Forms and deposits of the continental quaternary of the

Saharan margin of Eastern Maghreb (tentative

synthesis)
Jean-Louis Ballais, Hédi Ben Ouezdou

To cite this version:

Jean-Louis Ballais, Hédi Ben Ouezdou. Forms and deposits of the continental quaternary of the
Saharan margin of Eastern Maghreb (tentative synthesis). Journal of African Earth Sciences, Elsevier,
1991, 12 (1/2), pp.209 - 216. �10.1016/0899-5362(91)90070-F�. �hal-01562556�

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Journal of African Earth Sciences, VoL 12, No. 1/2,pp. 209-216, 1991. 0899-5362/91 $3.00+ 0.00
Printed in Thailand @ 1991 PergamonPress pie

Forms and deposits of the Continental Quaternary of

the Saharan margin of Eastern Maghreb (Tentative Synthesis)
J. L. BALLAIS*and H. BEN OUEZDOU**

*Facult6 des Sciences Humaines et Sociales, 94, Boulevard 9 Avril 1938, 1007 Tunis, Tunisie
**Centre des Sciences de la Terre, LN.R.S.T., B.P. 95, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisie

Abstract- The Saharan margin of Eastern Maghreb extends from Auras in the West to the Gulf of Gab~s in the East.
The Plio-Quaternary boundary is very complex in the West where it is characterized by the persistence of Tertiary
sedimentation with the development of ablation forms, presence of crusts and the formation of a lacustrine system. This
is followed by the development of accumulation forms during the Middle Pleistocene and mostly during the Upper
Pleistocene to Holocene with contemporaneous diminution in the gra~ulometry of the deposits.
The evolution of gyperetes at the expense of calcretes crust suffered a partial reverse during the Middle Pleistocene.
At this time a lacustrine phase settled down in the Algero-Tunisian Chotts (sebkhas).
The end of the Middle-Pleistocene corresim~ded with a major climatic break with the disappearance of the calcrctes.
By the end of the Upper Pleistocene, the gylx~etes attained their maximum development and latter disappeared during
the Holocene.

R~sum~ - Ce brian provisoire s'appuie sur les connaissa~ces acquises depuis 25 ans dans les Auras, les Nemencha, la
r6gion des grands Chotts alg6ro-tunisiens, le Dahar et la plaine c&ih'e de Gab~s. I1 permet de mettre en 6vidence
roriginalit6 de la charni~re Plioc~ne-Quatemaire et le rSle des variations climatiques dans revolution quatemaire.
La eharni~re Plioc~ne-Quatemaire monlre,d'une part, lapersistance de certaines earact~ristiques tertiaires (continuit~
de la s&iimentation : d6tritique darts la plaine c.&i/~re, laeustre darts la r6gion des grands Chotts) et, d'autre part,
1'apparition de nouveiles caract6ristiques (formation de crofites gypseuses dans lar6gion des grands ehotts et formation
de crofites calcaires ailleurs). Les formes sont plus vari6es h rOuest (pseudo-rafia, glacis, coul6es boueuses) qu'~ rEst
(p6diment ou glacis). Une r6duction du nombre des niveaux s'observe 6galement de rOuest (3 niveaux) ;~rEst (1 seul
niveau).
A u Pl~istoe~e moyen, les formes d'accumulation (glacisd'accumulation dans les Aur/~s,terrassedans le Dahar et dans
laplaine c6ti~:re)commencent ~se substituer aux formesd'ablation (glacis d'ablationcouvert). AuPl6istochae sup6rieur-
Holoc~e, c.eRetendance se g6n6ralise (terrasse, c6ne alluvial et 6pandage) ~ rexception de la r6gion des grands Chotts
tunisiens.
De lam~me facron,la granulom6trie des d6p6ts, grossih'c au Pl6istoc~neinf6rieur etmoyen, devient fine au Pl6istoc~ne
sup6fieur (avec un gradient W-E) et ~ dominante fine h l'Holoc~ne.
Enfm, r6volution g6ochimique montre le d6veloppement progressif, au Pl6istoc.~nemoyen et surtout au Pl6istoc~e
sup~eur, des crofites gypsenses 0imit6es aux conf'msdes grands Chotts au Pl6istoc~ne inf6rieur) aux ddpens des crofites
calcaires; en effet, si les deux types de crofites altement encore au Pl~istoc~e moyen, les crofites gypsenses dominent
totaleanent an Pl6istoc~ne sup6rieur (sauf dam les Matmata) avant de disparaitre au cours de rHoloc~ne.
Cette 6volution met en 6vidence rexistence d'une coupure climatique fondamentale/, la fm du Pl6istoc~ne moyen et
d'autres moins importantes t la fin du Pl6istoc~e inf6rieur et ~ la fin du Pl6istoc~ne sup6rieur. L'absence d'une phase
lacustre au P16istoc~e moyen posait donc un probl~me majeur et se trouvait en contradiction avec les earact6ristiques
elimatiques de cette p&iode. Des datations radiom6u'iques (T/U) ont pennis r6cemment de conf'Lrmerrexistence d'une
telle phase.

