Geological Formations and Surface Deposits in the Jabal Al-Hasawna Area A Geomorphological Study

Abstract

This study addressed the geological formations and surface deposits in the Jabal Al-Hasawna area, due to the previous lack of detailed geomorphological studies in the region. The study aimed to analyze the topographical and morphometric characteristics of the geomorphological features in the area, while monitoring the role of water sources in their formation. The study area represents a typical desert environment devoid of permanent human settlement, characterized by low sedimentation rates; Quaternary deposits suitable for agriculture are confined to limited areas, including some valley bottoms and depressions containing mixed water-deposited sediments. Regarding soil, the study showed that the region's soil is shallow, recently formed desert soil, distributed between soil over consolidated rock materials and soil over unconsolidated materials characterized by a high percentage of exchangeable alkaline ions. As for vegetation cover, mixed plant species grow in Jabal Al-Hasawna, reflecting transitional environmental conditions belonging to the vegetation of northern Sahara. Finally, the study highlighted the economic importance of the area by identifying promising rocks and minerals suitable for exploitation as an excellent base for construction and building works.