Characterizing Functioning of the Dyr Karst (Tebessa, Algeria) by Correlative and Spectral Analysis of Hydro-Pluviometric Chronicles

Abstract

In this paper, we present the study results of the hydraulic behavior of the Maas-trichtian karst system of the Dyr perched syncline that is situated in the north of the Algerian territory and constitutes the north horst of the Tebessa subsidence basin. Processing and analyzing the hydro-pluviometric chronicles registered for 3134 days, between September 01, 2002 and March 31, 2011 at the hydro-pluviometric station of Ain Zerga, by means of the correlative and spectral analysis method, allowed us, at first, to describe and to compare the structures of both chronological series: - the chronological series of rainfall in the syncline of Dyr, considered as input (the cause) of the karst system, - the chronological series of flow rate of the spring Ain Zerga, considered as its output (the effect). On the basis of signal processing, determining the signal components allowed us to demonstrate clearly the effect of the temporal variability of pluviometry on the hydraulic functioning of this karst system in a big aquifer potentiality. Indeed, this work of analysis revealed that the karst system is characterized by a weakly inertial behavior and possesses a well-developed drainage structure which constitutes a functional karstification.