Abstract
In the South Rifian ridges (SRR), the dominated structures correspond to the faulted anticline characteristic of a foreland orogeny context, front of the Rif Alpine belt. These anticlines correspond to thrust propagation folds. Geometric model of these structures shows that the normal faults have controlled the Mesozoic sedimentation during extensive episodes and participated in determining areas of thrusting during Miocene compressional phases. However, the normal fault strike which is relative to the direction of the shortening determined the geometry of diverse folds whether into the frontal ramps, lateral, or oblique. In the meantime, the systematic fracturing study in the Jurassic limestone beds, in different parts of the folds with axes oriented E-W, NW-SE, and NE-SW, permits to propose a relative fracturing chronology and tries investigating the relationship between folding and fracturing. The three main fracture families, oblique, transversal, and axial, appear simultaneously during the amplification of the fold. The simple shear in the limb contributes the latest to the folding reactivation and the density of the intensification of these microfractures. Likewise, given the important downslope fold limb dip of the ramp propagation folds, theoretically the shear intensity is more important, and micro-fractures are more important in the downslope fold limb, thus the uphill one.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ahmadhadi F. Lacombe O. Daniel JM (2007) Early reactivation of basement faults in Central Zagros (SW Iran): evidence from pre-folding fracture populations in the Asmari Formation and lower Tertiary paleogeo-graphy. In: Thrust Belts and Foreland Basins; From folds kinematics to hydrocarbon systems, frontiers in Earth sciences, Lacombe, O., Lavé, J., Vergès, J., Roure, F.(ed.). Springer-Verlag; pp. 205–228.
Ahmadi R (2006) Utilisation des marqueurs morphologiques, sédimentologiques et microstructuraux pour la validation des modèles cinématiques de plissement. Application à l’Atlas méridional tunisien. Thèse Doct. Sciences. Université des Sciences et des Techniques de Nantes.223 p.
Ahmadi R, Ouali J, Mercier E, Mansy JL, Van-Vliet Lanoë B, Launeau P, Rhekhiss F, Rafini S (2006) The geomorphologic imprints of hinge migration in the fault-related folds. A case study in Southern Tunisian Atlas. J Struct Geol 28:721–728
Ahmamou M, Chalouan A (1988) Distension synsédimentaire plio-quaternaire et rotation anti-horaire des contraintes au Quaternaire ancien sur la bordure nord du bassin du Saïss (Maroc). Bulletin de l’Institut Scientifique, Rabat 12:19–26
Ait Brahim L, Chotin P (1984) Genèse et déformation des bassins néogènes du Rif central (Maroc) au cours du rapprochement Europe-Afrique, Geodin. Acta 3:295–304
Amrouch K (2010) Apport de l’analyse microstructurale à la compréhension des mécanismes de plissement: Exemples de structures plissées aux USA (Wyoming) et en Iran (Zagros). Ph.D Thèse. Université de Pierre et Marie Curie, France, p 479
Amrouch K. Lacombe O. Bellahsen N. Daniel JM. &Callot JP (2010a) Stress and strain patterns, kinematics and deformation mechanisms in a basement-cored anticline: Sheep Mountain Anticline, Wyoming. Tectonics, 29(1), TC 1005
Amrouch K, Robion P, Callot JP, Lacombe O, Daniel JM, Bellahsen N, Faure JL (2010b) Constraints on deformation mechanisms during folding provided by rock physical properties: a case study at Sheep Mountain Anticline (Wyoming, USA). Geophys J Int 182(3):1105–1123
Bahat D (1999) Single-layer burial joints vs single-layer uplift joints in Eocene chalk from the Beer Sheva syncline in Israel. J Struct Geol 21:293–303
Bargach K (2011) Les déformations plio-quaternaires dans la partie frontale de la chaîne du Rif (Rides prérifaines, et bassin du Saïs) un exemple de la tectonique en coins expulsés. Thèse Doct., Univ. Mohamed V. Rabat, 229 p
Bargach K, Ruano P, Chabli A, Galindo-Zaldivar J, Chalouan A, Jabaloy A, Akil M, Ahmamou M, Sanz De Galdeano C, Benmakhlouf M (2004) Recent tectonic deformations and stresses in the frontal part of the Rif Cordillera and the Saïss Basin (Fes and Rabat regions, Morocco). Pure Appl Geophys 161:521–540
Bellahsen N, Fiore P, Pollard DD (2006a) The role of fractures in the structural interpretation of Sheep Mountain Anticline, Wyoming. J Struct Geol 28:850–867. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2006.01.013
Bernini M, Boccaletti M, Gelati R, Moratti G, Papani G, El Mokhtari J (1999) Tectonics and sedimentation in the Taza-Guercif Basin, Northern Morocco: implications for the Neogene evolution of the Rif-Middle Atlas Orogenic system. J Pet Geol 22(1):115–128
Boutakiout M. (1990) Les foraminifères des rides sud-rifaines et des régions voisines (Maroc). Thèse d’Etat, Doc. Lab. Géol. Lyon, n°112, 254p.
