UNESCO Chair on Karst Education

University of Nova Gorica in cooperation with

ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute Parrocchia Santuario
Maria SS. di Custonaci
C.I.R.S. Ragusa Città di Custonaci

Proceedings
Edited by
Rosario Ruggieri

Speleologia Iblea 17 • Anno 2023 - ISBN 978-88-947661-1-0

 SPELEOLOGIA IBLEA
Volume 17 - 2023

Speleology and Environment Series

Published by

CIRS - Centro Ibleo di Ricerche Speleo-Idrogeologiche

Scientifical and cultural association founded in 1974

Via Torrenuova, 87 - 97100 Ragusa - Italy

Tel. +39 351 9863290 - E.mail: info@cirs-ragusa.org
www.cirs-ragusa.org

Autorizzation of the Court of Ragusa n. 4 dated 12-20-1995

ISBN 978-88-947661-1-0
Front cover:
Painting depicting the mountainous area of Custonaci with Monte Cofano in evidence,
created by Samvel M. Shahinyan during his participation in Man and Karst 2022.

Back cover:
Glimpse of the coastal plain of Custonaci with the Grotta Mangiapane
on the right side and Mount Cofano in the background.

Photo by:
R. Ruggieri

All right reserved

This book of any parts thereof not be reproduced in any from without written permission.

Printed by:
Barone e Bella
Ragusa, October 2023
C.I.R.S.
Centro Ibleo di Ricerche
Speleo-Idrogeologiche

Comune di Custonaci

UNESCO Chair on Karst Education

University of Nova Gorica in cooperation with
ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute

Proceedings of

edited by
Rosario Ruggieri
 Institutional Patronages
Municipality of Custonaci
Regione Siciliana - Assessorato Beni Culturali e dell’Identità Siciliana
ARS - Assemblea Regionale Siciliana
Parrocchia Santuario Maria SS. di Custonaci

Scientific Participations And Patronages

ISPRA - Istituto superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale
IAH - Karst Commission - International Association of Hydrogeologists
Commission Scientifique - Fédération Française de Spéléologie
University of Catania, Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali
University of Bari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e Geoambientali
University of Messina, Dipartimento MIFT
University of Trieste, Dipartimento di Matematica e Geoscienze
University of Palermo, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare
Unesco Chair for Karst education
University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Karst Research Institute ZRC SAZU, Postojna, Slovenia
University of Benghazi - Libya Department of Earth Science
National University of Architecture and Costruction, Everan, Armenia
University of Belgrade, Serbia - Centre for Karst Hydrogeology
University of Zadar, Croatia - Department of Geography

Cultural Patronages
SGI - Società Geologica Italiana
ORGS - Ordine Regionale Geologi di Sicilia
UIS - International Union of Speleology
FSE - European Speleological Federation - Projects ESP 2022-10”
SSI - Società Speleologica Italiana
FSRS - Federazione Speleologica Regionale Siciliana
ASC - Speleological Center of Armenia
PELA - GeoEnvironmental
CAI - Regione Sicilia Onlus
Parco Archeologico di Segesta - Regione Sicilia
Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro - Regione Sicilia

5
 Organizing Committee
CIRS - Hyblean Center of Speleo-Hydrogeological Research, Italy
Rosario Ruggieri, Davide Messina Panfalone, Gianbattista Mazzara, Paolo Vultaggio, Andrea Barone,
Iolanda Galletti, Janet Fox Vharambek, Caterina Pampalone, Maria Buffa, Giovanni Gianninoto,
Antonello Ingallinera, Claudio Tornello, Roberto Sammito, Marco Dipasquale, Antonio Bambina.

University of Catania, Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali

Rosalda Punturo, Serafina Carbone, Rosolino Cirrincione, Carmelo Monaco,

University of Bari, Mario Parise, Giovanni Scicchitano.

University of Messina, Antonella Cinzia Marra.

University of Trieste, DMG-UNITS

Luca Zini, Chiara Calligaris, Furio Finocchiaro.

Tetide Aps, Francesco Maurano, Ferdinando Didonna.

Ordine Regionale Geologi di Sicilia, Mauro Corrao, Paolo Mozzicato.

A.C.N.D., Loredana Modica

Scientific Committee
Chiara Calligaris, Awad A. Bilal, Avi Burg, Serafina Carbone, Rosolino Cirrincione,
Giorgio De Guidi, Pietro Di Stefano, Ferdinando Didonna, Abdelsalam S. Elshaafi, Furio Finocchiaro,
Philippe Fleury, Martin Knez, Robert Lončarić, Antonella Cinzia Marra, Peter Malik,
Francesco Maurano, Saša Milanovic, Carmelo Monaco, Ahmed M. Muftah, Mario Parise, Metka Petrič,
Giovanna Pappalardo, Rosalda Punturo, Rosario Ruggieri, Giovanni Scicchitano, Tadej Slabe,
Zoran Stevanovic, Maša Surić, Luca Zini.