INTRODUCTION zones that are probably due to Quaternary climatic

variations as well as differences in other regional
Since the last 25 years, knowledge of the parameters.
continental Quaternary of the Saharan margin
of Eastern Maghreb has increased considerably. FROM THE S O U T H E R N PIEDMONT
It is n o w p o s s i b l e t o a t t e m p t a r e v i e w of t h e OF T H E ~ TO T H E GULF OF GABES:
Quaternary geology of the region extending from REGIONAL P R E S E N T A T I O N OF T H E
A u r e s i n t h e w e s t t o t h e G u l f o f G a b 6 s in t h e e a s t C O N T I N E N T A L QUATERNARY
(see Fig. 1). T h e a r e a c a n b e s u b d i v i d e d i n t o s i x
d i s t i n c t m o r p h o t e c t o n i c z o n e s a s follows: A u r 6 s , The Southern Piedmont of the Aur~ (Ballais,
Nemencha, Tunisian saline lakes or Chotts, 1984}
Dahar, Matmata basins and the coastal plain of The Pliocene-Quaternary boundary - The end
Gab6s. This study, reveals the similarities in these of the Pliocene sedimentation ( 1000 m total thick-

209
210 J.L. BALL~Sand H. Bss O ~ u

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Fig. I. I~catlon map. I - main reliefs, 2 - limit of morphotectonic zones.

Fig. I. Carte de IocalisaUon. 1 - reliefs principaux; 2 - limite de zone morphotectonique.

ness) is characterized by 200 to 300 m of well represented. It is generally an ablation glacis-

