The Most Dangerous Hazards in Algeria 

by Laurel Bowen - Week 16 Blog Post for Geology 9 with Ana Garcia Garcia

Algeria topographic map

Algeria, situated in North Africa, faces several natural hazards that pose significant risks to its population and infrastructure. Among these hazards, two stand out as particularly dangerous and demand frequent attention: floods and earthquakes. Earthquakes are prevalent in Algeria due to its location along the Mediterranean and the African-Eurasian tectonic plate boundary. The collision of these plates results in seismic activity, leading to frequent earthquakes. Floods, on the other hand, are mostly triggered by heavy rainfall, made worse by the country's rugged terrain and lack of strong infrastructure for drainage and flood control. These hazards are prioritized because of their recurrent occurrence and the substantial loss of life and property damage they entail for Algeria. 

Algeria during flooding

 Strengthening structures to withstand seismic forces can significantly reduce casualties and property damage during earthquakes. Additionally, raising awareness about earthquake preparedness and conducting regular drills can enhance response capabilities. For flood mitigation, investing in improved drainage systems, constructing flood barriers, and implementing better land planning measures to prevent construction in flood-prone areas are essential steps, that Algeria is luckily taking steps towards. 

Algeria aftermath of earthquake

 Given the significant risks posed by these natural hazards, targeting assistance to the more vulnerable regions is imperative. In Algeria, areas prone to earthquakes include regions along the Tell Atlas mountain range, such as Algiers, Constantine, and Oran. These urban areas are densely populated and characterized by inadequate infrastructure, heightening their vulnerability to these seismic events. Similarly, flood-prone areas encompass the northern coastal regions, including the Mitidja Plain and the lower valleys of rivers such as the Moulouya and Chelif. Prioritizing these areas for assistance ensures that resources are directed where they are most needed, maximizing the effectiveness of mitigation efforts. In Algeria, regions less susceptible to earthquakes and floods are found in the southern Sahara Desert, away from tectonic plate boundaries and major water bodies. Additionally, higher areas with stable geological formations, such as the Ahaggar Mountains, offer safer locales for construction. By situating residential and commercial structures in these regions, people can mitigate the risk of damage from earthquakes and floods. 

Alley in a town located in the Sahara Desert

 Now, even though flooding stands as one of the largest recurring natural disasters, Algeria also faces water scarcity. In Algeria, the majority of precipitation occurs during the winter months, often in the form of intense rainfall. These rains can overwhelm existing drainage systems and waterways. Despite facing periodic flooding, Algeria also grapples with water scarcity, particularly in its arid and semi-arid regions. Factors such as population growth, agricultural demands, and inefficient water management practices strain available water resources. Groundwater depletion, from the excessive extraction for irrigation and domestic use, furthers the water scarcity challenges. Also, climate change is expected to exacerbate water scarcity in Algeria, altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures, which will intensify the evaporation rates, which will then reduce the water availability. 

Algeria evapotranspiration map

 If I were to construct a house in Algeria I would look for a place clear of earthquakes and floods, like regions in the southern part of the Sahara Desert. Positioned away from tectonic plate boundaries and major water bodies, these areas offer a sanctuary from seismic tremors and inundation. Elevated places boasting stable geological formations, like the Ahaggar Mountains, present a haven against the destruction that can come with natural disasters. By situating residential buildings within these resilient environments, people can shield themselves from the brunt of Algeria's hazardous realities. 

Ahaggar Mountains in Algeria on map

                                                                      Sources

(PDF) The Algerian Seismic Network: Performance from Data Quality ..., www.researchgate.net/publication/258779636_The_Algerian_Seismic_Network_Performance_from_data_quality_analysis. Accessed 14 May 2024.

Algeria and the Threat of Natural Disasters, statecrime.org/algeria-threat-natural-disasters/. Accessed 14 May 2024.

“Algeria Embraces Sendai Framework.” UNDRR, 3 June 2015, www.undrr.org/news/algeria-embraces-sendai-framework.

“Flooding in Algeria.” NASA, NASA, earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/69313/flooding-in-algeria. Accessed 14 May 2024.

“Long Lasting Drought Led to Crop Failures in the Maghreb.” EU Science Hub, 26 Feb. 2024, joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/long-lasting-drought-led-crop-failures-maghreb-2024-02-26_en.

“Making Algeria Resilient: Achieving Disaster Risk Reduction in the Arab States - Good Practice Country Brief.” UNDRR, 18 Apr. 2013, www.undrr.org/publication/making-algeria-resilient-achieving-disaster-risk-reduction-arab-states-good-practice.

Natural Disasters (New Version Coming Soon) | OER Commons, oercommons.org/courses/natural-disasters-new-version-coming-soon/view. Accessed 14 May 2024.

