The August 1st, 2014 (M w 5.3) Moderate Earthquake: Evidence for an Active Thrust Fault in the Bay of Algiers (Algeria)

Benfedda, A.; Abbes, Khadidja; Bouziane, Djillali; Bouhadad, Youcef; Slimani, A.; Larbes, Said; Haddouche, D.; Bezzeghoud, Mourad

doi:10.1007/s00024-017-1481-6

Cited by 28 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Several seismic studies conducted in the eastern Algeria show a relatively low to moderate seismic risk (Benfedda et al, 2017;Hamidatou & Sbatai, 2015;Maouche et al, 2011). Among these studies, we cite the Jijel earthquake 1856 (Harbi et al, 2011), Guelma earthquake 1937 (Benouar, 1994), the Constantine earthquake 1985 (Bounif et al, 1987), Beni Ilmane earthquake 2010 (Beldjoudi et al, 2016) etc.…”

Section: Seismicitymentioning

confidence: 98%

Feasibility study for the southern extension of Mila town (northeast of Algeria) for urbanization purposes: a geotechnical and hydrogeophysical approach

et al. 2023

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The population of Mila is increasing and local authorities are looking for new lands to develop the town and provide housing. However, the soil of these lands is unstable and requires detailed studies to serve as a foundation. This work presents the geotechnical and the geophysical characteristics of the Marechau soils, which forms the southeast extension of the Mila town. To provide an idea about the soil condition, to choose the type of adequate constructions and to make decision for building it, we adopted a geotechnical approach, where we analysed the soils by carrying out core drilling tests, dynamic penetration tests and the laboratory tests. We also, employed the geophysical approach in determining the electrical resistivity so as to map the depth of bedrock roof. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive hydrogeological study, monitoring precipitation and the piezometric level of the aquifer over a period of 200 days, and determined the flow direction. The core drilling test results indicate a clayey soil with limestone blocks. The dynamic penetration test show two categories of soil. The laboratory tests show that the materials analysed are very plastic, over-consolidated and medium to very compressible. They have a medium to high swelling potential and medium amount of aggressiveness to concrete. Besides, the tomography results also showed a single layer land (clay) with massive rocks embedded in it. The piezometric monitoring reveals the presence of two aquifer systems. The first is superficial and the second is deep. They don’t recharge directly after the rain falls and the groundwater flows in the direction of the slope. All the results indicate that solutions must be found for soil movements in the area under study before urbanization takes place. The combination of these results with the location, land morphology, tectonic activity, and seismotectonic aspects suggest that the area presents a high risk, and its urbanization requires rigorous and mandatory precautionary measures.

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Section: Seismicitymentioning

confidence: 98%

Feasibility study for the southern extension of Mila town (northeast of Algeria) for urbanization purposes: a geotechnical and hydrogeophysical approach

et al. 2023

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“…This last, with Ms 6.8, and with epicentre located a few km offshore, triggered a tsunami which was recorded in a large number of stations in the central and western Mediterranean Sea (Vecchio et al, 2014). On August 2014, a moderate-sized earthquake struck the city of Algiers, likely triggered by and active fault in the same bay of Algiers, according to Benfedda et al (2017). Additionally, along the dunar cordon of the Algiers Bay, the combination of natural erosion and the intensive sand extraction produce the backward displacement of the coastal string (Chemrouk and Chabbi, 2016).…”

Section: Gamma Spectrometry Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental radioactivity in a sediment core from Algiers Bay: Radioecological assessment, radiometric dating and pollution records

Errahmani

Noureddine

Abril

et al. 2020

Quaternary Geochronology

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“…Several historical strong earthquakes have been mentioned in the available seismicity catalogs of Algeria (Benouar 1994;CRAAG 1994;Ayadi et Bezzeghoud, 2015). The city of Boumerdès considered, before the May 21, 2003 (Mw = 6.8) earthquake, as a seismically quite and safe area, has to consider now the impact of major active faults recently revealed and/or identified both offshore and onshore Meghraoui et al 2004;Deverchère et al 2005;Benfedda et al 2017). Indeed, the Zemmouri 2003 earthquake revealed a 50 km long active reverse fault, located offshore, oriented NE-SW and dipping 50°to the SW (Bounif et al 2004;Meghraoui et al 2004;Belabbes et al 2009).…”

Section: Seismotectonic Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Liquefaction hazard mapping in the city of Boumerdès, Northern Algeria

Bourenane

Bouhadad

Tas

2017

Bull Eng Geol Environ

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The city of Boumerdès, located in Northern Algeria, was badly affected during the May 21, 2003 Zemmouri (Mw = 6.8) earthquake where extensive liquefaction has been reported. The aim of this paper is to assess and to map the liquefaction potential for Boumerdès. We collected and used data from 154 boreholes, 10 down-hole tests, 56 standard penetrations tests (SPT), and inventory of 35 water level points. This data has been analyzed in the framework of geographical information systems (GIS). We assessed the liquefaction potential index (LPI) by considering a seismic hazard scenario corresponding to a max = 0.48 g calculated, using a probabilistic approach, for a return period of 500 years. LPI values have been correlated to compile the liquefaction hazard map that indicates the quantitative characteristics of the liquefiable layers and the induced disruption probability area. Results show that the main part of the city of Boumerdès belongs to a low liquefaction potential area except for a narrow corridor along the Corso waterway, where the liquefaction potential is moderate to high. The obtained results are compatible with the geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological susceptibility to liquefaction of the area. The results also show a good agreement with the observations made after the May 21, 2003 Zemmouri earthquake. The obtained liquefaction hazard maps may serve as useful tools for land management and planning in the city of Boumerdès and as an example of liquefaction hazard assessment that may be applied in other populated cities in northern Algeria's seismic prone areas.

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The August 1st, 2014 (M w 5.3) Moderate Earthquake: Evidence for an Active Thrust Fault in the Bay of Algiers (Algeria)

Cited by 28 publications

References 34 publications

Feasibility study for the southern extension of Mila town (northeast of Algeria) for urbanization purposes: a geotechnical and hydrogeophysical approach

Feasibility study for the southern extension of Mila town (northeast of Algeria) for urbanization purposes: a geotechnical and hydrogeophysical approach

Environmental radioactivity in a sediment core from Algiers Bay: Radioecological assessment, radiometric dating and pollution records

Liquefaction hazard mapping in the city of Boumerdès, Northern Algeria

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