6
 Participants

Abbate Rosario CAI Messina Messina, Italy

Abdulsamad Esam University of Benghazi Benghazi, Libya
Bambina Antonio CIRS Ragusa Alcamo, Italy
Barone Andrea CIRS Ragusa Custonaci, Italy
Ben Amer Younis University of Benghazi Benghazi, Libya
Bilal Awad University of Bengnazi Benghazi, Libya
Biondić Ranko University of Zagreb Zagreb, Croatia
Bojana Horvat University of Rijeka Rijeka, Croatia
Boljat Ivana Croatian Geological Survey Zagreb, Croatia
Braholli Ermiona Fan S. Noli University Korca, Albania
Buffa Maria CIRS Ragusa Custonaci, Italy
Burg Avihu Geological Survey of Israel Israel
Burg Milman Noga Accompany person Israel
Buscaglia Giovanni Legambiente - Riserva Sant’Angelo Muxaro Sant’Angelo Muxaro
Buzjak Suzana Croatian Natural Hisory Museam Croatia
Calligaris Chiara University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
Carbone Serafina University of Catania Catania, Italy
Casamento Giulia Riserva Naturale Grotta di Santa Ninfa - Legambiente Sicilia Santa Ninfa, Italy
Cassarino Rosa Geologist Ragusa, Italy
Cassarino Giovanni Geologist Ragusa, Italy
Cirrincione Rosolino University of Catania Catania, iTaly
Costanzo Salvatore University of Catania Catania, Italy
Didonna Ferdinando Tetide APS Camerota, Italy
Di Stefano Giovanni Universty of Calabria Ragusa, Italy
Diguida Annarosa Accompany person Trieste, Italy
Dollma Merita University of Tirana Tirana, Albania
Dosedla Heinz Christian CINDIS Austria
El-Ebaidi Saad University of Benghazi Benghazi, Libya
El-Faitouri Mohamed University of Benghazi Benghazi, Libya
Elgazali Abdelkarem University of Benghazi Benghazi, Libya
Elshaafi Abdelsalam University of Benghazi Benghazi, Libya
El-Shari Saad University of Benghazi Benghazi, Libya
El-Shawaihdi Moftah University of Benghazi Benghazi, Libya
Fabbricatore Alessio Architetto Gorizia, Italy
Finocchiaro Furio University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
Fiorella Stefania CIRS Ragusa Siracusa, Italy
Fleury Philippe Commission Scientifique - FFS Lyon, France
Fox Vahambeck Janet CIRS Ragusa Catania, Italy
Frazzetto Maurizio CIRS Ragusa Ragusa, Italy
Frazzetto Andrea CIRS Ragusa Ragusa, Italy
Galletti Iolanda CIRS Ragusa Ragusa, Italy
Gambino Salvatore University of Catania Catania, Italy
Gianninoto Giovanni CIRS Ragusa Ragusa, Italy
Grammatico Roberto Speleo Team Trapani Trapani, Italy
Gulli Domenica Soprintendenza BB.CC.AA. Agrigento Agrigento, Italy
Ingallinera Antonello CIRS Ragusa Ragusa, Italy
Interlandi Marco Legambiente - Riserva Sant’Angelo Muxaro Agrigento, Italy
Jalžić Branko Croatian Biospeleological Society Croatia
Jashiku Ermira Fan S. Noli University Korca, Albania
Lalic Elvis Accompany person Zagreb, Croatia
Leskovar Karlo University of Zagreb Zagreb, Croatia
Liso Isabella Serena University of Bari Bari, Italy
Loborec Jelena Univesrsiy of Zagreb Zagreb, Croatia
Lončarić Robert University of Zadar Zadar, Croatia
Lukač Jasmina Reberski Croatian Geological Survey Zagreb, Croatia
Malitk Peter Geologica Survey of Slovak Republic Bratislava, Slovakia
Margǔs Marija Ruder Boskovic Institute Zagreb, Croatia

7
Marra Antonella Cinzia University of Messina Messina, Italy
Mari László Eotvos Universisty Budapest, Hungary
Markić Nicola Public Institution Plitvice Lakes National Park Plitvice, Croatia
Maurano Francesco Tetide APS Camerota, Italy
Mazzara Antonino Mazzara Marmi (Sponsor) Custonaci, Italy
Mazzara Giambattista CIRS Ragusa Custonaci, Italy
Meaški Hrvoje University of Zagreb Zagreb, Croatia
Messana Vincenza Riserva Natutale Grotta di Entella - CAI Sicilia Entella, Italy
Messina Panfalone Davide CIRS Ragusa Custonaci, Italy
Metushaj Mirela University Aleksander Moisiu Durres, Albania
Modica Loredana A.C.N.D srl (sponsor) Ragusa, Italy
Monaco Carmelo University of Catania Catania, Italy
Morreale Gabriele University of Catania Catania, Italy
Mostafa Mostafa University Bright Star Al Brega, Libya
Muftah Ahmed University of Benghazi Benghazi, Libya
Nagy Balázs Eotvos Lorand University Budapest, Hungary
Nicotra Camillo Participant Catania, Italy
Pagano Mario University of Catania Catania, Italy
Pampalone Caterina CIRS Ragusa Custonaci, Italy
Pappalardo Giovanna University of Catania Catania, Italy
Parise Mario Unversity of Bari Bari, Italy
Petrič Metka Karst Research Institute Postojna, Slovenia
Petrović Branislav University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
Pintar Kristian Univesrity of Zadar Zadar, Croatia
Pizzorusso Ann Twittando Da Vinci (Sponsor) U.S.A.
Priolo Giuseppe Gruppo Grotte Catania CAI Catania, Italy
Punturo Rosalda University of Catania Catania, Italy
Radišić Maja University of Rijeka Rijeka, Croatia
Rosano Enza Participant Catania, Italy
Ruggieri Maria Rita CIRS Ragusa Ragusa, Italy
Ruggieri Rosario CIRS Ragusa Ragusa, Italy
Rubinić Josip University of Rijeka Rijeka, Croatia
Scheuerle Wieland Landesverband fur Hohlen Germany
Scheuerle Sibylle Landesverband fur Hohlen Germany
Scicchitano Giovanni University of Bari Bari, Italy
Shahinyan Samvel NUACA, University Everan, Armenia
Shkurti Fatlinda University o Vlora Vlora, Albania
Sinani Albina University of Gjirokastra Gjirokastra, Albania
Simeunovic Larisa Grcic University of Zadar Zadar, Croatia
Slabe Tadej Karst Research Institute Postojna, Slovenia
Stevanović Zoran University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
Stevanović Aleksandra Natural History Museam Belgrade, Serbia
Sudar Natalija Bastinik - Society for promotion of natural and cultural heritage Croatia
Šulc Ivan University of Zagreb Zagreb, Croatia
Surić Maša University of Zadar Zadar, Croatia
Telbisz Tamás Eotvos Lorand University Budapest, Hungary
Termine Michele Journalist - Argos Sciacca, Italy
Terzić Josip Groatian Geological Survey Zagreb, Croatia
Tornello Claudio CIRS Ragusa Ragusa, Italy
Tornello Giuseppe CIRS Ragusa Ragusa, Italy
Valentić Lara Karst Research Institute Postojna, Slovenia
Verdet Jean-marc Commission Scientifique - French Fedartion of Speleology France
Verdet Martine Commission Scientifique - French Fedartion of Speleology France
Vultaggio Paolo CIRS Ragusa Custonaci, Italy
Žalac Sanja Public Institution Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia
Zini Luca University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
Zupanc Hrastar Suzana Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning Slovenia