c o n g l o m e r a t e s ( G u i r a u d , 1973) p r o b a b l y fan covered by blocks a n d pebbles sometimes
c o n t e m p o r a n e o u s with the first lacustrine strongly consolidated by a calcareous cement. A
phase in the Melrhir and Merouane Chotts. As second generation of m u d flows is emplaced with
well as the preceeding deposits, they are affected the same characteristics as the first.
by the tectono-orogenic p h a s e of the Lower T h e M i d d l e P l e i s t o c e n e - It is during this period
Quaternary. that the glacis attained their m a x i m u m extension.
A convex-shaped pseudo-rafia was locally The m u d flows dissapear as the t e r r a c e s develop
deposited later with a length of 1 km, width of and the eolian sediments a c c u m u l a t e in the west.
20 m at the u p s t r e a m end and a few meters at the The glacis IV is well developed and is often an
d o w n s t r e a m end. It consists of blocks that can accumulation glacis-fan (of about I0 m of large
attain several cubic meters, often round, loose, stones, bedded, alternating with silt, s a n d s and
covered by a calcrete. By a dip of 6% it t r u n c a t e s gravels). It grades laterally into "6pandages" or
the C e n o m a n i a n limestone which have been cover ablation glacis. It is replaced by the last
vertically redressed, over 300 m above the beds of series of m u d flows still several kilometers in
the present day wadis. length but only 10 to 20 m thick with no terminal
T h e L o w e r P l e i s t o c e n e - The Lower Pleistocene crust.
is characterized by alternation of glacis and m u d The pre Middle Paleolithic Glacis {III) is less
flows. The oldest Glacis (Glacis, VI) younger t h a n developed. It is a n a c c u m u l a t i o n glacis-fan or a
the LowerAcheulian (Ballais, 1984), is represented glacis - terrace a n d occasionally a covered ablation
by some scattered m o u n d s with several meters of glacis-fan. It is only covered by a gypcrete in the
cover consisting of large blocks close to the relief. west and passes laterally into alluvial fans or a very
This covered ablation glacis-fan c h a n g e s eastward restricted terrace. Finally, a lacustrlan phase could
into a c c u m u l a t i o n glacis or fan, The characteristic be produced in the Melrhir a n d Merouane Chotts
calcacrete at the top in the west is .llaitially covered {Ballais et a£, 1985}.
by gypsiferous encrusting and t h e n by a gypcrete T h e U p p e r P l e i S t o c e n e - This was a period of
which r e m a i n s exclusive s o u t h of Nemencha. Mud limited deposition a n d geomorphologic forms.
flows of several kilometers long and several tens of Glacis II, the last glacis-terrace of s a m e age, often
m e t e r s thick containing large blocks of several constitutes the principal terrace. It generally
cubic m e t e r s a n d with a calcrete at the top are sub- possesses a gypcrete. Downstream it grades into a
sequently emplaced. The second glacis (Level V) is m u c h finner fan. A second lacustrian phase is t h u s
 Forms and deposits on the Continen~l Quaternary of the Saharan margins (Tentative Synthesis)
developed in t h e Melrhir a n d Merouane Chotts
(Coque et Gachelin, 1975).
T h e H o l o c e n e - This is a period of complex
deposition (Ballais, 1986) characterized by the
setting u p of new eolian a c c u m u l a t i o n s t h r o u g h -
o u t the Lower S a h a r a (Ballais et BenA~,ouz, 1987).
It is followed by the a c c u m u l a t i o n of a terrace (often
subdivided into 2) several m e t e r s high or stony
f a n s w h i c h d o w n s t r e a m grade into large extensive
a n d m o r e functional playas.
THE REGION OF THE LARGE
TUNISIAN CHOTT8
(Coque, 1 9 6 2 )
The Pliocene-Quaternary boundary
The Tertiary e n d e d with the deposition of the
Continental Terminal Complex consisting of seve-
ral h u n d r e d s of m e t e r s of s a n d s t o n e s , clays a n d
conglomerates. Three regional types c a n be
distinguished. At t h e top, gypsiferous deposits
containing Cerastoderma glaucum represent-
ing a first "lagoonal" p h a s e dated as Lower
Vfllafranchian from m a m m a l i a n f a u n a at Ain
Brimba. These deposits were often deformed
d u r i n g a Villafranchian tectono-orogenic phase.
T h e Middle P l e i s t o c e n e
It is characterized by t h e development of glacis 4
a n d 3. Glacis 4 is limited to a few m o u n d s in front
of Jebel Tebaga a n d is covered by gypcrete. The
ablation Glacis 3 (0,50 m to 6 m of heterometric
cover consisting of t h e m o s t r o u n d e d a n d t h e less
fiat pebbles in all t h e 4 glacis), consits mainly of
m o u n d s or interfluves covered by a gypcrete. It
grades into a terrace n e a r the wadis. The cover
revealed a n A c h e u l i a n industry.
T h e Upper P l e i s t o c e n e
Glacis 2 is generally t h e m o s t developed. The
cover (0,50 m to 5 m) c o n s i s t s of fewer r o u n d e d a n d
relatively m o r e fiat s t o n e s t h a n the precedent. It
p a s s e s laterally into a terrace. A Mousterian
i n d u s t r y characterizes t h e base of t h e cover while
a bladelet i n d u s t r y is p r e s e n t towards the top.
A s e c o n d "lagoonal" p h a s e with Cerastoderma
g / a u c u m is c o n t e m p o r a n e o u s with the develop-
m e n t of this glacis. The gypcrete w h i c h later seals
the cover, equally fossilizes t h e d u n a l a c c u m u l -
ations s o u t h of the Chotts.
Holocene
Glacis i developed d u r i n g t h e Holocene. It is well
developed at t h e foot of the high c h a i n s a n d a r o u n d
t h e base level b u t is also a simple terrace along the
wadis. Its coarse-grained cover (0,50 m to 2 m)
does not c o n t a i n a gypcrete b u t locally silty
g y p s e o u s s a n d s of I to 2 m thickness.
211
Cartographic s t u d i e s a n d recent geomorphologic
observations h a s led to n e w d a t a on this region. In
fact a r o u n d t h e p i e d m o n t s o u t h of Jebel Chebket
Bouloufa (North c h a i n of t h e Chotts), t h e cover of
t h e highest ablation glacis (Glacis 3) is characteriz-
ed by a calcareous c e m e n t with a calcrete (Abbes et
a/., 1986). A conglomerate with calcareous c e m e n t
(capping glacis 3?) t r u n c a t e t h e Lower Cretaceous
s a n d s t o n e s of Draa el Ghorifa ( S o u t h e r n b a n k of
FeJaJ Chott). Elsewhere, in certain sectors like the
s o u t h e r n p i e d m o n t of t h e Meflaoui Chain, five
Q u a t e r n a r y levels c a n be recognized. (Ben
Ouezdou et Zargouni, 1988). A low terrace a n d a
glacis, with coarse grained materials w i t h o u t
e n c r u s t i n g s u c c e e d two G l a c i s - f a n s w i t h
gypcretes. Finally, a conglomerate with calcareous-
s a n d s t o n e c e m e n t w i t h Levallois i n d u s t r y
constitutes the oldest level.
THE WESTERN MARGIN OF DAHAR
(Coque, 1962)
T h e Lower P l e i s t o c e n e
During t h e Lower Pleistocene a p e d i m e n t
developed on the S e n o n i a n limestones with a slight
dip towards t h e west. A zoned f r a g m e n t e d calcrete
(reg) overlies t h e calcareous s u b s t r a t u m . Near the
axes of the m a i n wadis, t h e Lower Pleistocene
consists of a very consolidated conglomerate with
angular calcareous s t o n e s (Coque, 1962).
The Middle P l e i s t o c e n e
The Middle Pleistocene c o n s i s t s of a terrace
a b o u t 5 m high with coarse-grained deposits
containing pebbles 10 to 20 c m long c e m e n t e d into
a conglomerate. Some of t h e pebbles are f r a g m e n t s
ofcalcrete of Lower Pleistocene age (Coque, 1962).
Recent observations (Ballais, 1984: BaUais etal.,
1988) distinguished the following:
- a terrace with a complex composiUon consist-
ing o f silts s o m e t i m e s g y p s e o u s a n d rare
conglomeratic lenses with two calcrete separated
by a gypcrete. This u n i t y is probably Middle
Pleistocene.
- a terrace, a b o u t 4 m high consisting of lenses of
c o n g l o m e r a t e s or c o a r s e - g r a i n e d friable
deposits, alternating with silts a n d calcareous
concretions. This u n i t y is probably Upper
Pleistocene.
- a terrace with thick deposits of a b o u t 2 m consist-
ing of coarse-grained lenses a n d s a n d y with silty
lenses. This u n i t y is probably of Holocene age.
THE MATMATA BASINS
(Coud~-Gaussen e t al., 1984)
Peridesertic loess deposits consisting of very fine
s a n d s a n d silts m a i n l y q u a r t z e o u s are deposited
212 J. L. BALLAISand H. BENOUEZDOU

