The Bir Haddada Plain is located in eastern Algeria and is characterized by a semi-arid climate with low rainfall. The irrigation of this region's agricultural lands is almost assured by hundreds of wells that exploit the shallow aquifer. The strong pumping of the shallow aquifer triggered the latter's utter exhaustion. To resolve the irrigation water shortage, we need to explore the subsoils to find potentially exploitable aquifers more closely. The objective is the geoelectric characterization of this area and also the detection of underground water aquifers. The geophysical study by vertical electrical survey (VES) is more adequate because it allows identifying the conductive and resistant layers to the electric field. Exploration by VES was carried out with a spacing of the measuring electrodes ranging from AB = 100 to AB = 1000 m. The study of the results obtained indicates that the prospective zone is distinguished by a filling exceeding 300 m corresponding to the miopliocene formations. These formations are generally clays, conglomerates, and lacustrine limestones. In contrast, the low resistivity values seem to be related to the presence of conductive formations such as Miopliocene gypsum clays or to the presence of Triassic rocks linked to the contact of the bedrock. The maps of the apparent resistivity often show a network of different direction faults.

Une étude stratigraphique et sédimentologique a été réalisée sur une terrasse alluviale de la région d'Oued El Hay, au sud de Batna (NE Algérie). Les structures sédimentaires observées sont principalement des zones d'érosion, des zones inondables, des figures en biseau et des variations d'épaisseur associées à des joints de stratification. Du point de vue sédimentologique, les sédiments sont dominés par des fractions argilo-limono-sableuses, suivies par des fractions de gravier et de cailloux. Les teneurs modérées en CaCO3 résultent de la dissolution des reliefs calcaires à proximité (calcaire crétacé) associée à l'augmentation de la température et l'humidité du milieu. L'observation morphoscopique de grains de quartz avec une loupe binoculaire permet d'offrir une évolution plus ou moins importante, car ils sont souvent émoussés ou sous-arrondis. L'étude sédimentologique a été réalisée sur 16 échantillons prélevés systématiquement du haut vers le bas de la coupe stratigraphique. L'examen de la taille brute de la fraction inférieure à 2 mm a permis d'individualiser 03 niveaux dans des couches sédimentaires, certaines fractions grossières riches (gravier, cailloux et blocs) alternant avec des couches riches en sable et en limon. Le pourcentage de fraction d'argile est dominant et reste pratiquement constant presque tout au long de la section stratigraphique.

Assessment of groundwater potential zones in an arid watershed using GIS and multi-criteria analysis: case of Khanguet Sidi Nadji, North-Eastern Algeria

Boukhenissa, Fares, et al. 2026. “Assessment of groundwater potential zones in an arid watershed using GIS and multi-criteria analysis: case of Khanguet Sidi Nadji, North-Eastern Algeria”. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration 11 (6). Publisher's Version Abstract

Arid regions of Algeria face persistent water crises due to recurrent droughts and growing water demand, especially for drinking water and agriculture. This pressure have led to overexploitation of local aquifers. Accurately identifying potential groundwater recharge zones is therefore critical for sustaining aquifer replenishment and water security. In this study, we assess groundwater recharge potential zones in the Khanguet Sidi Nadji watershed in North-Eastern Algeria, employing a spatial multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology which is based on the AHP, that integrates remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The work methodology uses essential data from ten (10) factors, including lithology, rainfall, curve number, land use, lineament density, slope, drainage density, peak runoff, and soil hydrogeological group. Thematic maps /layers of each factor are produced using ArcGIS 10.8 and integrated using AHP to generate a composite groundwater recharge potential map. Results indicate that areas with high recharge potential comprise approximately one-third of the watershed, covering 27% of the area, moderate potential covers 41% and low potential covers 32%. We validated the final recharge potential map by comparing it with data from 55 high-yield wells distributed across the watershed. A strong correlation (r = 0.74) was found between high-potential zones and well locations. Overall, the findings of this study provide a powerful decision-making tool that contributes to the improved exploitation and protection of groundwater resources, thereby enhancing sustainable water resources management and assisting in addressing the growing challenges of water scarcity in the arid regions of Algeria.

Coniacian (Late Cretaceous) echinoids from the southern Tethyan shelf (NE Algeria) with remarks on their palaeobiology and palaeobiogeography

Schlüter, Nils, et al. 2026. “Coniacian (Late Cretaceous) echinoids from the southern Tethyan shelf (NE Algeria) with remarks on their palaeobiology and palaeobiogeography”. Cretaceous Research 179. Publisher's Version Abstract