8
 Presentation

As promised, but not without having had to face and overcome the usual difficulties, economic and other-
wise, inherent in the production of conference proceedings, here we are with this volume, just one year after
Man and Karst 2022, to honor a commitment, with the participants and even more with the speakers, which is
to have written-paper memory of the reports presented, both to remember the socio-cultural context and that
of the scientific contents.

This commitment is even more heartfelt due to the still incomprehensible story of the failure to print the
proceedings of Man and Karst 2019, which, having been placed in another editorial circuit, were not suc-
cessful to our great disappointment and I think even more than those who had participated and who understan-
dably counted on the publication of their work.

But by spreading a pitiful veil over what happened (but it would be better to say it didn’t happen), and
having personally taken on us this time with burdens, and hopefully honors too, in the printing of this volume
included in the Speleologia Iblea series of the CIRS Ragusa, now allow me to briefly introduce below, even
for those who were not present at the event, the context of Man and Karst 2022 and its exciting results.

Synopsis of Man and Karst 2022

Organized by CIRS Ragusa, with the patronage of the Municipality of Custonaci, the Unesco Chair and
Karst Education, research institutions and numerous Italian and foreign universities, the second edition of the
Man and Karst International Scientific Conference was held in Custonaci (Trapani Province, Sicily) from 12
to 17 September 2022.

The event, in the same way as the previous past edition held in Ragusa in 2019, receiving considerable
appreciation for participation (more than one hundred subscribers) and scientific contents, intended to give a
contribution to the knowledge, enhancement and protection of the karst and its caves , often in a conflictual
relationship with the activities of the resident populations, in the hope that scientific research in the field of
speleological sciences can give its own original contribution in the resolution or mitigation of specific pro-
blems of social interest, including: the contamination of groundwater from wastewater and microplastics, the
risk of collapse in urban contexts due to the presence of karst voids, just to mention some of the most evident
in the relationship between man and the karst.

As regards the results of Man and Karst 2022, some significant data regarding the participants, the reports
presented and the activities carried out are reported below.

Number of participants: more than one hundred participants of which about 60% came from abroad (Cro-
atia, Libya, Slovenia, Albania, Serbia, Hungary, France, Israel, Germany, Armenia, USA, Austria, Slovakia) re-
presenting Universities, Research Institutes, Park Authorities, Geological Surveys, etc. As regards Italy, we had
the presence of professors from the University of Catania, from the University of Trieste, from the University
of Bari, Directors of Natural Reserves (Entella, Santa Ninfa and Sant’Angelo Muxaro), the Superintendence
of Agrigento, 4 speleological associations, three representatives of the Italian Speleological Society, including
the vice president, and the president of the Tetide Aps Association who presented the SpeleoMedit exhibition
on the karst of Mediterranean coastal countries, for which CIRS edited the posters of Libya, Egypt and Syria.

9
 Scientific sessions: 55 reports were presented divided into 6 sessions (Karst Geomorphology, Speleology
and cave conservation, Karst hydrogeology and water protection, Archaeology and paleontology in karst and
artificial caves, Vulnerability, protection and fruition of karst landscapes and caves, Karst hazards, geological
and geophysical investigations) and 11 presentations in the poster session. The scientific part, held in the first
three half days, was followed by the part dedicated to afternoon excursions (from 12 to 14), respectively with a
field trip around the Monte Cofano Reserve, a field trip on the ridge of Monte Sparagio to discover the Karren
of C.da Noce, of the Stone Forest of Piano delle Ferle, of the Megalodon still visible in the Cocuccio quarries
and the Polje of Purgatory, and in the magnificent Grotta della Clava of the Geosite currently being established
“Karst and Speleological Park of Piano Zubbia “.

Post-conference excursions of 15-16-17, respectively: on Mount Kronio in the vaporous caves of the San
Calogero stoves (in place of the excursion to the islands due to prohibitive weather and sea conditions), in the
sulphurous springs of Sciacca, with the coastal field trip in the magical Zingaro Nature Reserve and on the
17th, with a guided tour of the Archaeological Park of Segesta, a bath in the Segesta thermal baths and at the
end of the intense day with a visit to the surreal landscape of the Culcasi salt pans at sunset.