within t h e b a s i n s on t h e M a t m a t a Plateau. These b r o k e n u p towards t h e coast where it is replaced by

loess with a t h i c k n e s s t h a t c a n attain 20 m, a more recent gypcrete.
contain 4 to 5 altered layers. This r e p r e s e n t s BCa
a c c u m u l a t i o n c a r b o n a t e horizon with calcareous The Middle Pleistocene
concretions of different facies (nodules, friable A high terrace lies within t h e Lower Pleistocene
crust, m o r e or less c o n t i n u o u s t h i n flagstone). glacis a n d c o r r e s p o n d s to a deposit of 5 m
An u p p e r Pleistocene age is attributed to this m a x i m u m thickness, very heterogenous
loess. In fact, t h e m o s t recent three paleosoils consisting of blocks, pebbles a n d fine to coarse
levels have b e e n dated by 14Cas between 10 000 to sands. Semi-fiat a n d r o u n d e d pebbles are pre-
3 2 0 0 0 years B.P. The m o s t a n c i e n t two levels are d o m i n a n t within this deposit originating from
situated time-wise above the 14C limit. Towards the generally clacareous a n d dolomitic terrain
t h e w e s t e r n a n d e a s t e r n borders of the M a t m a t a of t h e M a t m a t a Plateau. The red a n d beige
Plateau, t h e loess d i m i n i s h in t h i c k n e s s a n d silt lenses with calcareous concretions of vary-
become m o r e gypseous. Unconformities re- ing degree of d e v e l o p m e n t are intercalated within
p r e s e n t e d by erosional glacis replace the calcretes the coarser-grained deposits. The degree of
a n d the paleosofls towards t h e east w h e r e a s to the consolidation increases u p w a r d s . At the top of
west gypcretes progressively appear. the deposits, a calcrete developed in layers or as
However, recent s t u d i e s in a n d a r o u n d t h e slabs or m o r e frequently as conglomerate. In
M a t m a t a Plateau ( K a m m o u n et Ben Ouezdou, places, silts also contain a calcrete a n d system-
1984; B e n O u e z d o u et Zouari, 1986; Zouari etal., atically s u p e r p o s e d coarse-grained deposits a n d
1986, B e n Ouezdou, 1988) do n o t entirely confirm the cover of t h e Lower Pleistocene glacis. The
these stratlgraphic datings particularly as the Middle Pleistocene dating of this complex is due
14C d a t i n g s w e r e o b t a i n e d f r o m c a l c a r e o u s t o final Acheulian i n d u s t r y a n d t h e existence of
concretions w h i c h are extremely unreliable. Mousterian i n d u s t r y at t h e base of the middle
Indeed, the n o d u l e s silts a n d calcretes are al- terrace (see below).
ways s u p e r p o s e d at t h e top of t h e high terrace
w i t h o u t ever fit together with it. This high terrace The Upper Pleistocene and the Holocene
dates to final Acheulian (Ben Ouezdou, 1986). A middle terrace or a n a c c u m u l a t i o n glacis
The silts a n d s a n d s were probably deposited be- is enclosed within t h e two m o s t a n c i e n t levels
fore the d o w n c u t t i n g of t h e high terrace, to- a n d consists of deposits of variable t h i c k n e s s (3
wards the e n d of t h e Middle Pleistocene. The m a i n to 15 m) m a d e u p of silty material a n d gyps-
depositional p h a s e of the silts a n d s a n d s w a s eous clays. Coarse-grained lenses (rudites) are
probably at the e n d of t h e Middle Pleistocene. intercalated within this fine series. Occasional-
This does n o t exclude the possibility of silt depo- ly, an erosional level often m a r k e d by gypcrete
sition d u r i n g t h e Upper Pleistocene (Ben Ouezdou, pebbles helps to d i s t i n g u i s h two m e m b e r s with-
1986). in this complex. At t h e top, a c r u s t with variable
t h i c k n e s s develops (ranging from several centi-
M GABES COASTAL PLAIN m e t e r s to 1,5 m). The visible base of t h e depo-
(Ben Ouezdou, 1984, 1986, 1987) sits dated as 28 000 years B.P. (NC) revealed a
Mousterian i n d u s t r y (Gobert,1962; Page, 1983;
The Pliocene-Quaternary boundary Fontes et aL, 1983). Towards t h e top, a lithic
The P l i o c e n e - Q u a t e r n a r y b o u n d a r y in t h e G ab~s i n d u s t r y w a s a s c r i b e d to I b ~ r o m a u r u s i a n
coastal plain does n o t display a n y unconformity. (Gobert, 1962). Recently it h a s b e e n ascribed
The c o n t i n u i t y of detritic continental sediment- to a s o u t h e r n C a p s i a n facies (Ben O u e z d o u et al.,
ation {clays, s a n d s a n d conglomerates) results in a 1986). The deposition w a s c o m p l e t e d a b o u t 8000
gradual indistinct passage between the Tertiary years B.P. (Lower Holocene) (Fontes et aL, 1983).
a n d the Quaternary. A lower terrace, w h i c h h a s b e e n r e d u c e d to a
b e n c h u p s t r e a m , generally increases in import-
The Lower Pleistocene ance d o w n s t r e a m . The deposits w h i c h are a b o u t 2
An ablation glacis c u t down into g y p s e o u s clays, m in t h i c k n e s s become increasingly coarser-grain-
s a n d s a n d c o n g l o m e r a t e s is probably of Lower ed longitudinally. It c o n s i s t s of pebbles, gravels
Pleistocene age. Strongly dissected by the hydro- a n d occasional blocks at the exit of the m o u n t a i n
graphic n e t w o r k a n d r e d u c e d to scattered m o u n d s s y s t e m b e c o m i n g increasingly fine grained (sandy)
a n d interfluvial patches, this glacis is covered by a downstream. The deposition w h i c h is dated at the
conglomerate with calcareous c e m e n t of about base as 5195 + 105 years B.P. (Steinman u n d
0.5 m thickness. A s a l m o n calcrete overlies the Bartels, 1982), c o n t i n u e s d u r i n g t h e historic
conglomerate. It is relatively well preserved in period as evident by t h e discovery of f r a g m e n t s of
t h e p i e d m o n t zone b u t b e c o m e s more a n d m o r e pottery at t h e top of the terrace.
 Forms and depositson the ContinentalQuaternary of the Saharan margins (TentativeSynthesis) 213

