Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Cretaceous Research
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/CretRes

A Barremian-?Aptian Tethyan precursor of the Cretaceous marine

flooding of Morocco: Evidence from the red-bed series within the
“Marginal Folds” of the eastern High Atlas
Hamid Haddoumi a, *, Andre
Charrie
re b, Monique Feist c, Lahssen Baidder d,
re , Mounir Karim , El Mostafa Ettachfini f, Sidi Mohamed Mamoun a,
Jacky Ferrie e d

Rachid Chennouf a, Abdelmalek Rachdi a, Said Adardor a

a
Universit
e Mohamed 1er, Facult
e des Sciences, D
epartement de G

eologie, Laboratoire G
eosciences Appliqu

ees, BP 717, 60000 Oujda, Morocco
b
Universit
e Toulouse III, Terrasses de la Figui
ere, 30140 Anduze, France
c
Laboratoire de Pal
eontologie, Universit
e Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
d
Universit
e Hassan II, Facult
e des Sciences Aïn Chock, BP 5366, Laboratoire G
eosciences, Casablanca, Morocco
e ^te d'Opale, UMR 8187, LOG, Laboratoire d’Oc

Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Co eanologie et de G

eosciences, F59000 Lille, France
f
Universit
e Chouaïb Doukkali, Facult
e des Sciences, D
epartement de G

eologie, Laboratoire G

eosciences et Techniques de l'Environnement, BP 20, 24000, El
Jadida, Morocco

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and micropaleontologic studies have been undertaken on the “Infra-
Received 20 December 2017 Cenomanian” continental red beds (¼ Dekkar Group) located on the northern side of the Moroccan
Received in revised form eastern High Atlas. Rich charophyte assemblages containing Sphaerochara magna, Ascidiella stellata,
18 August 2018
Hemiclavator sp. A, Globator trochiliscoides, Atopochara trivolvis, At. triquetra, and Flabellochara harrisii
Accepted in revised form 29 October 2018
Available online 30 October 2018
indicate a late Barremian age for the lower part of the series. Within the continental deposits we have
discovered in the Middle Member of the Dekkar 2 Formation limestones and marls containing echino-
derms, dasycladacean algae and foraminifera (miliolids, Ammobaculites sp., Choffatella decipiens). The
Keywords:
Charophytes
existence of two littoral to lagoonal-marine intercalations within the continental sedimentation reveals
Foraminifera marine transgressive events during the late Barremiane?early Aptian. The lateral extension of these
Lagoonal-marine paleoenvironments marine sediments allows the erection of paleogeographic boundaries that define a « Marginal Folds Gulf »
Paleogeography characterized mainly by restricted marine paleoenvironments. This E-W directed gulf is a relatively long
depression, a few tens of kilometers wide and one hundred kilometers long, developed in an area which
is now at the foot of the eastern High Atlas. The infilling deposits is dominantly controlled by the distance
from the North High Atlas Fault. The gulf terminated westward and probably opened northeastward into
the Tethyan domain. This narrow gulf was separated from both the Tethyan Gulf known in the Central
Middle Atlas during the Aptian and the coeval Atlantic Gulf located on the northern side of the Marrakech
and Central High Atlas. Thus, the « Marginal Folds Gulf » is a new paleogeographic feature that docu-
ments marine incursions within the JurassiceEarly Cretaceous continental areas of the NW Africa.
© 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction thick clastic, mainly continental series are intercalated between the
Middle Jurassic and CenomanianeTuronian marine deposits
In the Saharan region, a thick continental series termed the « (Choubert and Faure-Muret, 1960e62; du Dresnay, 1971; Frizon de
Continental intercalaire » precedes the Cenomanian transgression Lamotte et al., 2008 and references therein). Initially poorly dated
on the African craton (Fabre, 2005; Cavin et al., 2010; Newell et al., due to the absence or scarcity of macrofossils, their age has been the
2015). Further to the north, in the Moroccan Atlas domain (Fig. 1A), subject of numerous controversies (see summary in Monbaron,
1988). However, recently, many micropaleontologic discoveries
(Charriere, 1996; Haddoumi et al., 2008, 2010; Mojon et al., 2009)
* Corresponding author. have led to better stratigraphic constraints on a local scale, followed
E-mail address: [email protected] (H. Haddoumi).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2018.10.023
0195-6671/© 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
38 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60

Fig. 1. A. Location of the Atlasic domain; B. Schematic geological map of the eastern High Atlas and Marginal Folds region with the study areas (A to G). Background map modified
from Caïa (1972).

