Journal of African Earth Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Spatial change in carbonate precipitation and weathering in response to the Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum warming from northern Iraq” [J. African Earth Sci. 232 (2025) 105824]","authors":"Ali Al-Juboury , Noor T. Al-Taee , Ahmed N. Al-Fattah , Mohammed A. Al-Haj , Imad M. Ghafor , Ahmed H. Al-Obeidi , David L. Dettman , Rowe Harry , Giovanni Zannoni , Raafat M. El Attar , Nasir Alarifi","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105833","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105833","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105833"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphometric and land use integration for erosion susceptibility assessment in the Ma Labiod watershed, NE Algeria, using a compound prioritization framework","authors":"Riheb Hadji ,&nbsp;Hassan Taib ,&nbsp;Younes Hamed ,&nbsp;Sami Yahiaoui ,&nbsp;Khaoula Bedri","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105831","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105831","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil erosion represents a major environmental challenge in semi-arid regions, where fragile landscapes are increasingly affected by human pressures and climate variability. This study investigates erosion susceptibility in the Ma Labiod (ML) watershed, Algeria, through the integration of morphometric parameters (MPs) and land use/land cover (LU/LC) analysis within a GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making framework. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data were employed to extract linear, areal, and relief morphometric parameters, while Landsat 8 imagery was classified into six LU/LC categories. Sub-watershed prioritization was carried out using a correlation-based weighting approach combined with compound factor ranking. The results indicate that sub-watersheds 4, 6, and 9 exhibit high susceptibility to erosion, whereas sub-watersheds 1, 3, 7, and 8 demonstrate moderate vulnerability. Sub-watershed 2 emerged as the most critically affected area, requiring urgent soil conservation measures. The analysis highlights the strong influence of morphometric factors such as drainage density, stream frequency, length of overland flow, and bifurcation ratio, which are further intensified by LU/LC dynamics including vegetation loss and agricultural expansion. By integrating geomorphological attributes with LU/LC information, the study provides a robust and transferable framework for erosion risk assessment in data-limited contexts. The findings contribute actionable knowledge for watershed managers, planners, and policymakers, supporting the development of targeted soil and water conservation strategies and promoting sustainable land management in semi-arid regions of the MENA region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105831"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New data on the periodic evolution of a Holocene lagoon ecosystem: The case of Khnifiss lagoon, southwest Morocco","authors":"El Miloudiya Naji,&nbsp;M'hamed Aberkan,&nbsp;Mfedal Ahmamou,&nbsp;Abderrahim Saadane","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105829","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105829","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Khnifiss lagoon, the only lagoon within Morocco's Saharan bioclimatic zone, is an exceptional environment rich in biodiversity. The study assesses the spatiotemporal evolution of Khnifiss using an innovative multidisciplinary approach, combining geospatial and sedimentological studies confronted with climate-eustatic data. The Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) revealed that the water extent of the main channel experienced its greatest contraction in 1994. The inlet on the right bank migrated west-southwest, with the entrance widening from 762 m in 1986 to 1331 m in 1994, then to 1891 m in 2002 and further to 1942 m in 2014. However, by 2024, it had contracted to 1747 m. The total emerged surfaces varied from 855,347.477 m² in 1986 to 1,392,621.931 m² in 1994. The rates of change in the emerged surfaces showed positive trends during 1986–1994 (62.814 %) and 2002–2014 (5.211 %), but negative trends during 1994–2002 (−28.917 %) and 2014–2024 (−15.203 %). These changes are controlled by the interaction of multiple climato-eustatic factors. The granulometric analysis of the core deposits (C21, C22) revealed fine sediments, well to very well sorted, suggesting excellent sorting and a dynamic combining marine and aeolian processes. The carbonate content of the cores (C21, C22) shows relatively high levels of biodetritic origin. The comparison of the sedimentological characteristics of the lagoonal cores with those of the dunes shows a high degree of similarity, confirming a predominantly aeolian origin of the lagoonal sediments, likely resulting from a significant advance of the dunes, highlighting the need for a sustainable and effective protection strategy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 105829"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145047345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Caulostrepsis taeniola and other sclerobionts on Crassostrea gryphoides shells from the Middle Miocene transgressive deposits of the Chellala Mountains (Algeria)","authors":"Abdelmounim Mazouzi ,&nbsp;Mohammed Nadir Naimi ,&nbsp;Amine Cherif","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105828","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105828","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ichnological study of the Middle Miocene deposits of the Chellala Mountains (Pre-Atlas domain, Algeria) revealed relatively abundant but less diverse sclerobiont communities that are preserved in <em>Crassostrea gryphoides</em> shells. The most prominent trace fossil found is <em>Caulostrepsis taeniola</em>. Other bioerosive traces are represented by <em>Entobia geometrica</em>, <em>Gastrochaenolites</em> isp., and <em>Trypanites</em> isp. The four borings consist of dwelling trace fossils (domichnia) produced by polychaete annelids and endolithic bivalves. Among sclerozoans, epibionts are dominated by the two barnacle species <em>Balanus crenatus</em> and <em>B. stellaris</em>. The ichnoassemblage is assigned to the <em>Trypanites</em> ichnofacies, indicating nearshore, high-energy deposition influenced by storm events, and post-mortem bioerosion. The study of the mid-Miocene transgression in this key area of northern Algeria has made it possible to produce a