Evaluation and Analysis of the Algerian Oases Soundscape: Case of El Kantara and Sidi Okba

Abstract

The present research focuses on the soundscapes of two localities representative of the oasis cities of southeast Algeria, Sidi Okba and El Kantara, in order to define the nature of the soundscapes and the impact that road traffic can have on them. In this paper, the method of sound walks has been used in order to record the sound experience of city dwellers in pre-selected routes. The processing of these sound recordings with the S_TOOLS-STx software shows the diversity and the denaturation of the soundscapes in these two localities. The current nature of sounds and the exposure levels, especially in new urban centers, and the extinction of these oases could have a negative impact on the general comfort and health of the inhabitants and on the sensitive natural biodiversity of these fragile human settlements, increasing the risk of the syndrome of sick cities.