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Assessment of relative tectonic activity using morphotectonic analysis in the Central High Atlas, Demnate Region, Morocco

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Abstract

This study focuses on the morphotectonics of the Central High Atlas in Morocco through analysis of morphotectonic indices recorded by topography, drainage networks, and longitudinal stream profiles. The methods used in this work were stream length-gradient index (SLI), normalized steepness index, area-altitude relations (hypsometric curves), mountain front sinuosity, drainage basin shape ratio, and asymmetry factor. The aim is to identify the role of recent tectonic activity resulting in the uplift of the Atlas chain in general and the Central High Atlas in particular. The analysis of the main rivers in the study area using linear geomorphic proxies revealed the presence of several knickpoints (about 28) most likely related to recent tectonic activity; further, the spatial distribution of SLI values reveals the presence of many anomalous zones, which are distinguished by elevated values that are perfectly aligned with major faults. The calculation of areal geomorphic proxies supports and confirms these findings. The results obtained show that the study area has been influenced by recent tectonics, and that some areas of the Central High Atlas have experienced a recent uplift due probably to a reactivation of several thrust and oblique-slip faults, then the high topography can be explained by a compressive component of the transpressional geodynamic regime suggested in the Plio-Quaternary period.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Biotechnology and Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Mghila B.P, 592, Beni Mellal, Morocco

    Mustapha Ouayah, Mustapha Namous, Malika Ourribane & Samira Krimissa

  2. Water and Remote Sensing Team, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco

    Abdenbi Elaloui

  3. Applied Geology and Geoenvironment Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, 80000, Agadir, Morocco

    Hasna Eloudi

  4. Laboratory of Geosciences and Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco

    Hassan Ait Naceur

  5. Georesources and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Béni-Mellal, Morocco

    Khalid Ziadi

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  1. Mustapha Ouayah
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Ouayah, M., Namous, M., Ourribane, M. et al. Assessment of relative tectonic activity using morphotectonic analysis in the Central High Atlas, Demnate Region, Morocco. Arab J Geosci 14, 813 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07126-y

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