palaeogeographic map corresponding to the period of maximum sea level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 105828"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of flood risk using integrated GIS and analytic hierarchy process in the Mekerra basin, Northwestern Algeria","authors":"Yacine Abdelbaset Berrezel ,&nbsp;Cherifa Abdelbaki ,&nbsp;Abdesselam Megnounif ,&nbsp;Mohamed Saber ,&nbsp;Mohammed El Amin Benabdelkrim ,&nbsp;Navneet Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105830","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105830","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flash floods are a significant risk in arid regions, especially in the Mekerra Basin of Northwestern Algeria, where rapid urbanization and climatic variability contribute to increasing flood vulnerability. This study integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess flood risk susceptibility in the basin. Eight key factors including, elevation, slope, drainage density, distance from rivers, flow accumulation, land use, topographic wetness index (TWI), and maximum daily rainfall were evaluated to calculate a Flood Susceptibility Index (FSI), categorizing the basin into flood risk levels. The findings show that 52.30 % of the basin is at moderate risk, while 42.37 % is at low risk. High-risk zones, representing 4.72 % of the area, are mainly located near the main wadi, where low-lying terrain, dense drainage networks, and urbanization contribute to increased flood vulnerability. The model achieved an 81 % accuracy when validated against historical flood data from 1986 to 2007, using a comparison of predicted flood-prone areas with observed flood occurrences. High-risk zones near the main wadi require immediate mitigation, such as reinforced infrastructure, while moderate-risk areas need targeted flood measures like improved drainage systems. Low-risk areas should focus on long-term strategies, including land-use planning and maintaining green spaces. The results highlight the combined impact of human activities and natural factors on flood risk, underscoring the importance of improving infrastructure and land-use planning, particularly in urban areas like Sidi Bel Abbes a major city in the basin. These findings underscore the need for targeted flood mitigation in urban areas and offer guidance for policymakers in improving infrastructure, land-use planning, and resilience against floods in the Mekerra Basin and similar regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 105830"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145047332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stable isotope-based tracing of lead (Pb) pollution in aquatic environments: Source apportionment and implications","authors":"Dawit Amana,&nbsp;Tadesse Fetahi","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105827","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105827","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aquatic system contamination with lead (Pb) is an increasing environmental problem due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxic effects on aquatic organisms and humans. This review examines the sources, impacts, and tracing methods of Pb contamination in aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on stable isotopes as a tool for identifying Pb sources. Pb originates from both natural processes, such as geological weathering and atmospheric deposition, as well as human activities like industrial discharges, mining, vehicle emissions, and agricultural runoff. Phosphate-based fertilizers, which are often overlooked, significantly contribute to Pb pollution by causing its accumulation in soils and water bodies through surface runoff and irrigation. Pb isotopic ratios, commonly using ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb, effectively distinguish between ore deposits and environmental Pb sources. Techniques such as Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry provide precise isotopic measurements, enabling accurate source identification. However, factors such as isotopic fractionation, complex source apportionment, analytical limitations, temporal changes, and spatial differences can affect accuracy. Case studies from China's Baiyin mining district, Italy's Sarno River, and France's Orne River highlight the success of Pb stable isotope analysis in differentiating pollutant sources from various human activities. Conversely, Ethiopian water bodies emphasize the urgent need for Pb isotope analysis to guide pollution control efforts. This review advocates for integrating stable isotope analysis into environmental monitoring and policy development as a key step in reducing Pb pollution in aquatic environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 105827"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sedimentary breccias along a temporarily emergent Paleocene/Eocene carbonate ramp, Subatlas area of Marrakech, Morocco","authors":"Abdellah Ait Addi","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105825","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105825","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Subatlas zone of Marrakech (Morocco) provides a Paleocene-Eocene (P/E) sedimentary record outcropping in a NE-SW direction along the northern edge of the High Atlas. The present study reveals, for the first time, new sedimentological data across the P/E (Thanetian-Ypresian?) boundary. These data have remained unknown despite numerous studies conducted in this area. The P/E interval deposits belong to the Anmiter Formation, represented by bioclastic and fossiliferous limestones intercalated with claystones, silty-sandy marls, and phosphorites. Cherts, siliciclastic limestones, and dolostones occur sporadically. The deposits exhibit numerous sedimentary gaps, mainly corresponding to hardgrounds and subaerial exposure surfaces. The microfauna is scarce, consisting primarily of a few ostracods and benthic foraminifera. The distribution of litho-microfacies reflects deposition in marine environments ranging from proximal to relatively distal settings (inner to outer ramp). The breccias were formed through three main processes: (i) weathering in the vadose zone, (ii) intense erosion on elevated areas, and (iii) dissolution of rocks in an epikarst landscape. Megabreccia blocks and debris were likely emplaced through dissolution processes, exacerbated by significant fracturing resulting from tectonic instability under conditions of relative sea-level fall. These findings highlight the complex interaction of tectonic, climatic, and diagenetic factors