Boutakiout M, Elmi S (1996) Tectonic and eustatic controls during the lower and middle Jurassic of the south Rif Ridge (Morocco) and their importance for the foraminifera communities. Geo Res Forum 1–2:237–248
Bruderer W. Gouskov N. Gubler J. Jacquemont P. Levy RG. Tilloy R (1950b) Carte géologique régulière du Maroc au 1:100.000e´me. Feuille Fès-ouest. Notes Mém. Serv. Géol. Maroc 109.
Chalouan A. Galindo-Zaldivar J. Akil M., Marin C. Chabli A. Ruano P. Bargach K. Sanz de Galdeano C. Benmakhlouf M. Ahmamou M. & Gourari I (2006) Tectonic wedge escape in the southwestern front of the Rif Cordillera (Morocco). In: tectonics of the Western Mediterranean and North Africa (ed. Moratti G. and Chalouan A.) Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., London 262, pp. 101--118.
Chenakeb M (2004) Carte Géologique du Maroc, Feuille Beni Ammar, échelle 1:50.000. Notes Mém. Serv. Géol., Maroc n° 428.
Daguin F(1927) Contribution à l’étude de la région prérifaine (Maroc occidental). Notes et Mém.Serv.géol.Maroc, Rabat,n°1, pp.413.
De Joussineau G, Bazalgette L, Petit JP (2005) Morphology, intersections and syn/late-diagenetic origin of vein networks in pelites of the Lodève Permian Basin, southern France. J Struct Geol 27:67–87
De Sitter LU (1959) Structural geology. McGraw-Hill, New York
Durand-Delga M. Hoteinger L. Marcais J. Mattauer M. Milliard & Suter G. (1960–1962) Données actuelles sur la structure du Rif. In livre mémoire P. Fallot, Mem. Soc. Géol. Fr., hors série, N°1, T I, pp. 399–422.
El Mourabet M (1996) Évolution structurale du Prérif occidentale et des bassins de Saïss et du Gharb du Trias au Néogène basée sur les données de subsurface (Sismique réflexion et Gravimétrie). Thèse de 3ème cycle, Univ Mohammed V, Rabat, 191p.
Ellis S, Schreurs G, Marion P (2004) Comparisons between analogue and numerical models of thrust wedge development. J Struct Geol 26:1659–1675
Evans MA, Lewchuk MT, Elmore RD (2003) Strain partitioning of deformation mechanisms in limestones: examining the relationship of strain and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS). J Struct Geol 25:1525–1549
Faugères JC (1978) Les Rides sud rifaines; évolution sédimentaire et structurale d’un bassin atlantico-mésogène de la marge africaine. Thèse Doctorat D’Etat, Université de Bordeaux I
Faugères JC (1981) Evolution structurale d’un bassin atlantico-mésogéen de la marge africaine: les rides sud-rifaines (Maroc). Bull Soc Géol Fr 23:229–244
Florez-Nino JM, Aydin A, Mavko G, Antonellini M, Ayaviri A (2005) Fault and fracture systems in a fold and thrust belt; an example from Bolivia. Am Assoc Pet Geol Bull 89:471–493
Frizon de Lamotte D. Mercier E. Dupré la Tour A. Robion P. Averbuch O (1997) Cinématique du plissement et déformation interne des roches; l‘exemple du pli de Lagrasse (Aude France). Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences, Paris 324, pp. 591–598
Galindo-Zaldivar J, Gonzalez-Lodeiro F, Jabaloy A (1993) Stress and paleostress in the Betic-Rif Cordilleras (Miocene to present). Tectonophysics 227:105–126
Guiton MLE (2001) Contribution de la fracturation diffuse à la déformation d‘ensemble durant le plissement de roches sédimentaires. Ph.D Thèse. Ecole polytechnique de Grenoble, France, p 257
Habibou EH (2014) Les plis de propagation sur rampe dans les Rides sud-rifaines (Maroc septentrional) : modélisation géométrique et analyse de la fracturation associée. Thèse Doct., Univ. Moulay Ismail, Meknès, 220 p.
