Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Seismicity of Eastern Algeria: a revised and extended earthquake catalogue

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Natural Hazards Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A new revised earthquake catalogue for Eastern Algeria [22°N-38°N–4°E-9.5°E], from 419 to 2008, has been compiled as a starting point for a catalogue dealing with the whole country. The re-evaluation is based on a critical method, and formal criteria are adopted in the parameterization of the earthquake catalogue. Two digital versions are produced: (a) a basic version, presented here, including all the compiled data, the authors of each quoted parameter and the quality rank of the macroseismic information; (b) a second version, obtained after removing doubtful events and parameters, is produced in order to carry out statistical analyses. The newly compiled earthquake catalogue provides a more reliable picture of the seismicity in Eastern Algeria than the previous ones as shown by the comparison of the recent catalogues over the common territory and time span. This catalogue can be easily updated and adapted to the needs of the user.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. The seismicity of Centre and West Algeria has been the subject of a re-appraisal by Ambraseys and Vogt (1988) and Vogt and Ambraseys (1991), respectively.

References

  • Ait Messaoud A, Mokrane A (1992) Contribution à la connaissance de la macrosismicité de l’Algérie de 1971 à 1989. Report, University of Algiers

  • Alasset PJ, Hébert H, Maouche S, Calbini V, Meghraoui M (2006) The tsunami induced by the 2003 Zemmouri earthquake (Mw = 6.9, Algeria): modelling and results. Geophys J Int. doi:10.1111/j.1365-246X.2006.02912x

  • Ambraseys NN (1982) The seismicity of North Africa: the earthquake of 1856 at Jijeli, Algeria. Bollettino Di Geofisica a Teorica ed Applicata XXIV(93):31–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Ambraseys NN, Vogt J (1988) Material for the investigation of the seismicity of the region of Algiers. Eur Earthq Eng 3:16–29

    Google Scholar 

  • Benhallou H (1985) Les Catastrophes Séismiques de la Région d’Echéliff dans le contexte de la Séismicité Historique de l’Algérie. Thesis, University of Algiers

  • Benhallou H, Roussel J (1971) Catalogue des Séismes Algériens de 1951 à 1970. Note I.M.P.G.A, Alger

    Google Scholar 

  • Benouar D (1993) The seismicity of Algeria and adjacent regions during the twentieth Century. Thesis, University of London

  • Benouar D (1994) Materials for the investigation of the seismicity of Algeria and adjacent regions during the twentieth century. Annali Di Geofisica XXXVII:4

    Google Scholar 

  • Bezzeghoud M, Ayadi A, Sebaï A, Aït Messaoud M, Mokrane A, Benhallou H (1996) Seismicity of Algeria between 1365 and 1989: map of maximum observed intensities (MOI). Advances en Geofisica y Geodesia, Ministerio de Obras Publicas, Transportes y Media Ambiente, vol I. Pub. De IGN, Madrid, pp 107–114

  • Bounif A, Haessler H, Meghraoui M (1987) The Constantine (Northeast Algeria) earthquake of October 27, 1985: surface ruptures and aftershock study. Earth Planet Sci Lett 85:451–460

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cavasino A (1931) Note sul catalogo dei terremoti distruttivi dal 1501 al 1929 nel basino Mediterraneo. Publicas della comm. Italiana per lo studio delle grandi calamita 2:29–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Cherkaoui M (1991) Contribution à l’étude de l’aléa sismique au Maroc. Thesis, University of Grenoble

  • Chesneau M (1892) Note sur les tremblements de terre en Algérie. Ann Min 9(I):5–46 Paris

    Google Scholar 

  • Decanini L, Gavarini C, Mollaioli F (1995) Proposta di definizione delle relazioni tra intensita’ macrosismica e parametri del moto del suolo. Atti 70 Convegno L’ingegnaria sismica in Italia 1:63–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Grandjean A (1954) Séismes d’Algérie de 1940 à 1950 inclus. Ann. Inst. phys. Globe, Strasbourg, 3ème partie, Géophysique, VII, 83 (Le Puy)

  • Grünthal G (2001) L’échelle Macrosismique Européenne 1998. Cahiers du Centre Européen de Géodynamique et de Séismologie, vol 19, 103 pp

  • Guidoboni E (1994) Catalogue of ancient earthquakes in the Mediterranean area up to the 10th century. Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica Press, pp 504

  • Harbi A (2001) Analyse de la sismicité et mise en évidence d’accidents actifs dans le Nord-Est Algérien. Thesis, University of Algiers