PROBABLE CORRELATIONS Aur6s. On t h e contrary, at the s a m e period, the

General Characteristics (see Table}
The pliocene-Quatemary boundary ischaracter-
Izcd by itscomplexity {Riser,1979}. Itstillpresents
the characteristicof the Tertiary era particularly
with regard to the continuation of the sediment-
ation at the Continental Terminal summit. Two
facies can be distlnguishcd: a fluviatiledetrltic
facies in the Gab6s coastal plain and the Aur6s-
N e m e n c h a piedmont; as well as a lacustrianfacies
in the centre of the basin of large Algcro-Tunlsian
saline lakes. O n the other hand, characteristics
typical of the Quatemary era are present,
particularly with regards to thc crusts which
correspond to a characteristicregional repartition
or distribution. The gypcrete at the top of the
Continental Tcrminal is centered around the
Tunisian saltlakes, Nemencha {Cabot, 1971}, and
the eastern part of the( southc)-n picdmont of
calcretes covered all t h e other surfaces studied.
Finally, t h e types a n d n u m b e r of forms become
progressively simple from west to east (see Table}.
It is strongly probable t h a t this simplification is
related to regional features d u e to tectonism, as
well as to altitude a n d energy of relief.
The Middle Pleistocene is generally characterized
by t h e development of a c c u m u l a t i o n forms a n d
gypcretes. The a c c u m u l a t i o n glacis, "6pandages",
fans {Aur6s, Nemencha) a n d terraces (Dahar, Gab6s
coastal plain} gradually replaced ablation forms
(covered ablation glacis} w h i c h are located in the
region of the great T u n i s i a n saline lakes. The
gypcretes spread globally at t h e expense of the
calcretes in a r a t h e r complicated m a n n e r . This is
obvious toward the west where there is a t e n d e n c y
to replace calcretes on t h e s o u t h A u r a s i a n pied-
mont. On the contrary, on the west-ern flank of
Dahar, a gypcrete is intercalated b e t w e e n two

Synthetic t a b l e of c o n t i n e n t a l Q u a t e r n a r y f o r m s a n d d e p o s i t s of t h e S a h a r a n m a r g i n
of e a s t e r n Maghreb.
Tableau synth6tique des formes et d6pfts du Quatemalre continental du Maghreb oriental.

