Geological Field Trip to Mount CHENOUA (Tipaza, Algeria)

Date: 14 May 2026

Start time: 8:00AM

Field Trip Fee: 150/- USD

Field Trip Leader: Prof. Djelloul Belhai

Professor Emeritus of Geology

University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) 

Geology of the Chenoua Massif (Western Algiers)

Tipaza is recognized for its Outstanding Universal Value. It is a unique coastal heritage site where the Mediterranean Sea meets the surrounding mountains, notably the Chenoua Massif. Originally founded as a Punic trading post and later developed by the Romans, it preserves remarkable Phoenician, Roman, Early Christian, and Byzantine remains, alongside the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982, Tipaza combines exceptional archaeological heritage with outstanding natural beauty.

The Chenoua Massif is located about 70 km west of Algiers and forms part of the internal zones of the Maghrebides, specifically the Kabylian Dorsale. From north to south, the massif comprises several superimposed geological units.

At its northern extremity, a metamorphic unit which outcrop near Bérinshell, consisting of schists and marbles that correspond to the Kabylian basement. A Paleozoic sequence is also present, with exposed Devonian and Carboniferous formations. 

The Kabylian Dorsale, also known as the Limestone Chain, is mainly composed of Meso-Cenozoic carbonate formations that underlying red detrital Permo-Triassic deposits. This chain is subdivided into three units:

• the Internal Dorsale in the north,

• the Median Dorsale in the central part, which forms the highest summits

• the External Dorsale in the south.

The Dorsale is overlain by post-Lutetian detrital formations of Eo-Oligo-Miocene age. Beneath and above the Dorsale, Kabylian flysch units are present, including the Mauritanian flysch and Massylian flysch, which consist of alternating clay and sandstone deposits of Cretaceous-Eocene age.

In the southern and western margins of the massif, post-nappe Neogene formation outcrop, comprising basal sandy sediments, overlain by marls with limestone concretions, and locally by volcanic rocks. Volcanic activity produced andesite, rhyolite, basalt, and volcanic tuffs, particularly to the north and west. Finally, Plio-Quaternary deposits lie unconformably over all older units, completing the complex stratigraphic succession of the Chenoua Massif.

The field trip will include multiple stops to discuss the geology of the Mount Chenoua region. A total of eight (8) stops are planned, as listed below along with their coordinates:

Stop 1 – Sahel Viewpoint (36°34’28’’ N; 2°30’16’’ E)

• Panoramic view of Mount Chenoua, the western Algiers region, Tipaza city, and the western Mitidja plain. 

• Introduction to the structural setting of the Chenoua Massif and surrounding Mesozoic terrains. 

Stop 2 – Chenoua Beach “Boumaâchouk” (36°36’31’’ N; 2°24’22’’ E)

• Coastal limestones of Lower Lias (massive, oolitic) with lapiaz features. 

• Dogger-age pink limestones and Tithonian-Neocomian marls with flint nodules. 

• Overlying polygenic Eo-Oligo-Miocene conglomerates and detrital formations. 

Stop 3 – Chenoua Corniche (36°37’19’’ N; 2°24’41’’ E)

• Red Permo-Triassic Verrucano facies underlying Lias limestones. 

• Coarse conglomerates, sandstone-clay alternations, and magmatic intrusions (“green rocks”). 

• Observation of structural features: anticlines, unconformities, and quarrying effects. 

Stop 4 – Bérinshell Basment (36°38’28’’ N; 2°21’08’’ E)

• Exposed metamorphic units: bluish marbles, calc-schists, and chloritic schists. 

• Insights into the Kabylian basement and early tectonics. 

Stop 5 – Paleozoic Formations (36°37’52’’ N; 2°17’56’’ E)

• Devonian-Carboniferous series with calcareous schists, sandy limestones, and psammitic sandstones. 

• Evidence of complex tectono-sedimentary evolution, unconformities, and fossil-bearing layers. 

Stop 6 – West Chenoua Flysch (36°37’19’’ N; 2°16’03’’ E)

• Exposure of Mauritanian and Massylian flysch units (Cretaceous-Eocene). 

• Thrusting relationships with the limestone chain and Paleozoic basement. 

Stop 7 – Cap Blanc Post-nappe Miocene Deposits (36°36’31’’N ; 2°15’20’’E)

• Eo-Oligo-Miocene detrital formations and volcanic rocks, including sands, marls, and tuffs. 

• Post-nappe sedimentation reflecting regional tectonics. 

Stop 8 – Roman Ruins & Royal Mausoleum, Central Tipaza (36°35’28’’ N; 2°26’47’’ E)

• Archaeological site founded by Phoenicians, expanded under Rome. 

• Includes amphitheater, temples, Christian basilicas, necropolises, and villas. 

• Highlights the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania and UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Field Trip Leader: