Volcanic geosites assessment in the Plio-Quaternary Azrou-Timahdite Plateau (Middle Atlas, Morocco)

During the Plio-Quaternary, the Azrou-Timahdite Plateau (PAT), considered as the land of lakes and volcanoes, was the region of alkaline volcanism associated with the penecontemporaneous NE-SW trending strike-slip fault movements system. This volcanism is the most recent and the most extensive in Morocco. It occupies 7.8% of the Middle Atlas range area where the majority of volcanic edifices follow an NNW-SSE-oriented trend. The volcanic field occupies an area of about 1000 km2. The present study allowed us to inventory 76 volcanic geosites that comprise a range of volcanic structures that are unique in Morocco. 26 are retained during the quantitative assessment. 33% of the sites were filtered for the scientific assessment stage (26 sites out of 76), including 5 of high scientific value and 21 of medium scientific value. Of these 26 sites, 84% show a moderate to a high degree of deterioration (22 of 26). However, only 6 sites have a negative total value, having a deterioration value greater than the scientific value, demonstrating the considerable scientific importance of the sites in the region, which requires more attention and protection. It should be noted that only 3 steps (inventory, quantitative assessment, degree of deterioration) of the adopted methodology were applied. In fact, due to the large number of geosites with a medium to high risk of deterioration, the fourth step (usage value) was excluded. Besides, we have chosen to present the detailed geological, geomorphological, and volcanic specificities of 5 geosites of high scientific value. These geosites hold specific characteristics among the other volcanoes of the PAT: their eruptive dynamism, their size, their shape, their extent, and the nature of their pyroclastic products.

Automated summary

The Azrou-Timahdite Plateau in Morocco is an area of recent and extensive alkaline volcanism, with 76 volcanic geosites identified, showcasing unique volcanic structures. The study focuses on assessing the scientific value and deterioration of these sites, highlighting the importance of protection due to significant scientific significance. Detailed geological, geomorphological, and volcanic characteristics of 5 geosites of high scientific value are presented, emphasizing their eruptive dynamism, size, shape, extent, and pyroclastic products.