  • Harbi A (2006) Evaluation de l’Aléa Sismique en Algérie du Nord par la Modélisation de l’Input Sismique dans les Zones Urbaines et l’Etablissement d’un Catalogue. PhD Thesis, University of Algiers

  • Harbi A (2010) Compiling an earthquake for Algeria (ECA): sources and method. Cahiers of the European Centre of Geodynamics and Seismology, Luxembourg (in press)

  • Harbi A, Maouche S (2009) The major earthquakes of north-eastern Algeria, vol 16. Mémoires du Service Géologique de l’Algérie, Alger 81 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Harbi A, Maouche S, Ayadi A (1999) Neotectonics and associate seismicity in the Eastern Tellian Atlas of Algeria. J Seismol 3(1):95–104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harbi A, Benouar D, Benhallou H (2003a) Re-appraisal of seismicity and seismotectonics in the north-eastern Algeria Part I: review of historical seismicity. J Seismol 7:115–136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harbi A, Maouche S, Benhallou H (2003b) Re-appraisal of seismicity and seismotectonics in the north-eastern Algeria Part II: 20th seismicity and seismotectonics analysis. J Seismol 7:221–234

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harbi A, Maouche S, Vaccari F, Aoudia A, Oussadou F, Panza GF, Benouar D (2007) Seismicity, seismic input and site effects in the Sahel-Algiers Region (North Algeria). Soil Dyn Earthq Eng 27(N5):427–447

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harbi A, Meghraoui M, Maouche S (2009) The Djidjelli (Algeria) earthquakes of 21 and 22 August 1856 (I0 VIII, IX) and related tsunami effects Revisited. Abstracts of 7èmes Journées des Sciences de la Terre, FSTGAT, USTHB, University of Algiers

  • Hée A (1919–1935) Les séismes de l’Algérie. Annuaire de l’Institut de Physique du Globe de Strasbourg, 2e partie, Séismologie

  • Hée A (1924) Note sur le tremblement de terre du 05 novembre. Annuaire Institut de Physique du Globe de Strasbourg, 2e partie, séismologie: 95–98

  • Hée A (1925) La fréquence des tremblements de Terre en Algérie 1911–1924. Monogr, Bur Centr Seismol Int série B (2): 111–154

  • Hée A (1932) La séismicité de l’Afrique du Nord, 1911–1931. Matériaux pour l’Etude des Calamités. Genève 4(28):291–296

    Google Scholar 

  • Hée A (1933) La fréquence des tremblements de terre en Algérie, 1911–1932. Monogr Bur Centr Seism Intern pp 99

  • Hée A (1936–1939) Les séismes de l’Algérie. Annales de l’Institut de Physique du Globe de Strasbourg, Nouvelle série, 2e partie, Séismologie, t, I–IV

  • Hée A (1950) Catalogue des séismes algériens de 1850 à 1911. Ann Inst Phys Globe Strasbourg 6:41–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Karnik V (1969) Seismicity of the European Area Part 1. Prague and Dordrecht-Holland, 364 p

  • Khemici O (1981) List of major earthquake in Algeria. In EERI (ed) El Asnam, Algeria earthquake of October 10, 1980, Report N. CETS CND-022

  • Kuznetzov I, Primakov I (1993) Users guide for programs EDCAT, CATAL, HIST. Second workshop on non-linear dynamics and earthquake prediction, 22 Nov–10 Dec, ICTP. H4.SMR 709-25

  • Maouche S, Harbi A, Meghraoui M (2008) Attenuation of intensity for the Zemmouri earthquake of 21 May 2003 (Mw 6.8): insights for the seismic hazard and historical earthquake sources in northern Algeria. In: Fréchet J, Meghraoui M, Stuchi M (eds) Historical seismology, interdisciplinary studies of past an recent earthquakes. Springer, NY, pp 327–350

    Google Scholar 

  • Maouche S, Morhange C, Meghraoui M (2009) Large boulder accumulation on the Algerian coast evidence tsunami events in the western Mediterranean. Mar Geol 262:96–104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mezcua J, Martinez JM (1983) Sismidad Del Area Ibero Mogrebi. Seccion de Sismologia, Inst Geogr Nacional, Madrid

    Google Scholar 

  • Mokrane A, Ait Messaoud A, Sebai A, Ayadi A (1994) Les séismes en Algérie de 1365 à 1992. Publication du Centre de Recherche en Astronomie, Astrophysique et Géophysique, Département: Etudes et Surveillance Sismique, ESS, C.R.A.A.G, Alger-Bouzaréah, 277 pp