Habibou E.H. El Ouardi H. Bouya N. Habibi M. Rouai M. et Melki F (2011) Déformations récentes et plio-quaternaires dans la bordure nord du bassin de Sais au front de la chaîne rifaine (Maroc), 21ème CIBS, Fès, pp. 248–252
Habibou EH. El Ouardi H. Bouya N et Mercier E (2013) Modélisation numérique d’un pli de propagation sur rampe de chevauchement dans les Rides sud rifaines, relation plissement-fracturation. 8e 3MA, Université Cadi Ayyad, pp. 191–192.
Habibou EH, Bouya N, El Ouardi H, Mercier E (2012) Ramp folds and fracturing in the Southern Rifian Ridges between autochthonous Atlasic domain and allochthonous formations of the Rif cordillera (Northern Morocco). Mineralia Slovaca 44:65–70
Habibou EH, El Ouardi H, Habibi M, Mercier E (2014a) Folding and fracturing relationships from Jurassic limestones of South Rifian Ridges, Northern Morocco. Geogaceta 56:19–22
Habibou EH, El Ouardi H, Habibi M, Mercier E (2014b) Synsedimentary distensive heritage and thrusting structuration: geometric modeling of the Jebel Fert El Bir (South Rifian Ridges, Northern Morocco). Geologia Sudetica 42:23–24
Haddaoui Z (2000) Influence de la géometrie d’un bassin Jurassique sur la propagation des chevauchements neogènes: Géodynamique méso-cénozoïque des rides sud-rifaines (Maroc). Modélisation géometrique et numérique, [unpublished Ph. D. thesis] Université Mohammed V, Rabat.
Haddaoui Z. El Hatimi N. et Hervouet Y (1997) Les Rides sud-rifaines (Maroc septentrional) : influence de la géométrie d’un bassin jurassique sur la propagation des chevauchements néogènes. Géol. Médit., t.24, n°1-2, pp.17-39.
Jamison WR (1987) Geometric analysis of fold development in overthrust terranes. J Struct Geol 9(2):207–219
Kenafi J (2002) Evolution structurale méso-cénozoïque des Rides pré-rifaines (Maroc) : Halocinèse, géométrie et reconstitution géodynamique. Apport de données de sismique réflexion et de forages pétroliers. Thèse de Doctorat, Université de Kénitra, 188p
Khan Q (2011) Fracture network of synfolding in the Eastern Kohat Plateau, Northern Pakistan. Recovery – CSPG CSEG CWLS Convention
Konon A (2004) Successive episodes of normal faulting and fracturing resulting from progressive extension during the uplift of the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland. J Struct Geol 26:419–433
Leblanc D (1986) Cisaillements plats dans l’avant pays rifain, un modèle pour la structure profonde du prerif (Maroc). Rev. Géol. Dyn. Géogr. Phys; Paris, v 27, fsc. 1, pp. 37–46.
Louis L, David C, Robion P (2003) Comparison of the anisotropic behaviour of undeformed sandstones under dry and saturated conditions. Tectonophysics 370:193–212
Marfil R, Caja MA, Tsige M (2005) Carbonate-cemented stylolites and fractures in the Upper Jurassic limestones of the eastern Iberian Range, Spain: a record of paleofluids composition and thermal history. Sediment Geol 178:237–257
Mercier E (1995) Les plis de propagations de rampes : cinématique, modélisation et importance dans la tectogenèse. Habilitation à diriger les recherches, Univ. Cergy-Pontoise
Mercier E, Mansy JL (1995) Le blocage du transport sur le plat des plis de propagation : une cause possible des chevauchements hors séquence. Geodinamica Acta (Paris) 8(4):199–210
Moratti G, Piccardi L, Vannucci G, Belardinelli ME, Dahmani M, Bendkik A, Chenakeb M (2003) The 1755 “Meknes” earthquake (Morocco): field data and geodynamic implications. J Geodyn 36:305–322
Morel JL (1988) Evolution récente de l’orogenèse rifaine et de son avant pays depuis la fin de la mise en place des nappes (rif – Maroc). Géodynamique 4:584
Morel JL (1989) Etats de contrainte et cinématique de la chaîne rifaine (Maroc) du Tortonien à l’actuel. Geodinamica Acta 3:283–294
Morley CK (1986) A classification of thrust fronts. Bull. A. A. P. G. 70, no.1, pp. 12--25.
Peacock DCP, AzzamI N (2006) Development and scaling relationship of a stylolite population. J Struct Geol 28:1883–1889
Tilloy R (d’après les travaux de la Société Chérifienne des Pétroles) (1955) Notice explicative de la feuille de Fès-Ouest au 1/100 000. Note et Mém. Serv. Géol. Maroc, Rabat, n°109 bis, 62 p.
Price NJ (1966) Fault and joint development in brittle and semi-brittle rock. Pergamon press, Oxford
Price NJ, Cosgrove JW (1990) Analysis of geological structures. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Ramsay JG (1967) Folding and fracturing of rocks. McGraw-Hill, New York, p 568
Riedel W (1929) Zur mechanik geologischer brucherscheinungen ein beitrag zum problem der fiederspatten. Zentbl. Miner. Geol. Paläont. Adt., pp. 354–368.
Roldan FJ. Galindo-Zaldivar J. Ruano P. Chalouan A. Pedrera A. Ahmamou M. Ruiz Constan A. Sanz de Galdeano C. Benmakhlouf M. Lopez-Garrido AC. Anahnah F. Gonzalez-Castillo L (2013) Basin evolution associated to curved thrusts: the Prerif Ridges in the Volubilis area (Rif Cordillera, Morocco), Journal of Geodynamics, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jog.2013.11.001.
Ruhland M (1973) Méthode d’étude de la fracturation naturelle des roches associées à divers modèles structuraux. Bull Sci Géol 91–113:227–52, Strasbourg
Saint-Bezar B, Hebert RL, Aubourg C, Robion P, Swenen R, Frizon de Lamotte D (2002) Magnetic fabric and petrographic investigations of hematite-bearing sandstones within ramp-related folds: examples from the South Atlas Front (Morocco). J Struct Geol 24:1507–1520
Salvini F. & Storti F (1997) Spatial and temporal distribution of fractured rock panels from geometric and kinematic models of thrust-related folding. American Association of Petroleum Geologists International Conference, Vienna, Abstracts, A51.
Sanderson D (1982) Models of strain variation in nappes and thrust sheets: a review. Tectonophysics 88:201–233
Sani F, Del Ventisette C, Montanari D, Bendkik A, et Chenakeb M (2007) Structural evolution of the Rides Prerifaines (Morocco): structural and seismic interpretation and analogue modelling experiments. Int J Earth Sci 96:685–706
Stearns DW, Friedman M (1972) Reservoirs in fractured rocks. Am Assoc Pet Geol Mem 16:82–100
Suppe J (1983) Geometry and kinematics of fault-bend-folding. Am J Sci 283:684–721
Suppe J (1985) Principles of structural geology. Prentice-Hall Inc, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, p 537
Suppe J. &Medwedeff DA (1984) Fault-propagation folding. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 16, 670 p.
Suppe J, Medwedeff DA (1990) Geometry and kinematics of fault-propagation folding. Eclogae Geologicae Helvetiae 83:409–454
Vidal JCY, Faugères JC (1975) Une nouvelle interprétation de la structure des Rides sud rifaines (Rif, Maroc): rôle des décrochements. C R Acad Sci Paris 281:1951–1954
Wennberg OP, Azizzadeh M, Aqrawi AAM, Blanc E, Brockbank P, Lyslo KB, Pickard N, Salem LD, Svana T (2007) The Khaviz Anticline: an outcrop analogue to giant fractured Asmari Formation reservoirs in SW Iran. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 270:33–42
Zizi M (1996 a) Triassic-Jurassic extension and Alpine inversion in Northern Morocco, In Peri-Tethys Memoire 2: structure and prospects of Alpine basins and forelands (ed. Ziegler, P.A., and Horvath, F.) Mém. Mus. Nat. Hist. Nat., Paris 1996a, pp. 87–101.
Zizi M (1996b) Triassic-Jurassic extensional systems and their Neogene reactivation in Northern Morocco (the Rides Prérifaines and Guercif Basin)-Thèse d’Etat. Rice University, Houston, p 280
Zizi M (2002) Triassic-Jurassic extensional systems and their Neogene reactivation in Northern Morocco (the Rides Prerifaines and Guercif basin). Notes Mém Serv Géol Maroc 416:138
Acknowledgments
This work is supported by the PHC Maghreb program MAG/11/1and El Ouardi-UMI Project. The authors thank infinitely the two reviewers who have helped us improve the final manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Habibou, E.H., El Ouardi, H., Habibi, M. et al. Faulting and fracturing in the Jurassic carbonate ramp folds of southern Rif ridges (Northern Morocco). Arab J Geosci 9, 233 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-2251-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-2251-3