during the Thanetian-Ypresian transition and provide new insights into the geological history of the Subatlas area. Further high-resolution studies, incorporating proxies such as stable isotopes and microfossil analyses, are necessary to refine the P/E boundary events in this area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105825"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144922833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks related to arsenic exposure and other metal contamination in the water of Afyon Volcanites (Türkiye)","authors":"Can Basaran","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105826","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105826","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the heavy metal contamination of water in volcanic rocks and its effects on human health, with a particular focus on arsenic. A total of 28 water samples were collected from wells and springs on volcanic rocks between June and July 2024. Ca⁺², HCO₃^−, and SO₄⁻² were dominant ions in sampled waters. The average concentrations of heavy metals (μg/L) included Al: 39.9, As: 9.4, B: 29.3, Fe: 108.8, and Mn: 42.2. The water quality index (WQI) values indicated “very good to poor” class, heavy metal pollution index results revealed that 28 % of the samples were not suitable for drinking, while the heavy metal evaluation index results indicated that most of the samples were in “low pollution” class. The average cancer risk of children via ingestion was considered harmful (9.44 × 10⁻⁴); dermal contact was 8.02 × 10⁻⁶, indicating a negligible risk. For adults, the average cancer risk from ingestion was considered harmful (4.05 × 10⁻⁴), while the dermal contact risk indicated an acceptable belt (5.15 × 10⁻⁶). Furthermore, the average hazard quotients via oral ingestion were 2.09 for children and 0.89 for adults. The average hazard quotients for dermal absorption were 0.02 and 0.01 for children and adults, respectively. Water ingestion in the study area may cause carcinogenic health risks for adults and children. An examination of the dermal effect of arsenic revealed that the waters did not pose a health risk. The source of the relatively high arsenic was water-rock interaction with volcanic rocks and possible geothermal water mixing. Further research is needed to take necessary precautions to reduce groundwater pollution, protect local people's health, and transfer water to future generations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105826"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144922832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sedimentology and tectonic record of Late Cretaceous deposits in the western High Atlas, Morocco","authors":"Etienne Jaillard ,&nbsp;Jean-Baptiste Georges-Peretti ,&nbsp;Nezha El Kamali ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Robert ,&nbsp;Moussa Masrour","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105822","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105822","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Late Cretaceous sediments frequently record the paleoenvironmental and paleogeographic changes, which precede the Tertiary Alpine orogeny. The age of the Late Cretaceous deposits of the Moroccan Western High Atlas, has been refined thanks to few paleontological findings and to chemostratigraphical (¹³C) correlations. Coniacian and Santonian shallow marine deposits are dominated by the development of eustacy-controlled carbonate shelves, whereas Campanian and Maastrichtian deposition recorded mainly clastic deposits showing important facies and thickness variability, suggesting a tectonic instability. The appearance of sandstone beds and the fragmentation of the basin in the middle(?) Santonian (≈84 Ma) are interpreted as a result of a mild tectonic event. A significant tectonic event of Late Campanian age (≈77-74 Ma) is marked by the deposition of 50-100m-thick nearshore sandstones, by clastic dykes and mild angular unconformities in the South and by a probable widespread hiatus to the North. The latter area may have been uplifted by at least a few tens of meters. A new, major tectonic event of middle(?) Maastrichtian age (≈70 Ma) is marked, specially to the South and West of the study area, by deposition of up to 300 m-thick shallow marine sandstones, associated with slumps, breccias, clastic dykes and erosions. The absence or reduction of Paleocene deposits in the study area seems to be rather related to eustatic low sea level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105822"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144907646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mixed hydrogenetic–hydrothermal genesis of Quaternary ferromanganese nodules in a tectonically active lacustrine basin, eastern Türkiye","authors":"Tijen Üner","doi":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105823","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105823","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a detailed investigation of the mineralogical, geochemical, and rare earth element (REE) characteristics of ferromanganese nodules found within Quaternary lacustrine sediments in the Ağrı region of Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye. These nodules, primarily composed of goethite and manganite with minor quartz, exhibit botryoidal and colloform textures typical of low-temperature diagenetic environments. Raman and XRD analyses identified significant iron and manganese mineral phases, while SEM-EDX revealed trace amounts of Co, Ni, and Zn associated with these phases. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns demonstrate light REE enrichment, a weak negative europium anomaly (Eu_N/Eu∗ = 0.69–0.84), and variable cerium anomalies (Ce_N/Ce∗ ranging from 0.74 to 1.95, corresponding to both weak negative and positive Ce anomalies), indicating a mixed hydrogenous and hydrothermal origin under fluctuating redox conditions. These geochemical signatures, together with sedimentological evidence, suggest formation within a restricted lacustrine environment characterized by episodic anoxia and limited detrital input. The results contribute to a broader understanding of Fe–Mn mineralization in continental settings and underscore the influence of volcanic and tectonic processes on nodule genesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14874,"journal":{"name":"Journal of African Earth Sciences","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105823"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144895817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}