Répartitions granulométriques et minéralogiques des sédiments de surface dans le golfe de Tunis

Abstract

the results of the grain size and mineralogical analysis of the sediments of surface of the gulf of Tunis, taken with various depths between Sidi El Mekki and the Cap Bon, made it possible to identify the origin of these sediments and to specify the means of transport and deposit. The granulometric study showed that the detritus materials in the gulf of Tunis are of continental origin. Mineralogical study A made it possible to highlight a clear relation between the recent sedimentary stock of the gulf of Tunis and the bordering geological formations. The distribution of the coarse and fine sediments in the gulf of Tunis is controlled by the general currents of the Mediterranean. The passage of the general currents in the gulf conditions the presence of a central zone characterized by a content of fine fraction very high (>90%). The distribution of the sediments, in the gulf of Tunis, is also related to the currents generated by the swell. At the entry of the small gulf and the vicinity of Ghar El Melh, the trajectory of these currents conditions the presence of the zones characterized by important proportions in coarse fraction.