Think Hazard - Algeria - Water Scarcity, thinkhazard.org/en/report/4-algeria/DG. Accessed 14 May 2024.

“UN Helps Algeria Strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction.” UNDRR, 12 Feb. 2015, www.undrr.org/news/un-helps-algeria-strengthen-disaster-risk-reduction.

“World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal.” Vulnerability | Climate Change Knowledge Portal, climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/algeria/vulnerability. Accessed 14 May 2024. 

 

Extreme Weather in Algeria 

by Laurel Bowen - Week 10 Blog Post for Geology 9 with Ana Garcia Garcia

https://www.severe-weather.eu/news/extreme-heat-across-algeria-nw-africa-this-month/

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190128-floods-kill-5-in-snow-hit-algeria/

Algeria experiences a range of extreme weather conditions due to its vast geographical diversity. In the Sahara Desert, temperatures can soar well above 122°F during summer months, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Flash floods occasionally occur during heavy rainstorms, usually in the northern regions. Sometimes snowfall in Algeria's northern mountainous areas causes major disruptions in transportation and daily life due to the country's limited infrastructure for handling such weather. In the past, these rare snow storms have even caused death (referenced in the second photo above). Algeria has taken various measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. This includes things like drainage systems to manage flash floods, as well as reinforcing buildings to withstand strong winds and earthquakes. The government has implemented early warning systems for extreme weather events and launched public awareness campaigns to educate citizens. Algeria also participates in international climate agreements and initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change. Below in the references are links to very interesting sites that I recommend reading if this interests you!

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/algerian-capital-to-receive-twice-its-normal-april-rainfall-through-sunday/350104

References

“Heatwaves, Wildfires Mark Summer of Extremes - Algeria.” ReliefWeb, 26 July 2023, reliefweb.int/report/algeria/heatwaves-wildfires-mark-summer-extremes.

    “NDA Strengthening and Country Programming Support for Algeria through National Agency on Climate Change.” Green Climate Fund, Green Climate Fund, 21 Dec. 2017, www.greenclimate.fund/document/nda-strengthening-and-country-programming-support-algeria-through-national-agency-climate#:~:text=Algeria’s%20mitigation%20strategy%20covers%20mainly,adverse%20impacts%20of%20climate%20change.

The Wall Street Journal. “Heavy Snow Kills Dozens in Algeria.” The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones & Company, www.wsj.com/video/heavy-snow-kills-dozens-in-algeria/25D240E6-8827-4145-BABB-DCF37D16959A. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024.

“World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal.” Extremes | Climate Change Knowledge Portal, climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/algeria/extremes. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. 

 

Algeria's Mass Wasting Hazards and Prevention 

by Laurel Bowen - Week 8 Blog Post for Geology 9 with Ana Garcia Garcia

Mass wasting, also known as mass movement, is the downward movement of rocks, soil, and debris due to gravity. This includes landslides, rockfalls, and other processes that can threaten communities and infrastructure, including in Algeria. Algeria, with its diverse landscapes like mountains, plateaus, coastal plains, and deserts, faces mass wasting dangers. This includes property damage, loss of life, disrupted transport, and harm to the environment. Factors like steep slopes, earthquakes, heavy rain, and human actions increase these risks. In Algeria, past mass wasting events in mountainous areas like the Kabylie Mountains and the Tell Atlas range have caused fatalities and infrastructure damage. Flash floods from these events, especially in rainy regions, have also destroyed homes, roads, and farms. To reduce the risks of mass wasting in Algeria, various measures have been put in place. The government conducts surveys and assessments to identify areas prone to mass wasting, creating hazard maps that inform land-use planning and regulations. Engineers incorporate slope stability into infrastructure projects, employing techniques like stabilization and drainage. Investments have been made in early warning systems that utilize data and monitoring technologies to alert communities about impending mass wasting events, enabling timely evacuation. Awareness campaigns and educational programs educate the public about mass wasting risks and preventive measures, including safe construction practices and emergency preparedness. Ongoing research focuses on understanding mass wasting triggers and mechanisms, while continuous monitoring helps improve early warning systems and response strategies.  Despite efforts, managing mass wasting hazards in Algeria faces challenges like limited resources, rapid urbanization, and weak enforcement of regulations. 

 

  

Works Cited

 Bounemeur, Nadira, et al. “Landslides in Mila Town (Northeast Algeria): Causes and Consequences - Arabian Journal of Geosciences.” SpringerLink, Springer International Publishing, 10 Apr. 2022, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12517-022-09959-7.

“Landslide Blog.” Eos, 8 Aug. 2023, eos.org/landslide-blog.

“Natural Disasters (New Version Coming Soon).” Open Geography Education, www.opengeography.org/natural-disasters-new-version-coming-soon.html. Accessed 17 Mar. 2024.

