Assessment of Active Tectonics Using Geomorphic Indices and Morphometric Parameters in the Setifian Highlands Region
The present study aims to assess the tectonic activity in the South Setifian allochthonous complex, providing insights into the evolution of the landscape. A morphometric analysis of Jebel Youcef Mountain (JYM) in Eastern Algeria was conducted to assess neotectonic activity. Six quantitative paramet...
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2024-10-01
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| author | Riheb Hadji Hassan Taib Matteo Gentilucci Younes Hamed Rayan Khalil Basim Asghar Maurizio Barbieri Gilberto Pambianchi |
| author_facet | Riheb Hadji Hassan Taib Matteo Gentilucci Younes Hamed Rayan Khalil Basim Asghar Maurizio Barbieri Gilberto Pambianchi |
| author_sort | Riheb Hadji |
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| description | The present study aims to assess the tectonic activity in the South Setifian allochthonous complex, providing insights into the evolution of the landscape. A morphometric analysis of Jebel Youcef Mountain (JYM) in Eastern Algeria was conducted to assess neotectonic activity. Six quantitative parameters were analyzed: stream length-gradient index, asymmetric factor, hypsometric integral, valley floor width-to-valley height ratio, index of drainage basin shape, and index of mountain front sinuosity across the 16 river basins in the region. The geomorphic indices are combined into a single index of relative tectonic activity (IRTA), categorized into four classes: very high, high, moderate, and low. The results identified two major lineament sets. The NE-SW lineament set is the dominant structural feature, playing a key role in driving recent geological processes and deformation in the study area. In contrast, the E-W and NW-SE lineament sets exert a more localized influence, primarily affecting the Jurassic formations at Kef El Ahmar’s central peak in Jebel Youcef, though they exhibit relatively lower tectonic activity compared to the NE-SW lineament set. Based on the relative active tectonic classes, significant neotectonic activity is evident in the study area, as shown by distinctive basement fracturing. The findings contribute to understanding the structural processes in the study area. Furthermore, the study establishes a systematic framework for analyzing tectonic activity and landscape morphology evolution, enhancing our perception of the convergence between the North African Alpine zones and the Atlas range. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-fdf8bb4e05e54ca5b3459e15700c5bc0 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-4834 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Earth |
| spelling | doaj-art-fdf8bb4e05e54ca5b3459e15700c5bc02024-12-27T14:22:00ZengMDPI AGEarth2673-48342024-10-015458360310.3390/earth5040030Assessment of Active Tectonics Using Geomorphic Indices and Morphometric Parameters in the Setifian Highlands RegionRiheb Hadji0Hassan Taib1Matteo Gentilucci2Younes Hamed3Rayan Khalil4Basim Asghar5Maurizio Barbieri6Gilberto Pambianchi7Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences, Ferhat Abbas University, Setif 19137, AlgeriaLaboratory of Applied Research in Engineering Geology, Geotechnics, Water Sciences and Environment, Ferhat Abbas University, Setif 19137, AlgeriaSchool of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, ItalyDepartment of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Campus Universitaire Sidi Ahmed Zarroug, Gafsa 2112, TunisiaFaculty of Earth Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering (DICEA), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, ItalySchool of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, ItalyThe present study aims to assess the tectonic activity in the South Setifian allochthonous complex, providing insights into the evolution of the landscape. A morphometric analysis of Jebel Youcef Mountain (JYM) in Eastern Algeria was conducted to assess neotectonic activity. Six quantitative parameters were analyzed: stream length-gradient index, asymmetric factor, hypsometric integral, valley floor width-to-valley height ratio, index of drainage basin shape, and index of mountain front sinuosity across the 16 river basins in the region. The geomorphic indices are combined into a single index of relative tectonic activity (IRTA), categorized into four classes: very high, high, moderate, and low. The results identified two major lineament sets. The NE-SW lineament set is the dominant structural feature, playing a key role in driving recent geological processes and deformation in the study area. In contrast, the E-W and NW-SE lineament sets exert a more localized influence, primarily affecting the Jurassic formations at Kef El Ahmar’s central peak in Jebel Youcef, though they exhibit relatively lower tectonic activity compared to the NE-SW lineament set. Based on the relative active tectonic classes, significant neotectonic activity is evident in the study area, as shown by distinctive basement fracturing. The findings contribute to understanding the structural processes in the study area. Furthermore, the study establishes a systematic framework for analyzing tectonic activity and landscape morphology evolution, enhancing our perception of the convergence between the North African Alpine zones and the Atlas range.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4834/5/4/30geomorphic indicesmorphometric analysisSouth Setifian HighlandsAtlasic domainAlpine zones |
| spellingShingle | Riheb Hadji Hassan Taib Matteo Gentilucci Younes Hamed Rayan Khalil Basim Asghar Maurizio Barbieri Gilberto Pambianchi Assessment of Active Tectonics Using Geomorphic Indices and Morphometric Parameters in the Setifian Highlands Region Earth geomorphic indices morphometric analysis South Setifian Highlands Atlasic domain Alpine zones |
| title | Assessment of Active Tectonics Using Geomorphic Indices and Morphometric Parameters in the Setifian Highlands Region |
| title_full | Assessment of Active Tectonics Using Geomorphic Indices and Morphometric Parameters in the Setifian Highlands Region |
| title_fullStr | Assessment of Active Tectonics Using Geomorphic Indices and Morphometric Parameters in the Setifian Highlands Region |
| title_full_unstemmed | Assessment of Active Tectonics Using Geomorphic Indices and Morphometric Parameters in the Setifian Highlands Region |
| title_short | Assessment of Active Tectonics Using Geomorphic Indices and Morphometric Parameters in the Setifian Highlands Region |
| title_sort | assessment of active tectonics using geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters in the setifian highlands region |
| topic | geomorphic indices morphometric analysis South Setifian Highlands Atlasic domain Alpine zones |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4834/5/4/30 |
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