Having said that, and hoping for a new exciting meeting with the friends of Man and Karst in Sicily,
perhaps on the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of CIRS, with Man and Karst 2024, we thank those who
have affectionately followed us up to now, leaving you to read the scientific reports received and published
hereafter.

Rosario Ruggieri
President of CIRS Ragusa

10
 International Scientific Conference
Speleologia Ragusa
Man and Karst 2022 Vol. XVII pp. 269 - 276
Iblea 2023
September 12th / 17th 2022 Custonaci, Italy

Highlights on Some Important Geosites in Al Jabal

Al Akhdar, Northeastern Libya: a Protection Alert

Ahmed M. Muftah1 and Mohammed F. El Hassi2

Faculty of Science, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Benghazi, Libya. ahmed.alkowafi@uob.edu.ly
1

Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Department of Geological Engineering, University of Bright Star, Brega, Libya
2

Abstract

Several important karst features “dolines, caves and water springs” are well developed in the northeastern part of Cyre-
naica in Libya. Adequate studies have been published concerning their distribution and genesis in northeastern Libya.
However, none of these studies have appointed their importance as an economic resource to the country and their con-
servation from destruction.
This study describes the most important karstic geosites and highlights how to protect them from the effect of natural and
human processes, in the following geo-sites:
i. Mark cave and Apollo spring with their religious values.
ii. Ad Dabbousyyiah, Al Barradah, and Al Hufrah, Astawa springs are potable water resources for cities, towns and
villages in the surround.
iii. Fteah Cave, is a karstic cave with scientific values, it was once occupied by prehistoric settlers, as evidenced by the
later stone artifacts. The Fteah cave contains a long cultural Paleolithic sequences. Other karst landscapes such as
dolines have geo-tourism and educational values.
Environmental deterioration of the dolines and caves due to human activity has been noticed, this destruction includes;
using them as garbage dumping sites, animal hangars, random burial, land clearance, destruction, and quarries. There-
fore, attention must be paid to building up the essential components of infrastructure and rehabilitating them to upraise
geotourism and nominate possible geoparks. Furthermore, this study strongly encourages the creation of legislation that
prosecutes aggressors on those sites and the prohibition of private property, as well as spread of culture, knowledge, and
awareness among local people. This helps to conserve the priceless natural heritage. The expected hazards at these tourist
sites are also specified as in the case of rock falls, and water pollutions.

Introduction Xingwen County, Yibin, Sichuan province in china as ex-

amples but not least. The Geo-conservation focuses on
The karst Doline “the widely admitted” is used most- protecting and conserving the best geological examples;
ly in Europe for a sub-circular bowl or funnel-like de- “fossils, rocks, minerals, sedimentological and structural
pression. However, Sinkhole is applied mainly in North landforms”. It also seeks to ensure that current natural
America for a steep-side closed depression resulting from features are properly conserved and managed. Similarly,
a sudden collapse downward of the hard rock or of the geoheritage protection “including dolines and caves” in a
soft material on the surface (Sauro, 2003). Karsts are wide range are the practice of conserving, enhancing and
formed by the interplay between the ground and surface promoting awareness of those features and geo-diversi-
water on highly porous or jointed Limestone and Do- ty that have significant scientific, educational, cultural,
lostone. Though karst Gypsum terrain is also involved and aesthetic or ecological value (Crofts and Gordon,
as indicated in several studies including Sauro, (1996) 2015; Prosser et al. 2013). Dolines and caves are import-
who determined the larger dolines in Vena del Gesso and ant habitats for world biodiversity, they hosted endemic
the medium-smaller sized in Santa Ninfa of Sicily and floral and faunal species, including the threatened taxa.
Vattano, (2010) who introduced the Monte Conca Gyp- In general, few studies have been published in relation
sum karst system in South- Central Sicily. These spec- to the spatial distribution of dolines in Al Jabal al Akh-
tacular karstic features “Dolines” are largely invested as dar, with the lithological and texture such in (Ashahomi,
geotouristic attractive sites and geopark foundation like 2008; Muftah et al. 2010; and Abdulsamad et al. 2010).
that established by the UNESCO Global Geoparks: i) While structural related studies include (Abdelmalik et al.
Cultivated doline in Gunung Sewu, Indonesia; ii) Pirhā- 2007; El Amawy et al. 2010; Faraj et al. 2016; Elshaafi et
jāt doline in Tabas Geopark, Iran; iii) Xingwen doline in al. 2021; Salloum et al. 2022; and Al Brouki et al., 2023)

269
Fig. 1: Location of geosites in Cyrenaica region NE Libya

tional relevance if SVW = 301-400. On the other hand,

the protection priorities for the geosites which defined by
Brilha (2016) based on the summation of the final scores
of scientific value (SV) and degradation risk (DR), they
categorized as: i) geosites of 0 ≤ (SV + DR) ≤ 300 need
long term priority, ii) geosites of 300 < (SV + DR) ≤ 550
need medium term, and iii) geosites of 550 < (SV + DR)
≤ 750 need short term, and iv) geosites of 750 < (SV +
DR) ≤ 800 need urgent priority according to (Rocha et al.
2016 a, b). Table 1 shows the obtained interpretation of
the present study.