  • Perrey A (1847) Note sur les tremblements de terre en Algérie et dans l’Afrique septentrionale. Mémoires de l’Académie des Sciences, Arts et Belles-Lettres de Dijon, année 1845–1846, pp 299–323, Dijon

  • Perrey A (1848) Note sur les tremblements de terre en Algérie et dans l’Afrique septentrionale. Mem Acad Sci Arts et Belles-Lettres, Dijon, pp 299–323

  • Perrey A (1854). Liste des tremblements de terre ressentis pendant les années en 1844 à 1853. Mémoire de l’Académie de Dijon, années 1843–1844, ……, 1854

  • Perrey A (1854, 1856, 1857) Sur les tremblements de terre en 1854, ……, 1855, avec suppléments pour les années antérieures. Bulletin Acad. Sci. de Bruxelles, t. XXII, 1854, pp 526–572, t. XXIII, 1856, pp 23–68, t. XXIV, 1857, pp 64–128

  • Perrey A (1875) Note sur les tremblements de terre en 1856, ……, 1871, avec suppléments pour les années antérieures. Mémoires couronnés et autres mémoires des savants étrangers, Mem Acad Sci de Bruxelles, t. VIII (1859) à t. XXIV (1875)

  • Roger J, Hébert H (2008) The 1856 Djijelli (Algeria) earthquake and tsunami: source parameters and implications for tsunami hazard in the Balearic Islands. Nat Hazard Earth Syst Sci 8:721–731

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rothé JP (1950) Les séismes de Kherrata et la séismicité de l’Algérie. Bull Serv Cart Geol Algérie, 4 ème série, Géophysique, N. 3

  • Rothé JP (1969) The seismicity of the earth. UNESCO Report, Paris, 336 p

  • Roussel J (1973) Les zones actives et la fréquence des séismes en Algérie 1716–1970. Bull Soc Hist Natur Afrique du Nord 64(3):11–227

    Google Scholar 

  • Sebaï A, Bernard P (2008) Contribution à la connaissance de la sismicité d’Alger et de ses alentours au XVIIIe siècle, extraite des archives françaises. C. R. Geosci 340:495–512

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sieberg A (1932) Erdbeben geographie. Handbuch der Geophysik 4:687–1005 Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • USGS/NEIC (1994) Epic User’s Guide, Retrieval Software for the Global Hypocenter Data Base CD-ROM, Version 3.0

  • Vogt J, Ambraseys NN (1991) Matériaux relatifs à la sismicité de l’Algérie occidentale au cours de la deuxième moitié du XIX et au début du XXe siècle. Méditerranée 4:39–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Yelles AK, Deramchi A, Ferkoul A, Aoulaiche K (2002) Les séismes en Algérie de 1992 à 2001. C.R.A.AG Publication, Alger 216 p

    Google Scholar 

  • Yelles AK, Roger J, Devérchère J, Bracène R, Domzig A, Hébert H, Kherroubi A (2009) The 1856 Tsunami of Djidjelli (Eastern Algeria): seismotectonics, modeling and hazard implications for the Algerian coast. Pure Appl Geophys 166:283–300

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This research was conducted within the framework of the “Centre de Recherche en Astronomie, Astrophysique et Géophysique, CRAAG” project N. E007/08 and benefited from the International Centre of Theoretical Physics (ICTP-OEA, Trieste) Programme, in the framework of the North Africa Seismological Group (NASG), and the bilateral MAE Italy-Algeria project. The first author thanks the “Seismic Databank Service” of CRAAG for the assistance with the preparation of the instrumental earthquake catalogue (from 2003 to 2008). We are grateful to the reviewers for their suggestions, remarks and comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre de Recherche en Astronomie, Astrophysique et Géophysique, BP. 63, Bouzaréah, 16340, Algiers, Algeria

    Assia Harbi

  2. The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Strada Costiera 11, 34014, Trieste, Italy

    Antonella Peresan & Giuliano F. Panza

  3. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Universita di Trieste, Via Weiss, 4, 34127, Trieste, Italy

    Antonella Peresan & Giuliano F. Panza

Authors
  1. Assia Harbi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Antonella Peresan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Giuliano F. Panza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Assia Harbi.

Electronic supplementary material

Appendix

Appendix

See Tables 3 and 4.

Table 3 Meaning of the codes used in the column of observations
Full size table
Table 4 Meaning of the codes used in the column of references
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Harbi, A., Peresan, A. & Panza, G.F. Seismicity of Eastern Algeria: a revised and extended earthquake catalogue. Nat Hazards 54, 725–747 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-009-9497-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-009-9497-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation