The travertine mounds of Tafilalet (Morocco): morphology and genesis based on present-day analogues

摘要

In Errachidia Province, South eastern Morocco, the variety of travertine mounds is investigated with a specific focus on their morphology and genesis. Evidence is presented from the study of relic deposits in Tafilalet, Maadid and Tlnejdad as well as modern calcite formations at Ain El Ati in Tafilalet and El Khorbate village's vicinity, Tinejdad. Domes, fissure ridges, fans and slope mantle morphologies are documented. A hydrothermal origin of travertine is recognised and other genetic factors such as meteoric waters and winds also contribute to the deposits formation. Dated samples indicate a multiphase formation, with the oldest ages being around 219,000 years BP.