Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
2
Description of Some Algerian Geosites
treasures. A secondary objective is to use the GeoAl project
in order to compile an inventory of the geological and
geomorphological sites of outstanding value in Algeria, to
create a dynamic database, and to identify potential areas
that could be promoted as geoparks. An additional aim of
this paper is to promote the creation of Geoparks which are
one of the most appropriate tools to protect Algerian geo-
heritage, and to enhance selected areas through the devel-
opment of geotourism.
A Geopark is de
In this part of the paper, some areas with exceptional geo-
logical sites, which are part of the selected sites for inclusion
in GeoAl database, will be described. These areas are suit-
able to be enhanced into Geoparks. This list is not exhaus-
tive but the selected regions consist of outstanding geosites
that give an overview of the Algerian geoheritage.
ned globally as a territory that includes
2.1
The Eocene-Quaternary Volcanism
of Hoggar Massif
a signi
cant number of geological heritage sites i.e., geo-
sites, because of their scarcity or aesthetic appearance. These
Earth heritage sites are part of an integrated concept of
protection, education and sustainable development. Contrary
to legislation which exclusively aims to protect a site, a
Geopark achieves its objectives through a three-pronged
approach:
Eocene-Quaternary volcanism of Hoggar massif, covering
an area over 10,000 km
2
is one of the magmatic districts
among the most important in North Africa (Girod
1971
;
Dautria
1988
). This intraplate volcanism cross-cuts an old
Precambrian crust composed of granulite and amphibolite
(Bendaoud et al.
2004
) mainly of Paleoproterozoic age, with
few Archaean fragments (Peucat et al.
2003
; Bendaoud et al.
2008
), and Pan-African granite (Li
”
(UNESCO
1999
). This allows not only the direct involve-
ment of the public authorities that create the legislation to
preserve natural resources, but also the local communities,
educators, universities, and non-government organisations
(NGOs).
“
conservation,
education
and
geotourism
é
geois et al.
2003
). It
crops out in various regions, including Eg
(2,800 km
2
),
é
r
é
Fig. 1
Satellite image of Algeria
(Landsat 7 ETM+) showing the
main geological domains and
location of several exceptional
geosites
