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Evaluation of relative tectonic activity in a semiarid basin: analysis of geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters in the Meskiana watershed

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Abstract

Tectonics is the scientific discipline concerned with the investigation of rock deformation within the Earth's crust and the forces that instigate such deformation. The comprehension of tectonic activity within a particular geographical area stands as an indispensable pursuit, as it serves to elucidate the intricate mechanisms responsible for the genesis of landforms and seismic behavior. The main objective of this study was to assess the relative tectonic activity (RTA) prevailing within the Meskiana basin, NE Algeria. This assessment was based on a multifaceted synthesis of geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters; characterizing landform features to infer tectonic influences. The methodology involved the utilization of various datasets, including the NASA Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM-DEM), geologic maps, satellite images, and fieldwork. GIS techniques and advanced geoprocessing tools were harnessed for the purpose of efficiently handling a diverse array of geographic data layers. The derived indices, namely the hypsometric index, asymmetry factor, transverse topographic symmetry, drainage basin shape index, stream length gradient index, valley floor width-to-height ratio, and mountain front sinuosity index, provide valuable information about the geological and tectonic processes at play in the Meskiana region. They give an understanding of the relative tectonic activity, landscape maturity, and deformation patterns, which is crucial for studying the Earth's dynamic processes and potential hazards like earthquakes and landslides. The analyses encompassed all 19 delineated sub-basins that collectively compose the Meskiana basin. By integrating the relative tectonic activity index (IAT) with the morphometric parameters, the study area was classified into four distinct classes. The results show IAT values of 1.71–2.42. These values represent the relative level of active tectonics in each basin. Basins with IAT values around 1.71–1.85 are classified as “high,” indicating a relatively high level of tectonic activity. Basins with IAT values around 2.00–2.42 are classified as “medium,” suggesting a moderate level of tectonic activity. The study emphasizes investigating morphotectonic features to enhance our understanding of tectonic activity in Neogene North African basins.

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Acknowledgements

The research conducted in this study was overseen by the Laboratory of Applied Research in Engineering Geology, Geotechnics, Water Sciences, and Environment at Setif 1 University, Algeria. The authors would like to extend their gratitude and acknowledge the editor and reviewers for their valuable feedback, which greatly contributed to improving the overall quality of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Architecture, Larbi Ben M’hidi University, Oum El Bouaghi, Algeria

    Hassan Taib

  2. Laboratory of Natural Resources and Management of Sensitive Environments, Larbi ben Mhidi university, Oum Bouaghi, Algeria

    Hassan Taib

  3. Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences, University of Farhat Abbas, Setif, Algeria

    Riheb Hadji

  4. Laboratory of Applied Research in Engineering Geology, Geotechnics, Water Sciences, and Environment, University of Farhat Abbas, Setif, Algeria

    Riheb Hadji

  5. Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa, Tunisia

    Younes Hamed

  6. Faculty of Sciences of Gabes, University of Gabes, Erriadh City, 6072, Gabes, Tunisia

    Mohamed Sadok Bensalem, Soulef Amamria & Besser Houda

  7. Laboratory of Geosystems, Georesources, and Geoenvironmental Research, Gafsa, Tunisia

    Younes Hamed

  8. International Association of Water Resources in the Southern Mediterranean Basin, Gafsa, Tunisia

    Riheb Hadji, Younes Hamed & Besser Houda

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  1. Hassan Taib
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  2. Riheb Hadji
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Contributions

Hassan Taib conducted fieldwork and manuscript preparation; Prof. Riheb Hadji and Younes Hamed reviewed and edited the manuscript and provided supervision and validation of the work; Mohamed Sadok Bensalem and Soulef Amamria assisted with data processing and numerical modeling.

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Correspondence to Riheb Hadji.

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The authors confirm that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper. The authors also state that no funding was received for this study.

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Responsible Editor: Zakaria Hamimi.

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Taib, H., Hadji, R., Hamed, Y. et al. Evaluation of relative tectonic activity in a semiarid basin: analysis of geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters in the Meskiana watershed. Euro-Mediterr J Environ Integr (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-023-00458-z

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