Structural evolution of the southern Rif Cordillera (Morocco): tectonics and synsedimentary fault processes

✍ Scribed by Lahcen Zouhri

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2004
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 212 KB
• Volume: 39
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0072-1050
• DOI: 10.1002/gj.945

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

This paper attempts to investigate the tectonics of the southern Rif Cordillera. Hydrogeological and oil well data, together with interpretation of seismic reflection lines help to characterize the architecture of the Rharb–Mamora Basin located in the frontal region of the Gibraltar Arc.

The facies map constructed from the drilling data exhibits four main types of Pliocene facies: (i) conglomerates; (ii) limestones; (iii) sandstones and sands more or less rich with shelly remains; (iv) clays. The lateral variation of deposits is accompanied by thickening, which can reach a few tens of metres. Thickening of layers and lithofacies variation indicate synsedimentary faulting processes. Two major fault zones have been identified: Kenitra–Sidi Slimane Fault Zone (K2SFZ) and Rabat–Kenitra Fault Zone (RKFZ). In the western coastal area, the geometrical configuration suggests a partition into horsts and grabens in the southern part, and a system of three geological units in the northern part.

The analysis and interpretation of the gravity data reveal an important gravity anomaly, referred to as the Kenitra Gravity Anomaly. It corresponds to the Hercynian faults deduced by the seismic reflection line interpretation: K2SFZ and RKFZ. From Larache to El Jadida cities, the Kenitra area represents the hinge between the positive and negative gravity values, with a major negative anomaly in the eastern part of Kenitra. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.