Location of geosites

The geosites examined in this study are located in the

coastal area and on the lower escarpment of the Al Jabal
Fig. 2: a) Entrance of the Prehistoric Fteah Cave; b) Cambrid- al Akhdar in Cyrenaica region northeast Libya (Fig. 1)
ge team working in the excavated trench in Haua Fteah Cave
2017; C) animals grazing in the collapsed cave entrance.
Results
Aims of the study Fteah Cave

1 - Determine intensity of deterioration of the dolines and It is also named Haua Fteah Cave is located west of
caves due to human activities. Susa town (ancient name: Apollonia) about 8.5 km, at the
2 - Nominate geomorphological “karst phenomena” and intersection of Latitude 32˚ 54’ 01.3” N and Longitude
other geological features “fossils sites, lithological 22˚03’05.2”. The cave is encompassed in the first escarp-
sites” for preservation and conservation protections. mental face about 0.5 km south of coastal highway and at
3 - Outline potential risks of geological and geomorpho- an elevation of 63m with a mouth about 80m wide and
logical geohazards about 20m high (Inglis et al. 2017). The Haua Fteah is a
legendary cave with a scientific value as it containing the
longest Paleolithic civilization sequences in North Afri-
Methods ca (Fig. 2a). This sequence has been retrieved from a
14 meters excavated pit in three stepped trenches (Upper
According to the scientific value obtained from the trench “ground – 2m”, middle trench “2-7m”, and deep
Brilha (2016) method, the geosites is classified as i) geo- sounding “7-14m”) in the center of the cave by Cam-
diversity sites if SVW = 200; ii) geosites of national rel- bridge University archeologists team in year 2017, this
evance if SVW = 201-300; and iii) geosites of interna- sequence represents a valuable archaeological, environ-

270
mental and climatic records for the period from middle
to later stone ages “after ca. 50,000 years BP = ca. 50 ka”
(Inglis et al. 2017). The Fteah Cave is highly nominated
as an educational cave from historical and speleological
tasks. It witnessed many scientific researches McBurney
et al. (1953), McBurney (1967) and Inglis et al. (2017)
(Fig. 2b). Unfortunately, the cave now is being used as
animal shelter (Fig. 2c), hence, this attitude (localization
of livestock inside such historical caves) must be denied
and terminated immediately, because it harm and deterio-
rate the historical values of such sites.

Mark Cave

It is an important cave due to its religious, geologi-

cal, and archaeological significant values (Fig. 3). It is
composed of multi-story residence rooms and facilities
carved deeply into a rocky cliff, these residence facilities
belong to the Saint Mark and known as the Mark edifice
(El Hassi and Muftah, 2022).

Fig. 4: Al Hilal Formation type locality at Ras el Hilal sea cliff,

being covered by a concrete wall. Upper in 2017, lower in 2022.

Fig. 3: Mark Cave at Wadi Mark, Ras al Hilal - Athrun area.

Lithology geo-sites

Few outcrops of type localities in Al Jabal al Akh-

dar, need immediate attention and action to conserve and
protect the relevant rock units “formations” from being Fig. 5: Fossil Biogeosites, a) Coral colony in growth position at
destroyed or deformed to sustain them for the future gen- Ad Daboussiyah road cut ( c after Elwerfalli et al. 2000). b) Tra-
erations. The oldest outcrop of Al Hilal Formation in Ras ce fossil art plate from Shahhat Marl Member of Al Bayda For-
al Hilal area is subjected to such destruction. The type mation at Cyrene-Apollonia road-cut; c) Nummulites gizehensis
locality of the Al Hilal Formation at Ras al Hilal Sea cliff, bank setting from Darnah Formation at Darnah road-cut.
“where Al Barradah Spring is flowing” has recently been
covered with concrete for an anonymous reason (Fig. 4).
(Fig. 5c), the equivalent of Samalut Formation in Nile
Valley of Egypt Kenawy et al. (2019). These nummulitic
Fossils geo-sites rocks are used in the building blocks of Cyrene ancient
city (Muftah and El Ebaidi, 2019).
Some of the outcrops in Al Jabal al Akhdar are con-
sidered important educational and geo-tourism sites in
terms of fossil content. Therefore, serious action is to Geohazards
conserve and protect them against hammering in order
to keep them intact, for educational, geo-tourism and ap- They can be of various processes such mass wasting
plying of new geology concepts. Examples of this type materials (rock fall, soil slumping), collapsing due to sub-
of geosites are; in-situ buildup growth of coral reef in the terraneous rock erosion, earthquakes, and volcanic erup-
Oligocene Al Baydah Formation at the Ayn Dabbousyy- tion. In the study area, among these geo-hazard processes
iah road-cut section (Fig. 5a) and the trace fossil assort- are, dolines formation which may cause property damage
ment “a natural artist plate” occurred at the unconformity (road and buildings subsidence and/or collapse) as com-
between the Eocene Darnah/Oligocene Al Bayda Forma- monly seen in Coeffiah area and in the case of Kablan’s
tion which can be seen at the Cyrene-Apollonia road-cut House in Shabna area, Benghazi and in other intra-city
section, Elwerfalli et al. (2000) (Fig. 5b). In addition, the roads. The two documented examples are:
Nummulites gizehensis is an important foraminiferal spe- 1 - The Al Gabaili doline which located just south of the
cies found in abundance in the Eocene Darnah Formation asphaltic road that connecting Ras Al Hilal and Al

271
 Fig. 7: Ras al-Mingar Doline with domestic black waters and
fuel wastes from Bregah oil Tanks.

Fig. 6: a) Al Gabaili doline next to highway; b) Al Jabah doline

cave with a building above.

