--> Abstract: Jurassic Extension and Alpine Inversion of the Northern Morocco, by M. Zizi; #90990 (1993).

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ZIZI, MAHMOUD, Rice University, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Jurassic Extension and Alpine Inversion of the Northern Morocco

The lower Mesozoic half grabens of northern Morocco form part of an extensional system that is related to the opening of the western Tethys. They appear to be somewhat younger than the Triassic-Jurassic systems associated with the opening the Atlantic Ocean. During the Tertiary and as consequence of the Alpine collision of Africa with Europe, these half graben systems were inverted as shown by the High and the Middle Atlas mountains. Seismic illustrations of similar but smaller inversion structures are available from the Guercif area and the "Rides Prerifaines" of northern Morocco. These seismic profiles serve as small models for the much larger Atlas Mountains.

In the Guercif area, the inversions are limited in scope, but in the "Rides Prerifaines" are extensive decollement systems that sole out in the Triassic evaporites. These systems evolve into complex thrust faults and associated lateral ramps that are strongly influenced by the configuration of the Jurassic transtensional systems. Significant hydrocarbon accumulation have been known for some time from the "Rides Prerifaines." A review of the geometry of the inverted half-graben systems, combined with detailed stratigraphic studies, is likely to lead to the discovery of additional reserves in the area.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90990©1993 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, The Hague, Netherlands, October 17-20, 1993.