline in Southern Tunisian Atlas,Tunisia

Geotectonics - Through several stations on the forelimb of the Es Satah anticline belonging to Gafsa basin part of the southern Tunisian Atlas, an analysis of the striations encountered on the...     

Le volcanisme cambrien du Maroc central : implications géodynamiques

In southeastern Central Morocco, the Bou-Acila volcanic complex is considered of Cambrian age. In spite of low-grade metamorphic effect, initial volcanic texture and mineralogy can be recognized and volcanic rocks are dominated by dolerites and porphyric dolerites. The initial mineralogy is composed of plagioclases, pyroxenes and dark minerals. A secondary mineral assemblage is composed of albite, epidote, chlorite and calcite. According to their immobile elements compositions, the southeastern central Morocco metavolcanites are of within-plate continental tholeiites. This volcanism and those recognized in many other areas in Morocco confirm a Cambrian extensive episode within the Gondwana supercontinent. To cite this article: H. Ouali et al., C. R. Geoscience 335 (2003).To cite this article: H. Ouali et al., C. R. Geoscience 335 (2003).     

Évaluation de la qualité de l'eau par application de la méthode géoélectrique : exemple de la plaine d'El Mida–Gabes nord (Sud tunisien)

The Mida plain, which is part of the North Gabès region (southern Tunisia), is characterized by the deep sandy units of the ‘Continental intercalaire’ (CI) or the limestone of the Lower Senonian. A geophysical survey, by electrical sounding (ES), was undertaken in the studied region to better characterize the deep geological structure of this plain and therefore its aquifer resources potential. The analysis of the results shows that the prospected zone is characterized by the succession of several levels with contrasted resistivities, which are often affected by faults. Among these observed geoelectrical levels, the highly conductor one could host a saline aquifer. Another geoelectrical level corresponding to the resistant bedrock detected at Oudhref horst can contain better-quality water than that of the aquifer detected in the El Mida Graben. In this work, we tried to explain the origin of the salinity of this aquifer. Thus, we hypothesise about a contamination from Jebel Zemlet El Beida through a border fault and another one from the Sebkhet El Hamma. To cite this article: A. Mhamdi et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).     

Spatial distribution of regionalized variables on reservoirs and groundwater resources based on geostatistical analysis using GIS: case of Rmel-Oulad Ogbane aquifers (Larache,NW Morocco)

In many countries of the world, groundwater is the main source of water in arid and semiarid regions. The scarcity of water is one of the main issues in Morocco. The coastal aquifer system of Rmel-Oulad Ogbane is recognized as one of the most important aquifers in Morocco and is very well known for their role in industrial, economic, and social development. However, this role is confronted to climate change impacts and heavy abstraction rates leading to a major decline in the groundwater levels and may eventually cause a deficit water balance of the aquifer as well as a degradation of the freshwater quality by seawater intrusion. The objective of this research is to identify and evaluate the distribution and spatial changes of regionalized variables on reservoirs and groundwater resources using geostatistical analysis in Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The prediction of these variables was performed using an interpolation method: ordinary kriging in a GIS. The normality test and trend analysis were applied to each variable to select the appropriate semivariogram model (SVM) and check the results using cross-validation (CV). Hence, several kriged maps of reservoirs and water resources have been produced to be exploited by the decision maker. The studied variables related to reservoirs and hydrodynamic data have a strong spatial dependence, which show correlations in specific direction, while the hydrochemical data are mainly related to groundwater mechanisms, such as advective-diffusive transport, without any autocorrelation between data.     

Evaluation of Combined Base Soil Erodibility and Granular Filter Efficiency

Filters managed in zoned dams are designed according to criteria based on the grain size distribution of both filter and eroded soil. However, the constriction size distribution of the filter is the key parameter which governs the filter retention process of flowing eroded particles. To assess the filter efficiency regarding eroded particles, several filters and base soils are tested in a vertical cell with a configuration coupling erosion and filtration processes. For setting the boundary condition of eroded particles at the filter inlet, hole erosion test (HET) was performed on the base soil. The investigation of the evolution of filter behavior shows that the void ratio and the grain shape are of a great influence on filter efficiency. A new approach of filter clogging was proposed by evaluating a damage index which is affected by various parameters such as the ratio D₁₅/d₈₅ and the size of eroded particles. An approach linking the geometrical parameters (damage index) to the hydraulic conductivity leads to an estimation of the filter performance which provides a more quantifiable and realistic criterion. The results indicate that even existing criteria were not met; the tested filters remain efficient as regards to experimental data. An analytical approach based on constrictions size distribution was used and pore reduction was matched with experimental results.

     

Assessment of climate change and associated impact on selected sectors in Poland

The present paper offers a brief assessment of climate change and associated impact in Poland, based on selected results of the Polish–Norwegian CHASE-PL project. Impacts are examined in selected sectors, such as water resources, natural hazard risk reduction, environment, agriculture and health. Results of change detection in long time series of observed climate and climate impact variables in Poland are presented. Also, projections of climate variability and change are provided for time horizons of 2021–2050 and 2071–2100 for two emission scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in comparison with control period, 1971–2000. Based on climate projections, examination of future impacts on sectors is also carried out. Selected uncertainty issues relevant to observations, understanding and projections are tackled as well.     

Filtrage par reconnaissance des formes d’un profil sismique vertical Vertical seismic profile filtering through the use of pattern recognition

To improve the signal to noise ratio of the vertical seismic profile recordings, we used a filtering method based on pattern recognition. It consists in recognizing along the seismic trace, corresponding to the arrivals of various events, the shape of the P wavelet considered as the training signal. This recognition is made of projections which retain only the signals similar in shape to the P wavelet, the others being attenuated according to their degree of resemblance to the training wavelet. The study undertaken on synthetic and real data shows that this method acts as an effective filter. However, it still depends on a training signal that must be well defined and identifiable.     

The Laalam (Algeria) damaging landslide triggered by a moderate earthquake (M<Subscript>w</Subscript> = 5.2)

On March 20th, 2006, a moderate earthquake (M_w = 5.2) struck the Laalam (NE-Algeria). The damage was centred in the Laalam village where four deaths, 68 injured and more than 40 housing units destroyed making dozens of peoples homeless. Damage and casualties are directly related to an earthquake-induced landslide occurred at 10 km far from the epicenter (ISC relocation). The landslide rupture, mapped by using a ground based survey, is striking NE-SW along a 1-km length rupture with a 45 cm of lateral displacement. The rupture plan is dipping 40° at the surface and showing horizontal striations. A 75 cm of pre-2006 lateral displacement is also observed indicating a repetitive behaviour of the landslide. The last time where the landslide was activated extends back to 1974 following another moderate earthquake. This landslide reminds us the high level hazard of induced ground failures due slope instabilities in mountainous zones of seismically active areas.