Athrun villages, at Latitude 32˚ 55’ 33.3”N, and Lon-

gitude. 22˚07’26.6”E. Such a doline can cause inju-
ries or fatalities if a person is caught in a doline while
driving. Furthermore, the road is in danger of collaps-
ing due to the doline enlargement therefor road status
must be assessed and all measures must be taken to
prevent road collapse and protect road users (Fig. 6a).
2 - Buildings placed above caves; such that one reported
in the Coeffia area at the Al Jabah (Fig. 6b) and Mirisi,
those buildings must be evacuated for human safety
and overload buildings must be removed to protect
cave roofs from being collapsed.

Industrial wastes

Example of the unsafe and uncontrolled discharge of

industrial wastes can be seen in the Ras Al-Minqar Do-
line which located in a populated area. Bregah Hydro-
carbon Marketing Company drained excess of fuel into Fig. 8: a) Mirisi doline cave degraded by disposal of construc-
the doline. Urban area Sewage drain site such Settlers tion waste. Note: the joint enlarging mechanism. b) Rubbish fills
around Ras al-Minqar doline drained their sewage into the entrance of the doline cave.
doline (Fig. 7). There is a serious risk on the surround-
ing environment and underground water. Water quality natural animal’s habitats and many archeological sites,
confirmed that it is extremely contaminated and entirely this type of destruction is clearly seen in many places in
unsafe for human’s use or consumption as well as in agri- areas surrounding Susah and Shahhat towns.
cultural and industrial purposes even after being purified The Coeffiah-Budziera region is a karst area typified by
(El Ebaidi et al. 2019). In addition, water recovered from many dolines, caves and sub terrains tunnels, this make the
drilled wells in the surrounding of Ras al-Minqar area is region vulnerable to surface collapse due to continues dis-
turbid in black with sewage smell and therefore, and not solution and loading. Uncontrolled urban expansion in this
entirely unsafe for human’s use or consumption. area, especially around karstic lakes such as Ain Majdoub,
and Budzera make those building more susceptible to col-
lapsing due to lake enlargement Salloum et al. (2022) and
Urban expansion

Processes associated with urban expansion such as Rock falls

disposal of construction wastes and domestic rubbish into
the dolines is the main factor in doline deterioration. Miri- The mass wasting phenomenon is mostly resulted from
si doline cave is a live example (Figs. 8a,b). Removing of interplay of gravity force and/or the rhythmic bedded al-
vegetation cover, natural forest and leveling of hilly zones ternation pattern in highly jointing cliffs. Wadi al Back-
using heavy machines to create new residential areas have ur roadcut cliff (Fig. 9), Wadi al Kuf roadcut, quarries,
resulted in sever demolition of natural topography and and steep slope wadi sides are among the most common

272
Fig. 9: Rock fall at one side of Wadi al Bacur road cut. (Note Fig. 11. Apollo spring in ancient city of Cyrene
the iron fence).

fountain water are above the limits acceptable by World

Health Organization (2018). This contamination is prob-
ably due to the discharge of residents wastes (Fig. 11).
However, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and
Salmonella typhi were reported in the Apollo Spring (El
Ebaidi et al. 2019, page 30). Urgently, attention must go
to collect domestic water in a safe place where it will not
affect the karst system.
Shaltami et al. (2019) and El Ebaidi et al. (in press)
confirmed that the Ayn Dabbousyyiah and Al Hufra
springs waters are safe and suitable for human consump-
tion and use as indicated by chemical and biological wa-
ter analysis which fit the safe ranges set by World Health
Organization (2018)

Conclusions
Protection of the karstic landforms “caves, dolines
and springs” as well as the important lithological “type
Fig. 10: Iron fence to prevent rock fall at the nature reserve of
localities” or paleontological “unique fossils” exposures
Monte Cofano in Custonaci (TP) Italy. (snapped by Telbisz Tamàs). is of priority due to its high educational and tourist bene-
fit. For example, the National Park Service (NPS) policy
to protect cave karst parks was found in this link (https://
cliff-failure types in Al Jabal al Akhdar. It is important to www.nps.gov/subjects/caves/cave-karst-protection.htm).
reduce the risks of this geologic hazard type on living and The studied sites are set into three categories;
traveling through this terrain. This can be performed by i) Archeological Geo-sites: Fteah Cave and Mark
educating people for better understand from rockfalls, the Cave, both are moderately deteriorated
specialists can produce rockfall hazard maps of public use ii) Lithological Geo-sites: this is includes rare expo-
visited areas. Constructing fencing at the dangerous cliffs sures of type location sections: Ras Al Hilal sea-cliff sec-
will reduce the risk, as seen in Wadi al Bakur. A good ex- tion is severely deteriorated.
ample is an iron fixing to prevent a huge rock that will iii) Fossils Geosite: as the in-situ buildup growth of
almost fall if it is not fixed with an iron fence at the nature coral reef outcrop, the burrowed trace fossil assortment,
reserve of Monte Cofano in Custonaci, Italy (Fig. 10). and the accumulations of Nummulites gizehensis in Dar-
nah Formation.
The Geo-hazards in the studied sites can be either
Springs naturally occurring such the formation of natural dolines
in areas near highways and intra-city as in many places
Human activities in some areas of Al Jabal al Akhdar within Benghazi City, which have dangerous impact on
have severely contaminated the groundwater and karst human life and properties. Also that formed by human
springs. Water of these resources are containing tox- activities such those result from industry and urban ex-
ic chemicals, worms, algae, bacteria”Cryptosporidium, pansion and associated environmental pollution. Hazards
Giardia and Escherichia” and viruses which are harmful result from industry: this is clearly seen in Ras al-Minqar
to human health. Springs such as Ayn Dabbousyyiah, Al Doline where Bregah Hydrocarbon Marketing Company
Hufra, and Apollo are important water supplies to many draining excess of fuel this led to extreme ground water
domestic areas in Al Jabal al Akhdar. Chemical analysis pollution and doline deterioration.
performed by Shaltami et al. (2017) confirmed that the Urban expansion and associated environmental pollu-
TDS and heavy metals “Fe, Cd and Hg” of the Apollo tion and destruction:

