Petrographic Analysis of Beach Rocks from the Souiria Laqdima Coastline in Morocco
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Keywords:
Beach Rock, Coastline, Souiria Laqdima, Petrographic StudyAbstract
The beach rock formations along the Souiria Laqdima coast in Morocco present an intriguing
area of study due to their unique characteristics and the limited research conducted in this region. In our
investigation, we concentrated on collecting rock specimens near the estuary of the Oued Tensift, a key
location for understanding the geological and biological interactions affecting coastal formations.
The primary goal of our study was to conduct a detailed petrographic analysis of thin sections extracted
from these collected beach rocks. This involved examining the microscopic features of the rocks to identify
the mineralogical and textural components of the cement binding the rock particles. The analysis revealed
that the predominant cements in these beach rocks are calcite and magnesian calcite. These findings are
significant as they help elucidate the types of cementation processes occurring in coastal environments,
particularly in terms of carbonate mineral precipitation under varying environmental conditions.
Moreover, our study provides insights into the biological aspects of beach rock formation, particularly
through the identification of bioturbation. Bioturbation refers to the disturbance of sedimentary deposits by
living organisms, which in this case involves the activity of organisms within the rock matrix that affects
the deposition and cementation processes. The study specifically noted the role of burrows created by these
organisms, which contribute significantly to the stabilization of pebbles and further influence the
cementation process of the beach rocks.
These burrows not only help in anchoring the pebbles within the rock matrix but also modify the local
environment in ways that affect the chemical processes leading to cementation. Such interactions between
biological activity and geological processes are crucial for understanding the natural engineering that
stabilizes and shapes the coastal rock formations.
This comprehensive examination of beach rocks in Souiria Laqdima adds valuable knowledge to our
understanding of coastal geology, highlighting the complex interplay between biological activities and
geological processes in shaping beach rock formations. The findings from this study not only broaden our
understanding of sedimentary rock formations in coastal areas but also contribute to the wider field of
geosciences with implications for environmental conservation and coastal management.
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