Thirteen echinoid taxa are described from Coniacian marl-limestone alternations in three sections south and east of Djebel Metlili, on the southwestern margin of the Aures Mountains in northeastern Algeria. The biostratigraphic framework, based on ammonites and inoceramids, indicates an early to middle Coniacian age. The identified taxa include: Rachiosoma rectilineatum, Phymosoma tamarinense, P. cf. P. mansour, Gomphechinus meslei, Coenholectypus subcrassus, Parapygus coquandi, Petalobrissus trigonopygus, P. rimula, Hemiaster sp., and Mecaster fourneli. Three new species are described, Orthopsis metliliae sp. nov., Coenholectypus sulcatus sp. nov. and a new genus and species referred to the family Phymosomatoidae, Triboporus luluatus gen. et sp. nov. A large amount of well-documented material, comprising 579 specimens, was collected, with the fauna being dominated by the spatangoid Mecaster fourneli. At the genus level, the fauna exhibits characteristics typical of the Tethyan realm, and includes Rachiosoma, Gomphechinus, Mecaster, Parapygus and Petalobrissus. However, at the species level, most taxa are restricted to Algeria. Some are also found in adjacent countries such as Tunisia and Egypt.

New data on the genus Hemipneustes from the Upper Cretaceous of the Aurès Basin (NE Algeria)

Benmansour, Sana, and Adila Kherchouche. 2026. “New data on the genus Hemipneustes from the Upper Cretaceous of the Aurès Basin (NE Algeria)”. Journal of African Earth Sciences 223. Publisher's Version Abstract

This study investigates the biostratigraphic and paleobiogeographic significance of Hemipneustes africanus Deshayes, 1848, with a special attention on its temporal extent and geographical distribution during the Late Cretaceous. The overarching scientific question investigated herein tackles the significance of the distribution and stratigraphic position of this taxon in elucidating its faunal provincialism and dispersal limits within the southern Tethys.

A newly discovered and well-dated occurrence of H. africanus is described in a new area of the Aurès Basin, within the Beni Fedhala syncline (Maafa–Djebel Gueroun, Algeria). This taxon was found associated with the ammonite index species Nostoceras (Bostrychoceras) polyplocum (Roemer, 1841), within the Total Range Zone of the planktic foraminifer Globotruncana calcarata Cushman, 1927, which indicates a Late Campanian age.

The present record represents one of the earliest chronostratigraphically constrained reports of the genus Hemipneustes in the upper Campanian. The limited geographic distribution of the species, restricted to Algeria, Tunisia and Spain, suggests low dispersal ability, further contributing to our general understanding of the regional faunal differentiation within the southern Tethyan region during the Late Cretaceous.

Shallow marine carbonates from the middle Turonian-Coniacian of the Bellezma-Batna mountains (northeastern Algeria): facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction

Moud, Fatma-Zohra, et al. 2026. “Shallow marine carbonates from the middle Turonian-Coniacian of the Bellezma-Batna mountains (northeastern Algeria): facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction”. Carbonates and Evaporites 41 (21). Publisher's Version Abstract

A comprehensive study of the lithological, sedimentological and palaeontological characteristics of deposits belonging to the middle Turonian to Coniacian age in the Bellezma-Batna Mountains was carried out in order to establish a new biostratigraphic framework and interpret the evolution of the palaeoenvironment and sea-level fluctuation during this period. The studied sequences, exposed at Chaabet (Djebel Boukezzez) and Chihat, are mostly composed of marls and limestones. They are mainly composed of three formations: the Marly Limestone of the Chaabet Formation, the Upper Limestone of the Berriche Formation and the Marls of the Chaabet Formation. Biostratigraphic interpretations were based mainly on planktic and benthic foraminifera (H. helvetica, Marginotruncana cf. sigali, Discorbis turnicus, Nezzazatinella picardi HENSON), ostracods (Ovocytheridea sp., Brachycythere ekpo), and rudists Vaccinites praegiganteus, from the lower limestone member at both the Chaabet and Chihat sections, which is considered as a good indicator of the Upper Turonian age. Fourteen types of microfacies were identified and grouped into three facies assemblages- outer, middle, and inner ramp—based on sedimentological and palaeontological features. Sequence stratigraphic analysis establishes five sedimentary sequences that mark successive cycles of transgression and regression. A significant rise in sea level during the middle Turonian led to deep open marine conditions, followed by a regression in the late Turonian and early Coniacian that led to progressively shallower environments. These fluctuations reflect the combined effects of eustatic changes and regional tectonic movements.

Shallow marine carbonates from the middle Turonian-Coniacian of the Bellezma-Batna mountains (northeastern Algeria): facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction

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Assessment of groundwater potential zones in an arid watershed using GIS and multi-criteria analysis: case of Khanguet Sidi Nadji, North-Eastern Algeria

Coniacian (Late Cretaceous) echinoids from the southern Tethyan shelf (NE Algeria) with remarks on their palaeobiology and palaeobiogeography

New data on the genus Hemipneustes from the Upper Cretaceous of the Aurès Basin (NE Algeria)

Shallow marine carbonates from the middle Turonian-Coniacian of the Bellezma-Batna mountains (northeastern Algeria): facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction

Shallow marine carbonates from the middle Turonian-Coniacian of the Bellezma-Batna mountains (northeastern Algeria): facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction