Geomorphological Classification of Monogenetic Volcanoes and Its Implication to Tectonic Stress Orientation in the Middle Atlas Volcanic Field (Morocco)

Mohammed Benamrane (), Károly Németh, Mohamed Jadid and El Hassan Talbi
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Mohammed Benamrane: Geoheritage, Geoenvironment and Mining and Water Prospection Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Mohammed First University, Avenue Mohammed VI, B.P.717, Oujda 60050, Morocco
Károly Németh: School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Mohamed Jadid: Geoheritage, Geoenvironment and Mining and Water Prospection Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Mohammed First University, Avenue Mohammed VI, B.P.717, Oujda 60050, Morocco
El Hassan Talbi: Geoheritage, Geoenvironment and Mining and Water Prospection Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Mohammed First University, Avenue Mohammed VI, B.P.717, Oujda 60050, Morocco

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 11, 1-35

Abstract: The Middle Atlas Volcanic Field (MAVF) covers an area of 1500 km 2 , with a total erupted volume of solid products (e.g., Dense Rock Equivalent or DRE) estimated to be more than 80 km 3 . The MAVF comprises 87 monogenetic basaltic volcanoes of Tertiary-Quaternary age as scoria cones (71%) and maars (29%). These monogenetic basaltic volcanoes have various morphologies (e.g., circular, semi-elliptic, elliptic in map views). They can be isolated or form clustered monogenetic complexes. They are largely grouped in the Middle Atlas, in an intraplate geotectonic context forming two distinct major alignments (N160–170° and N40–50°), each closely associated with regional structural elements. By the best estimates, the preserved bulk pyroclastic products do not exceed 0.7 km 3 , and they show large textural and componentry diversity (e.g., bedded/unbedded, coarse/fine, dense/scoriaceous fallout and pyroclastic density current deposit, etc.). Lava flows also demonstrate great variety of preserved surface textures, including pāhoehoe, ‘a’ā, and clastogenic types. Morphostructural features of lava flows linked to lava flow dynamics have also been recognized, and the presence of hornitos, columnar jointed basaltic flow units, lava tubes, tumuli, and clastogenic lava flows have been recognized and mapped. Some half-sectioned dykes expose interior parts of magmatic shallow feeding pipes. The current morphology of the volcanoes of the MAVF reflects various syn- and post-eruptive processes, including (1) erosional features due to weathering, (2) gravitational instability during and after volcanic activity, (3) vegetation impact, and (4) successive burial of lava flows. The documented volcanic features of this typical monogenetic volcanic field form the core of the region’s geoheritage elements and are considered to be unique in the new African geoheritage context. Hence, they will likely form the basis of future geotourism, geoeducation, and geoconservation ventures.

Keywords: maar; scoria cone; lava flow; monogenetic volcanic field; Tertiary-Quaternary; intraplate; Middle Atlas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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