Periods and Age Piedmont south Piedmont south Region of the great Dahar Ma~nata basins Gulf of Gab~s
in years BP of Attr~s of Nemencha Tunisian Chotts Coastal Plain

Holocene Terrace alluvial fan, coarse Glacis 1, lower Terrace, fine

terrace, alluvial deposits with Terrace, coarse to fine deposits
10000 and fine "6pandage" fan coarse beds. Gypcrete, terrace
30 0007 G y p crete Gypcrete accumulation
Lacustrine h a s e Terrace, coarse Silts with
Cover of ablation calcareous glacis, gypseous
Upper glacis, coarse concretions fine deposit with
Terrace, f'me and coarse deposits to fine deposits
Pleistocene deposit with sandy- intercalated
gypseous matrix gypcretes
90000 Gypcrete Gypcreteand calcrete
Terrace, coarse
LACUSTR IN E PHASE Cover
150 000
Cover of ablation Cover of ablation : of ablation glacis, Terrace, coarse
glacis, coarse glacis coarse conglomerates and fine deposits Silts with
deposits deposits with calcareous
Middle cement deposits with
FLEXU R A T I O N
with intercalated calcareous

Calcrctc Gypcrete cover of calcrete

Pleistocene Gypcrete, cover gypcretes and concretions
and gypcrcte, ablation glacis
accumulation of ablation glacis
glacis,coarse coarse deposits. calcretes
700 000? deposits. Major tectonic
phase north Rejuvenatedfaults
Calcrete, Gypcrete,
cover of ablation cover of ablation of the Chotts
glacis coarse glacis, coarse Calcrete, cover
Lower deposits with deposits with Calcrete,
sandy-calcareous calcareous-
malrix. gypseous matrix. Conglomerates, of ablation glacis,
pediment and
Calerete, cover silts with conglomerate
Gypcrete, cover conglomeratic
of ablation glacis,
of ablation glacis,
coarse, deposits intercalated
coarse deposits terrace Gypseous clays,
with sandy-
Pleistocene calcareous matrix. with calcareous-
gypcretes
gypseous matrix conglomerate
Pseudo-rafia
Major tectonic phase and sand
Pliocene L a c u s t r i a n p h a s e
214 J. L. B ~ s and H. BEN Otw.zr~ou
calcretes a n d on the s o u t h e r n p i e d m o n t of the
FeJaJ saline lake, a calcrete, on t h e other h a n d ,
consolidates t h e cover of t h e glacis 3. However, in
t h e Gab~s coastal plain a n d t h e M a t m a t a troughs,
there is also t h e formation of calcretes.
T h e U p p e r m o s t P l e i s t o c e n e - H o l o c e n e is
characterized by the predominance of
a c c u m u l a t i o n forms (terraces, alluvial fans,
"~pandages', etc..) t h r o u g h o u t t h e flank of the
S a h a r a with t h e exception of the region a r o u n d t h e
large T u n i s i a n saline lakes. One form only c a n be
d i s t i n g u i s h e d d u r i n g t h e Upper Pleistocene in a
general sense. This is a terrace. Similarly, the
gypcretes totally d o m i n a t e d u r i n g t h e Upper
Pleistocene with t h e probable exception of the
M a t m a t a t r o u g h s w h i c h are characterized by silts
with calcareous concretions. These gypcretes
d i s a p p e a r e d d u r i n g the Lower Holocene. The
g r a n u l o m e t r y of t h e U p p e r Pleistocene deposits
b e c o m e s finer following a west-east gradient a n d
persists d u r i n g the Holocene with the exception of
terrace I of Auras a n d glacis I of t h e large T u n i s i a n
saline lakes. Finally, a l a c u s t r i a n p h a s e that c a n
be attributed to the Upper Pleistocene develops
within t h e b a s i n of t h e Algero-Tunisian large saline
lakes.
DISCUSSION
D u r i n g t h e Quaternary, t h e passage is generally
from levelling forms to a c c u m u l a t i o n forms. In-
deed, covered ablation glacis or less frequently,
p e d i m e n t s are replaced by terraces, alluvial fans
a n d "6pandages".
A prlor~ this type of s u b s t i t u t i o n could only be
the effect of s h o r t e n i n g of t h e evolution time after
t h e Lower Pleistocene. This does not m e a n m u c h
as it is n o t possible to conclude t h a t t h e genesis of
the a c c u m u l a t i o n forms is more rapid t h a n that of
the erosional forms. In addition, it is not also
possible to conclude t h a t this genesis is a neces-
sary stage in t h e development of the erosional
forms.
However, even if this s u b s t i t u t i o n is general, it is
not c o n c o m i t a n t everywhere. This morphologic
breake overlaps in time into three p h a s e s in the six
regions. In effect, for the entire Gab~s coastal
plain-basins of Matmata-Dahar, t h e b r e a k is
situated b e t w e e n t h e Lower Pleistocene a n d t h e
Middle Pleistocene. On t h e other h a n d , for the
s o u t h e r n p i e d m o n t of Auras a n d Nemencha, the