 

Volcanic Activity in Algeria

by Laurel Bowen - Week 5 Blog Post for Geology 9 with Ana Garcia Garcia

  Volcanoes are natural formations on Earth's surface where molten rock, ash, and gases from beneath the Earth's crust are expelled. This happens through openings in the Earth called vents, allowing the release of built up pressure. The Earth's outer shell, the crust, is divided into many large and rigid plates that float on the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath them. Volcanoes occur at plate boundaries, where these plates interact. When it comes to preparing for a volcanic eruption, scientists and authorities follow a series of steps to monitor, forecast, and communicate potential volcanic activity. By analyzing data from monitoring instruments, scientists can make predictions about volcanic activity. Making these predictions is called forecasting.  Changes in seismicity, gas emissions, ground deformation, and other indicators may suggest an upcoming eruption. To communicate the level of potential volcanic threat, authorities use a system of volcanic alert levels. Once a potential threat is identified, authorities communicate this information to the public through various channels and depending on the level of volcanic threat, authorities may develop evacuation plans for nearby communities.

    According to Think Hazard, Algeria's volcanic hazard risk is very low, but there are still volcanoes located in Algeria. Many of the volcanoes in Algeria are considered extinct or dormant, meaning they are not currently active. The Hoggar Mountains, also called the Ahaggar Mountains, are in the south of Algeria. In the past, this area had volcanoes, and you can see old volcanic structures and lava flows in the landscape. Tassili n'Ajjer, found in southeast Algeria, is a big flat area known for cool rocks and ancient rock art. Even though there are no active volcanoes there now, you can still find rocks from past volcanic activity in some places. The Tell Atlas is a group of mountains in the north of Algeria, running along the coast. While it doesn't have many volcanoes, this region has had movements in the Earth's crust and shaking events called earthquakes. The northern part of Algeria, especially along the Mediterranean coast, doesn't usually have volcanoes. Instead, it often has shaking from the Earth's plates moving around. The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History Global Volcanism Program's website states that there are three Holocene volcanoes, meaning volcanic structures or landforms that have formed during the geological time period that began around 11,700 years ago and continues to the present day. There are also three Pleistocene volcanoes, meaning having volcanic activity that occurred about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.

Hoggar Swell, Algeria

Works Cited

“Global Volcanism Program: Algeria Volcanoes.” Smithsonian Institution | Global Volcanism Program, volcano.si.edu/volcanolist_countries.cfm?country=Algeria#:~:text=Algeria%20has%203%20Holocene%20volcanoes. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.

“Natural Disasters (New Version Coming Soon).” Open Geography Education, www.opengeography.org/natural-disasters-new-version-coming-soon.html. Accessed 23 Feb. 2024.

Think Hazard, thinkhazard.org/en/. Accessed 23 Feb. 2024.

Earthquakes in Algeria

Algeria and Earthquakes

by Laurel Bowen - Week 3 Blog Post for Geology 9 with Ana Garcia Garcia

This week we will be discussing Algeria's seismicity. Seismicity refers to the occurrence and intensity of earthquakes in a specific region, shaped by geological factors like tectonic plate boundaries and fault lines. Regions with high seismicity are prone to more frequent and potentially stronger earthquakes, necessitating focused efforts on earthquake preparedness and risk mitigation. Algeria experiences a moderate level of seismic activity, although occasionally significant earthquakes can happen. The country is considered one of the most earthquake-prone regions due to its geographical positioning, geological makeup, and the susceptibility of its constructions to seismic events. Back in 2003, the Algerian Red Crescent Society (ARCS) launched a project to train disaster response teams in all 48 Algerian governorates within three years. The International Federation provided equipment, and the French Red Cross offered training. ARCS assessed vulnerability in regions like Annaba, Skikda, Oran, Boumerdes, and Ouargla. Simultaneously, plans were implemented to establish first aid centers in all governorates, and ARCS distributed informative leaflets on earthquake preparedness. The urgency stemmed from past disasters, including a 2003 earthquake that killed 3,000, heavy rains in 2002 causing numerous deaths, and a 1980 earthquake claiming 5,000 lives. In summary, Algeria acknowledges its susceptibility to seismic activity, leading to a proactive and comprehensive approach in earthquake preparedness and risk mitigation. The initiatives undertaken by the Algerian Red Crescent Society, in collaboration with international partners, reflect a commitment to enhancing resilience in the face of seismic challenges.

Works Cited

Oussama Sohaib Mazari a, et al. “Creating a Homogenized Earthquake Catalog for Algeria and Mapping the Main Seismic Parameters Using a Geographic Information System.” Journal of African Earth Sciences, Pergamon, 23 Feb. 2023, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1464343X23000687#:~:text=Algeria’s%20seismicity%20can%20be%20considered,Yelles%2DChaouche%2C%202022).

