Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
many others in the world, are valuable for geoscience pop-
ularization and promotion of Earth Science education
(Santos
2008
).
5
Conclusion
About 10 dinosaur track sites are known in Algeria. Among
them is the Amoura site in Djebel Bou Kahil, eastern Sah-
aran Atlas, which is one of the oldest known scienti
c ref-
erences to dinosaur tracks in the world. Numerous sites have
been identi
ed in recent years in the El Bayadh area
(Western Saharan Atlas); these contain theropod as well as
sauropod footprints and trackways. Some of them are
exceptionally large and are very well preserved. These sites
are mostly abandoned and no serious action has yet been
taken to protect and conserve them. Some of these sites are
in an advanced state of decay. Geoconservation measures
should include: (i) the protection of these sites through the
establishment of geological protected areas; (ii) providing
facilities for scienti
Fig. 18
Amoura track site. At right, a limestone slab containing
footprints have been removed
belts to the north. The contrast between the two domains can
be easily observed from this location. Amoura is also a site
of historical cultural heritage, with its old ksars (forti
c, educational, cultural and touristic
purposes; and (iii) the creation of geoparks, notably, in the
region of El Bayadh.
ed
villages), gardens, old sundial and the presence of an
archaeological site near the village. Given its scienti
c,
educational and cultural signi
cance, it is urgent that the
Amoura site be declared a protected area and a geological
heritage site.
The dinosaur track site of Tiout is less well known and
the presence of dinosaur footprints at this site is hard to
locate by non-experts given the small number of these tracks
and their small size. The location of these footprints on a
vertically uplifted limestone slab protects them from climate
hazards. However, the site remains unknown to the author-
ities and the lack of reporting of its presence could lead to its
destruction, e.g. from limestone mining. Consequently, it is
extremely important and necessary to report the presence of
the site in the very near future and to classify it as a protected
natural site.
In Djurdjura, slabs containing dinosaur footprints have
been removed and are now in the Geological Museum of the
Polish Geological Institute (Poland). No study has been
undertaken since the discovery of this site; therefore, a new
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