Western High Atlas Morocco The complex reef of Cap Ghir, Upper Jurassic Oxfordian

Abstract

The Upper Jurassic of the Moroccan margin, particularly in the Agadir Essaouira basin, and specifically in its western part towards the Atlantic Ocean, is characterized by geological diversity. The reef association of Cap Ghir in the western High Atlas is mainly composed of bioconstructions such as colonies of stromatoporoids, which are abundant during the initial reef formation. These colonies exhibit massive or globular forms similar to those of corals. Other bioclastic elements such as bivalves and gastropods are also found, which contribute to reef construction and are often cemented by algal or microbial micrite. The area is characterized by an abundance of branches and masses, generally exhibiting Framestone and Bindstone textures, indicating a turbulent environment.