The dogger reef horizons of the Moroccan Central High Atlas: New data on their development

In the Central High Atlas, N of Errachidia, three major reef horizons in the Bajocian carbonate series of the Atlasic Basin were studied recently. The results of the study are based on fieldwork with an emphasis on stratigraphy, morphology and sedimentary patterns of detailed field sections. The lower reef horizon is composed of smaller build-ups which developed during the Aalenian-Lower Bajocian interval. At that time the depositional environment favored the production of both basinal and platform facies. This reef horizon is located only on the southern platform rim. Its development within the trough was controlled by synsedimentary block tilting, triggered by rifting, which was related to an ancient fracture zones inherited from the Triassic. Formed during the later stages of a rising sea-level, this horizon reflects a high carbonate production on the southern platform area. In the basin area, the second reef horizon presents relatively larger bodies (“patch reefs”). It consists of two major reef levels, separated by an interval of marls interspersed with thin-bedded limestones, developed most probably during Early? to Late Bajocian. For the duration of this time, within two 3rd order sequences, progradational shelfal units extended the platform facies northward to the basin center, covering a large area. Within a long-term transgressive/regressive cycle, throughout the Middle Aalenian-Bajocian, these reef horizons changed their structural growth to aggrading stacking patterns. The third reef horizon belongs to the lower part of the upper member of the Tazigzaout Formation, and shows the same sedimentary evolution as the second reef horizon underneath. It fits into a 2nd order geodynamic regressive cycle (upper part of Upper Bajocian-Bathonian pp.). It appears, that the development of the second and third reef horizon’s forced the platform to prograde towards the N, NW and E during a late highstand, when accommodation was decreasing. However, depending on the complexity of the sedimentary systems, and on the interplay between tectonics and eustatic sea level changes, the interpretations of the depositional history of these reef horizons remain complicated.