Aeolian Activity, Desertification and the 'Green Dam' in the Ziban Range, Algeria

Abstract : This paaer attempts to explain desertification, particularly aeolian deflation and sand accumulation, in eastern Algeria by analysing a wide range of archaeological, geomorphological, historical, meteorological and sedimentolological evidence. It is not possible yet to attribute specific variations in aeolian activity in the region to aridification or human activity because it has not been possible to establish a dated chronology of sediments. The importance of a detailed understanding of aeolian activity in the context of desertification control in the area is illustrated by the 'Green dam' and it is argued that the 'Green dam' has only been partially successful due to both geomorphological and socioeconomic reasons.