273
i) In Ras Al-Minqar and Al Coeffiiah area, draining rowed shahhat trace fossils are national relevance geo-
sewage system and rubbish dumping into dolines sites of medium term protection priority; Fteah cave, Al
have led to extreme ground water pollution and doline Hilal Formation type locality, and Al Abraq Fossil coral
deterioration. Ground water in these areas are entirely are international relevance geosite of short term protec-
unusable even for industry or agriculture. tion priority; Al Jabah doline cave is national relevance
ii) In areas of Susah and Shahhat towns, urban expansion geosite of short term protection priority; and Al Marqus
has led to sever destruction of natural topography, de- cave is national relevance geosite of medium term protec-
struction of natural animal’s habitats, and of many ar- tion priority (Table 1).
cheological sites.
Pollution of karst water springs: chemical and biolog-
ical water analysis has proven that water of Apollo Spring Recommendations
is contaminated and unsafe, but Ayn Dabbousyyiah and
Al Hufra springs are uncontaminated and safe. 1 - Government must reactivates and apply all laws, reg-
The studied geosites are classified according to Ro- ulations, and policies that protect archeological sites,
cha et al. (2016a,b) after modification of Brilha (2016) natural animal’s habitats and valuable natural land-
as follows: Ras al Mingar doline, Mirisi doline cave, and scapes such action must include applying prosecution
Gabaili doline are geodiversity relevance of medium term laws against breakers. This is requiring an immediate
protection priority; the Apollo Fountain, and the bur- action to stop the ongoing destruction of geo-sites.

Table. 1: Criteria and numerical parameters of the relevance value of the studied geosites and their protection priority according to
integration of Brilha (2016) and Rocha et al. (2016a,b)

274
2 - Government must survey geo-sites, categorize ac- El Hassi MF, Muftah AM, (2022). An inventory study of
cording to type, determine their values (historical, the Geosites in the area from Susa to Darnah in Al Jabal al
archeological, educational, etc.); this will assist in es- Akhdar, Libya: A proposed Geopark. Geoheritage 14: 122
tablishment of a platform for geotourism resources, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13171-022-00755-9z
which will enhance the sustainable development of
El Ebaidi SK, Muftah AM, Al Riaydh M, 2019. Impacts
the local community.
of multi-pollution sources of groundwater on health and
3 - Tourism and geo-tourism as well require a robust
environment in Ras Almingar area, Benghazi-Libya. The
infrastructure and services, these include, hotels and
Libyan Conference on Chemistry and Its Applications
camping sites, net of roads, transportation and com-
(LCCA). 29-33.
munication facilities, health and emergency services,
well managed tourist sites, other complementary ser- Elshaaf A, Bilal A, Awami Y, Salloum F, 2021. Develop-
vices such teleferik is recommended to carry visitors ment of collapse dolines in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, NE Lib-
up to cliff sites as in Mark Cave, these will be active ya: geomorphic analysis and numerical modelingbased
if supported via media and advertising services. approach 2021. Carbonates and Evaporites (2021) 36:54
4 - Chemical and microbial analyses of natural water springs https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-021-00714-9
must be carried out on regular bases to evaluate its suit-
Elwerfalli AO, Muftah AM, El-Hawat AS, Shelmani MI,
ability for human consumption and use in accordance
2000. A guidebook on the Geology of Al Jabal al Akhdar,
with World Health Organization “WHO” standard.
Cyrenaica, NE Libya. Earth Sci. Soc. Libya, Tripoli, pp.
1-71.
Acknowledgements Faraj HF, Salloum FM, Muftah AM, Bilal AA, 2013.
Unique dolines field in the area between Soluq and Msus,
The authors are appreciated the effort of Mr. Khali- NE Libya: origin and distribution. Speleologia Iblea, Ra-
fa A. Ashahomi from the Arabian Gulf Oil Company in gusa, Vol. XVI, 51 – 64..
reading and reviewing the manuscript. Our gratitude are
extends to Dr. Haidoub for the English review of the man- Inglis RH, French C, Farr L, Hunt CO, Jones SC, Reyn-
uscript. olds T, Barker G, 2017. Sediment micromorphology and
site formation processes during the Middle to Later Stone
Ages at the Haua Fteah Cave, Cyrenaica, Libya. Geoar-
chaeology.1–21.
References
Kenawy AI, Mohamed HK, Mansour HH, 1993. Bio-
Abdelmalik MB, El-Moursi ME, Salloum , 2007. the en- stratigraphic zonation of the Middle Eocene in the Nile
vironmental impact of the karstic features of ayn zayanah Valley, based on larger Foraminifera. Zitteliana, 20 Hagn/
– kuwiffia sector, near Benghazi, Libya. Speleologia Herm-Festschrift, München: 301-309,.
iblea, vol. 12, pp. 147-152. McBurney CBM. 1967. The Haua Fteah (Cyrenaica) and
Abdulsamad EO, El Ebaidi SK, Muftah AM, (2010): the Stone Age of the South-East Mediterranean. Cam-
Geochemistry and mineralogy of the Eocene-Miocene bridge: Cambridge University Press.
karst host rock units of Al Jabal al Akhdar, (Cyrenaica, McBurney CBM, Trevor JC, Wells LH. 1953. A fossil hu-
NE Libya). Speleolgia Iblea, vol. 14, 61-70. man mandible from a Levalloiso-Mousterian Horizon in
Al Brouki MT, Elshaaffi HZ, Mostafa FM, El Hassi MF, Cyrenaica. Nature, 172(4385): 889–891.
Khalifa AK, (2023): Lineaments analysis and mapping Muftah AM (In press). Foraminiferal biostratigraphy of
using automatic extraction in central part of Al Jabal Al Al Hilal Formation at the Al Hilal anticline environ, in
Akhdar, NE Libya. Carbonates and Evaporites, (2023) Ras el Hilal region, NE Libya: A review
38:4 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-022-00826-w
Muftah AM, El Ebaidi SK. 2019. The geoethical scenario
Ashahomi KA, 2008. “karst in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, NE towards the archaeological heritage in Al Jabal al Akh-
Libya” In: MJ Salem, KM Oun, AS Essed (Eds.) The Ge- dar, NE- Libya. XIV International Scientific and Prac-
ology of Northeast Libya, Sedimentary Basins of Libya, tical Conference “New Ideas in Earth Sciences” Mos-
3rd symposium, vol. IV, 377-394, publications of Earth cow:112-115.
Science Society of Libya (ECSL), Tripoli, Printed by
Gutenberg Press Ltd, Malts. Muftah AM, Abdulsamad EO, Ali RA, Alsonusi AH.
2010. Stratigraphy-karst relationships– Miocene carbon-
Brilha JB, 2016. Inventory and quantitative assessment ates of Al Jabal al Akhdar, (Cyrenaica, NE Libya). Spele-
of geosites and geodiversity sites: a review. Geoheritage ologia Iblea, 14: 53 – 60,.
8:119–134
Prosser CD, Brown EJ, Larwood JG, Bridgland DR.
Crofts R, Gordon JE, 2015. Geoconservation in protected 2013. Geoconservation for science and society, An agen-
areas. In: GL Worboys, M Lockwood, A Kothari, S Feary, da for the future. Proc Geol Assoc 124:561–567.
I Pulsford (Eds.) Protected area governance and manage-
ment. ANU Press, Canberra, pp 531–567. Rocha AJD, Lima E, Schobbenhaus C. 2016a. Aplicati-
vo Geossit – Nova versão. In: 48°. Congresso Brasile-
El Amawy MA, Muftah AM, Abdelmalik MB, 2010. iro de Geologia, Porto Alegre. Acesso em 20 de outubro
Karst development and structural relationship in the Ter- de 2017. <http://sbg.sitepessoal.com/anais48cbg/st22/
tiary rocks of the western part of Al Jabal al Akhdar, Lib- ID6389_111448_52_Aplicativo_geossit.pdf
ya area NE Libya: A case study in Qasr. Speleolgia Iblea,
Ragusa, vol. 14:173-189. Rocha AJD, Lima E, Schobbenhaus C. 2016b. Aplicati-