“Natural Disasters (New Version Coming Soon).” Open Geography Education, www.opengeography.org/natural-disasters-new-version-coming-soon.html. Accessed 7 Feb. 2024.

Think Hazard, thinkhazard.org/en/. Accessed 7 Feb. 2024.

UNDP and Indigenous Peoples: A Policy of Engagement, www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/publications/UNDP_Policy_of_Engagement_with_Indigenous_Peoples.pdf. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.

Algeria's Complex Tectonic Plate Boundaries

 

Algeria's Tectonic Plate Boundaries

by Laurel Bowen - Week 2 Blog Post for Geology 9 with Ana Garcia Garcia 

Tectonic plates are large parts that make up the lithosphere layer of the Earth.  These plates can collide, pull apart, and rub against each other, causing many natural hazards to occur where they plates meet at. The place where they meet is known as a plate boundary. There are three tectonic types. Transform type, which is the plates rubbing against each other, convergent type, which is the plates colliding, and divergent type, which is the plates pulling apart, Algeria belongs to the African tectonic plate, but the Northern part of Algeria holds the boundary for the Eurasian plate, one of the African plates's neighbors. The two plate's create a convergent tectonic type. Convergent boundaries can cause subduction zones, where one of the plates go down under the other, or form mountains by going up when the plates collide. Northern Algeria is very mountainous, which was formed from the convergent boundary. In Algeria there are common hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and flooding, which is caused by the plate boundaries drifting. Next week we will be discussing Algeria's  seismicity and what the country is doing to prevent earthquake catastrophe. 

Works Cited

Earthhow. “Plate Tectonic Types: Divergent, Convergent and Transform Plates.” Earth How, 23 Sept. 2023, earthhow.com/plate-tectonics-types-divergent-convergent-transform-plates/.

Hamai, Lamine, et al. “Flexural Behaviour of the North Algerian Margin and Tectonic Implications.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 4 Apr. 2015, academic.oup.com/gji/article/201/3/1426/769910.

Oer Commons, oercommons.org/courses/natural-disasters-new-version-coming-soon/view. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.

Tectonic Inversion and Geomorphic Evolution of ... - Wiley Online Library, agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2020TC006369. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.

“Tectonic Plates of the Earth.” Tectonic Plates of the Earth | U.S. Geological Survey, www.usgs.gov/media/images/tectonic-plates-earth. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Getting to Know Algeria and the Differences Between Hazards, Disasters and Catastrophes

Getting to Know Algeria and Differences Between Hazards, Disasters, & Catastrophes

by Laurel Bowen - Week 1 Blog Post for Geology 9 with Ana Garcia Garcia 

Algeria's location on the map found from 
Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. 

One of the most famous stock images of
Algeria by Leonid Andronov found
on Getty Images

Algeria is known for its hospitality and booming handicraft industry, consisting of carpets, ceramics, pottery, clothing, leather work, glass art and more, as stated in the Algerian Embassy's official website. Located on the continent of Africa, Algeria is one of the largest countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria has 58 provinces, consisting of a population around the size of 44.18 million people. With this size of a population, Algeria has a vast culture, heavily influenced by Arab and Berber culture, and Islamic heritage. Algeria's most common hazards that the country experiences is flooding, fires, and earthquakes. This can quickly turn into disasters, which Algeria has experienced quite a bit of with it's severe and dangerous flooding. These floods have turned into catastrophic events before, killing thousands. Hazards can easily turn into disasters, leading to catastrophes, but there are a few key differences between the three. According to the textbook Natural Disaster and Human Impacts, hazards are "any natural process or even that poses a direct threat to the human environment," a disaster is "the effect of a hazard on society," and a catastrophe is said to be a "a massive disaster that greatly impacted the human environment and requiring significant expenditure of time, money, and resources for response and recovery." The hazards and disasters that commonly happen in Algeria has been found to be have significant economic losses, which is mainly caused by the placement of Algeria on its tectonic plate. In the next blog post we will discuss Algeria's plate boundaries in regard to tectonic plates and how the effects the country.

Works Cited

“Algeria.” Culture of Algeria - History, People, Clothing, Traditions, Women, Beliefs, Food, Customs, Family, www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Algeria.html#:~:text=The%20national%20identity%20of%20Algeria,to%20include%20other%20Arab%20nations. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

“Algeria.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 26 Jan. 2024, www.britannica.com/place/Algeria#/media/1/15001/208371.

Culture:Language,Literature & Art, www.algerianembassy.co.in/news/culturelanguageliteratureart/#:~:text=Algeria%20has%20a%20thriving%20handicrafts,Zab%20carpets%20and%20Kabyle%20jewelry. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. “Algeria Travel Advice.” GOV.UK, GOV.UK, 25 July 2023, www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/algeria.

Natural Disasters | OER Commons, oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/26151/overview. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.