passage from erosional to a c c u m u l a t i o n forms
occurred at the e n d of the Middle Pleistocene -
w h e r e a s in the region of t h e great T u n i s i a n Chotts,
this took place at t h e e n d of the Upper Pleistocene.
This highlights t h e originality of the great T u n i s l a n
Chotts. This difference could be explained by a
difference in t h e tectonic evolution of the three
units. The erosional forms followed major tectonic
p h a s e s in the p i e d m o n t s o u t h of Auras a n d
N e m e n c h a as well as in t h e region of t h e great
T u n i s i a n Chotts. The overlap in time between the
D a h a r - b a s i n s of M a t m a t a - e o a s t a l plain of Gab~s
on the one h a n d a n d t h e p i e d m o n t s o u t h of Auras
a n d N e m e n c h a as well as the region of the great
T u n i s i a n Chotts on t h e other h a n d , m a y be
explained by the age of different geological struc-
tures. As the ftrst group Is relatively old, t h e second
group is relatively young. Within the s e c o n d group,
the overlap in t h e b r e a k b e t w e e n t h e great
T u n i s i a n C h o t t s a n d t h e p i e d m o n t s o u t h of Auras
a n d N e m e n c h a m a y be explained by t h e overlap in
the beginning of t h e m a j o r tectonic p h a s e (see
Table}.
From t h e sedimentologic point of view, the
deposits are generally coarse-grained (rudltes)
d u r i n g the Middle Pleistocene. On the contrary,
they become d o m i n a n t l y fine (lutites or arenites
< 500 ]am) d u r i n g t h e Upper Pleistocene a n d the
Holocene with t h e exception of the great T u n i s i a n
Chotts. This also c o n s t i t u t e s a n additional
evidence in s u p p o r t of t h e originality of the
region of great T u n i s i a n Chotts. It also confirms
the existence of a major climatic b r e a k at the
end of the Middle Pleistocene. The Middle
Pleistocene is characterized by a climate which
is more h u m i d a n d aggressive t h a n t h a t of
the Upper Pleistocene. The Middle Pleistocene
was a lacustrian phase which prevailed
t h r o u g h o u t t h e Algero-Tunisian Chotts s y s t e m
(Ballais et al., 1985). T / U datings (Fontes et al.,
1987) confirms this a n d permit the identification of
a lacustrian p h a s e d u r i n g the Middle Pleistocene
( 150000 - 90000 years B.P.) as in Wadi Ash-shati
(Gaven, 1982) a n d as in the west of Algeria (Causse
et al., 1988).
From the geochemical point of view, the time
range of the distribution of the two basic types of
c r u s t s a n d e n c r u s t i n g s reveal a high degree of
complexity a n d evidence of t h e i m p o r t a n c e of
regional parameters. Analysis of t h e distribution
in time a n d space of these two types of c r u s t s lead
to the following conclusions:
- the M a t m a t a b a s i n s experienced only one type of
c r u s t {calcretes) particularly d u r i n g the Middle
Pleistocene with the possibility of m o v e m e n t s of
c a r b o n a t e s d u r i n g U p p e r Pleistocene. This
region c o n s t i t u t e s a special case on t h e scale of
the s t u d i e d zone b e c a u s e of the absence of
gypcretes.
- In the Gabes coastal plain, there was a definite
break b e t w e e n t h e Middle Pleistocene with
calcretes a n d the U p p e r Pleistocene - Lower
Holocene with gypcretes. This c h a n g e m a y be
related to a climatic c h a n g e with a t e n d e n c y
towards aridity. This is b e c a u s e of t h e necessity
 Forms and deposits on the Continental Quaternary of the Saharan margins (Tentative Synthesis)
for less water in t h e mobilization of calcium
sulfate with reference to calcium carbonate.
- D a h a r a n d t h e Auras p i e d m o n t experienced only
one type of c r u s t d u r i n g t h e Lower Pleistocene.
This is t h e calcrete. D u r i n g t h e Middle
Pleistocene, t h e two types of c r u s t s alternated
w i t h o u t a n y visible break.
- Both t h e great T u n i s i a n Chotts a n d t h e p i e d m o n t
s o u t h of N e m e n c h a are characterized by the
d e v e l o p m e n t of gypcretes from the Lower
Pl~istocene to the U p p e r Pleistocene with rare
appariUon of calcretes.
- The alternation of b o t h types of c r u s t s d u r i n g t h e
Middle Pleistocene p r o b a b l y c o n f i r m t h e
complexity of t h e climatic evolution. If this
evolution is characterized by a general t e n d e n c y
t o w a r d s aridity d u r i n g the Q u a t e r n a r y w i t h o u t
a n y regional c h a n g e in t h e lithology (Coque,