275
vo GEOSSIT – nova versão. In Congresso Brasileiro de
Geologia. Vol. 48, No. 2016, pp. 1-6389
Salloum FM, Al Amin AA, El-Shawaihdi MH, El Amawy
MA, Muftah AM, Al Riaydh MH. 2022. Impact of struc-
tural fabric on development of karst aquifer in Ayn
Zayanah-Al Coeffiah area in Benghazi plain, NE Libya.
Carbonate and Evaporites. (2022) 37:65. Online: 1-17.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-022-00811-3
Sauro U. 1996. Geomorphological aspects of Gypsum
Karst areas with special emphasis on exposed karst. Int.
J. Speleol, 25, (3-4): 105-114.
Sauro U. 2003. Dolines and sinkholes: aspects of evo-
lution and problems of classification. Acta Carsologica,
32/2, (4): 41-52. Ljubljana.
Shaltami OR, Fares FF, Salloum FM, Elghazal R, El
Feituri A. 2017. Assessment of surface water quality for
drinking and irrigation purposes in Ain Apollo, Shahhat
City, NE Libya. 2nd Libyan Conference on Chemistry and
its applications (LCCA-2). Benghazi, Libya. pp. 127-134.
Shaltami OR, Bozakouk IH, Al-Sefat RM, Fares FF, EL
Oshebi FM, Elshelmani NM, Arfaatabar M. 2019. Hy-
drochemical and Microbiological Assessment of Surface
Water: A Case Study of the Al Dabosia and Al Hufara
Springs, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, NE Libya. The 3rd Libyan
Conference on Chemistry and its applications (LCCA)
1:2, 98- 101.
Vattano M. 2010. The “Paleorisorgenza” of the Monte
Conca Gypsum Karst system (outh-Central). Speleolgia
Iblea, vol. 14, Ragusa: 137-141.
World Health Organization 2018. Edition of the drinking
water standards and health advisories Tables. EPA 822-F-
18-001, Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency Washington, DC, pp. 1-12.
Web site: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/caves/
cave-karst-protection.htm

276
 REGIONE SICILIANA
Assessorato dei Beni Culturali
e dell’Identità Siciliana ASSEMBLEA REGIONALE
Dipartimento dei Beni Culturali SICILIANA
e dell’Identità Siciliana

UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI

UNIVERSITÀ DI CATANIA UNIVERSITY OF BENGHAZI DI MESSINA - MIFT
UNIVERSITÀ DI PALERMO

ISPRA
Istituto Superiore per la Protezione
e la Ricerca Ambientale

Federazione
Speleologica
EuroSpeleo Projects Regionale Siciliana

UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI TRIESTE

Commission Scientifique
Fédération Française de Spéléologie