FORMATION OF THE SIDI BOU OTHMAN PEGMATITES, CENTRAL JEBILLET (MOROCCO)

Abstract

This work represents an in-depth study of the relationship between the emplacement of pegmatites in the Sidi Bou Othman region, at the heart of the Jebillet massif in Morocco, and the geodynamic model. This research is based on the results of a detailed analysis of thin sections derived from samples collected at the study site. The Jebillet massif, which underwent Hercynian orogeny, gave rise to magmatic intrusions, including the Oulad Ouslam granite. The latter is known to be responsible for the formation of pegmatites in the Sidi Bou Othman region. However, the precise understanding of the geodynamic mechanisms involved in their emplacement remains an active area of research. In this study, we focused on a thorough analysis of thin sections from samples obtained from various locations within the study site. This approach allowed us to observe and characterize the properties of the constituent minerals of the pegmatites, as well as their microstructural organization. The obtained results have revealed crucial information about the conditions of formation and evolution of the Sidi Bou Othman pegmatites. Microscopic examination of the surrounding schist rocks revealed that the region underwent three deformation phases, namely, D0, D1, and D2, confirming the deformation model proposed by Huvelin, 1977, and El Hassani, 1992.