1962; Ballais, 1984; Ben Ouezdou, 1986, 1987),
t h e s i t u a t i o n is different d u r i n g the Middle
Pleistocene w h e n at least one h u m i d fluctuation
occasionally reversed this tendency.
The c r u s t s t u d i e d in this p a p e r c a n n o t be
regarded as of purely pedogenetic origin a n d
therefore intimately related to t h e characteristics
of t h e s u b s t r a t u m . On a regional scale, it h a s b e e n
well established in t h e p a s t t h a t m o s t of the
gypcretes, particularly t h o s e w h i c h directly overlie
a n o n - g y p s e o u s s u b t r a t u m (often calcareous) are
d u e to fixation by vegetation of d u s t s t a k e n by the
wind from the S e b k h a s (great Chotts) (Coque,
1962). D u r i n g the Pleistocene, the development of
the gypcretes at the expense of the calcretes, on the
p i e d m o n t s o u t h of Aur~s-Nemencha from east to
west, with no modification of the s u b s t r a t u m a n d
the hydrographic network, is a proof t h a t there is
increase in aridity (BaUais, 1985), b e c a u s e
gypcretes a d v a n c e d f u r t h e r a n d f u r t h e r from the
great Chotts. The c o n t e m p o r a n e o u s a p p e a r a n c e of
t h e first Q u a t e r n a r y wind deposits in the Ziban,
Just to the west, confirms this interpretation (Ballais
etal., 1979). On a local scale (wadi A h m a d i on the
w e s t e r n flank of Dahar), a gypcrete intercalates
b e t w e e n two calcretes in t h e Middle Pleistocene
terrace at a time w h e n t h e b a s i n is only calcareous.
This c r u s t w h i c h results from the a c c u m u l a t i o n of
g y p s e o u s d u s t s u g g e s t a b r e a k in t h e supply of
dissolved c a l c i u m b i c a r b o n a t e s w h i c h took part in
t h e formation of t h e s u r r o u n d i n g calcretes. The
s u b s t i t u t i o n of water t r a n s p o r t e d deposits by
wind t r a n s p o r t e d deposits confirms a less h u m i d
climate.
CONCLUSION
This review a t t e m p t s to c o m p a r e with the
S a h a r a n Maghreb w e s t e r n a n d central m a r g i n
regions b a s e d on the investigations of Conrad
215
(1969) in t h e Algerian Sahara, C o u v r e u r (1978) in
limestones of t h e Central High Arias a n d Riser
(1978) in the Jebel Sahrho. It certainly confirms
t h e c o n c l u s i o n s of t h e s t u d i e s in t h e e a s t e r n
Maghreb. D u r i n g the Lower Pleistocene, the
m o u n t a i n sectors provided the rafias or the major
solifluxion flows as well as t h e glacis or terraces
with calcretes, whilst a l a c u s t r i a n p h a s e with
Cerastoderma g / a u c u m w a s t a k i n g place in Touat
a n d Ahnet. The Middle Pleistocene also w i t n e s s e d
the development of a c c u m u l a t i o n forms s u c h as
the conglomeratic terrace of n o r t h e r n S a h a r a fans
a n d m o u n t a i n terraces with calcretes. F r o m the
Upper Pleistocene, the fans a n d terraces are pre-
d o m i n a n t l y detriUc, terrlginous, fluviatile a n d
fluvio-eolian deposits silt-grained a n d clayey
(< 60 pm).
It is also n e c e s s a r y to stress t h e i m p o r t a n c e of
t h e Middle Pleistocene period a n d the p a s s a g e to
Upper Pleistocene in the S a h a r a n flank of east-
e m Maghreb. In general, the end of the Middle
Pleistocene is m a r k e d by f u n d a m e n t a l b r e a k s in
morphology, sedimentology a n d geochemistry.
Morphologic b r e a k is w i t n e s s e d by t h e disappear-
ance of t h e big ablation glacis, w h i c h were
principally s u c c e e d e d by terraces. The sedimento-
logic b r e a k is m a r k e d with t h e end of the exclusive
p r e d o m i n a n c e of c o a r s e - g r a i n e d d e p o s i t s
(rudites). Finally, the geochemical b r e a k is
witnessed by the almost complete d i s a p p e a r a n c e
ofcalcretes a n d t h e d e v e l o p m e n t ofgypcretes. The
Middle Pleistocene is also characterized by the
complexity of the observed tendencies. It is now
established t h a t a l a c u s t r i a n p h a s e r e a p p e a r e d at
the end of the period. This p h a s e w a s traditionally
attributed to the Upper Pleistocene (Coque, 1962),
a n d s e e m s to be quite generalized t h r o u g h o u t
n o r t h e r n S a h a r a from Libya to Erg Chech. The
t e n d e n c y of c o n t i n u o u s extention of t h e gypcretes
from Lower Pleistocene was d i s t u r b e d by the
development of new calcretes.
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