Student Research

Omaima Chetioui and Ikram Houassi (M. Sc.) studied the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian succession of the Kef Tiout section (Chellala Mountains, Pre-Atlas Domain, NW Algeria). A detailed facies inventory was carried out, allowing the interpretation of the depositional environment, ranging from subtidal to supratidal, with the identification of a reefal build-up. The novelty of this work lies in the first record, in the Chellala Mountains, of stromatoporoids associated with stromatolites, which represents a excellent addition to the palaeontology of the Jurassic series of the Pre-Atlas Domain. 

Nour Eddin Laggoun and Mohamed Bousmaha (M. Sc.) used remote sensing to conduct lithological and structural mapping of the Bou Saada region, focusing particularly on Cretaceous deposits. Various image processing techniques were applied to optimise Sentinel-2 imagery. Effective lithological discrimination and clear delineation of Cretaceous formations in the region were achieved through the use of false colour composites, band rationing, and principal component analysis (PCA). Linear feature mapping was carried out using both manual and automatic extraction approaches. A linear map revealing the presence of numerous linear trends, including the North Atlas Fault (ANA) passing through the region, was produced. In conclusion, the integration of remote sensing with field data resulted in a new map that complements a part of the 1/200.000 geological map of Bou Saada.