Temporal scale imbrication and its importance for interpretation in geocultural sites in Jebel Dahar (Southeast Tunisia)

Geocultural sites combine a high cultural and natural heritage value and are particularly suitable for the interpretation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage. Based on previous geoheritage inventories, this paper analyzes seven geocultural sites in Jebel Dahar (Southeast Tunisia) from the perspective of temporal interrelationships. Through a synthesis on the development of the natural landscape of Jebel Dahar and its occupation by human beings, the work focuses on the importance of the interweaving of temporal scales in the analysis and interpretation of geocultural sites. A specific methodology in four steps is proposed: (i) a synthesis on the components of the site in the form of a text; (ii) a summary table built according to a temporal scale composed of six periods (geological, geomorphological, prehistoric, historical, present and future); (iii) a graphical representation of the interweaving of these temporal scales; (iv) a cartographic representation of the results of the analysis. Steps (iii) and (iv) were applied only to the geocultural sites of Matmata-Beni Issa and Douiret. The paper also emphasizes the importance of the interweaving of temporal scales in the interpretation of geocultural sites. These scales could be part of the criteria for the inventory, selection, evaluation, interpretation and management of geocultural sites.