by regional stratigraphic and paleogeographic syntheses. Three Anticlinorium and passing transitionally to the northwest to the
lithostratigraphic units (Lower, Middle and Upper Clastic Deposits) southern tip of the High Plateaus (Rekkame) and Middle Mou-
separated by major sedimentary breaks and likely volcanic events louya Basin (Fig. 1B). The outcrops mainly consist of Cretaceous
have been recognized within the Middle Atlas, central, and eastern formations unconformably overlying Middle Jurassic units. These
High Atlas serieses (Charriere and Haddoumi, 2016). units exhibit a basinal facies in the south (Merija narrow anticline)
The “Marginal Folds” considered in the present work are located and a carbonate platform facies in the northeast (Ksar Kaddou
between the eastern High Atlas and the southwestern part of the group of anticlines). The fold structures show a WSW-ENE trend in
High Plateaus (Fig. 1B). In this area, the «JurassiceCretaceous red the south (Merija), but rotate to a NE trend in the north (Ksar
beds » have been the subject of limited geologic and metallogenic Kaddou). The abrupt boundary between the High Atlas and the
studies (Choubert, 1939; Caïa and Emberger, 1967; Caïa, 1969, 1972; Marginal Folds zone corresponds to the North High Atlasic Fault
1976). Few detailed cross-sections have been done (but see (NHAF), which is a primarily Neogene dextral wrench-thrust fault
Charroud, 2002). Recently, in continuation of the “Plan National de (Morel et al., 1993).
Cartographie ge
ologique (PNCG)’’ project of Morocco (Mazzer and The JurassiceCretaceous red beds of the Marginal Folds can be
Tamaslamt geological quadrangles, scale 1:50,000, in progress), we directly correlated with those of the Anoual and Ksar Jilali syn-
have undertaken sedimentologic, stratigraphic, and paleontologic clines that occur a few tens of kilometers further to the east,
studies in the poorly known red beds series of the Marginal Folds beyond the Mechkakour structure (Fig. 1B). In this region, the red
area. beds are divided into three lithostratigraphic units (Haddoumi,
Within the Lower Cretaceous deposits described in this paper, 1998; Haddoumi et al., 1998e2008; Charrie re and Haddoumi,
several fossil-bearing beds have been discovered, giving rise to a 2016): i) the Anoual Fm (lower Bathonian; megasequence S1);
large micropaleontologic collection consisting mainly of char- ii) the Ksar Metlili Fm (TithonianeBerriasian; megasequence S2),
ophytes, ostracods, and foraminifera. The most important result and iii) the Dekkar Group (Barremian?eAptian to Cenomanian;
arising from these new data is the documentation of a lagoonal- megasequence S3).
marine Tethyan gulf in this domain during the Barremiane? An erosional unconformity separates S1 from S2. Another un-
Aptian. This new paleogeographic feature is discussed in the conformity, which becomes angular in places, underlines the base
context of the Early Cretaceous paleogeography of Morocco. of S3. The Dekkar Gp includes the Dekkar 1 through Dekkar 3 for-
mations. Lithologically they consist respectively of conglomerates/
2. Geological setting calcarenites, red clayey sandstones, and versicolored Cenomanian
gypsiferous marls. The Dekkar Gp is overlain by the Akarbous Fm
The Marginal Folds region is a low altitude, gently folded corresponding to transgressive Cenomaniane
arcuate area bounded to the south by the E-W trending eastern Turonian marine limestones, eventually succeeded by a Senonian
High Atlas, to the east by the NE-trending Mechkakour terrigenous regressive series.
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 39

3. Merija red beds type series (eastern Marginal Folds) the Cretaceous red beds deposition (unconformity, Fig. 2B). These
Cretaceous red beds are represented by the Dekkar Group. A cross-
In the Merija area, the JurassiceCretaceous strata crop out in an section is established on the northern limb of the anticline, 3 km
asymmetric anticline cored by Pholadomya-bearing marly lime- west of the Merija locality (Fig. 2C). The stratigraphic cross-section
stones (Fig. 2AeB). The continental terrigenous levels of the Anoual is augmented by observations and sampling on the southern limb
Fm often disappear on the northern side due to the erosion before (Fig. 2D).

Fig. 2. Merija area. A. Schematic geologic map with the trend of the primary cross-section and location of studied samples; B. Cross section across the Merija Anticline; C. Lower part
of the Lower Cretaceous deposits on the northern limb of the anticline; D. Detail of the lagoonal-marine beds of the southern limb.
40 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60

3.1. Lithostratigraphic data is ~50 m. It consists of decametric sequences beginning with cal-
carenitic and conglomeratic beds overlain by purple or red marls
3.1.1. Northern limb of the Merija Anticline with or without gypsum. The light-grey calcarenitic and
3.1.1.1. Dekkar 1 Formation. The Dekkar 1 Fm (Figs. 2C, 3, 4A) is a conglomeratic beds form decimetric to decametric-thick layers or
coarse-grained clastic formation. Its thickness in the northern limb channelized lenses, the lateral extent of which ranges from a few

Fig. 3. Stratigraphic log of the Merija Lower Cretaceous red beds and corresponding paleoenvironmental evolution. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure
legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 41

decameters to several kilometers. These lenticular beds display iii) Second limestone-marker layer (Lst 2) (Fig. 4D)
curved cross-stratifications often underlined by dark oxides. They
are polygenic with some Paleozoic elements (phtanite, quartz) Despite its limited thickness (<1 m) this grey-beige level dis-
associated with dominant limestone clasts originating from various plays clear topographic relief. In more detail, the thickness of the
Jurassic formations. Decimetric angular clasts occur locally at the beds decreases from a massive lower bed to platy limestones at the
base of the formation. These coarse clastic deposits result from the top. Concerning the microfacies, this unit (Fig. 5B) is a wackestone
erosion of an emergent, mostly Jurassic, terrain with a few Paleo- with a micritic or microsparitic cement. The main components are
zoic basement outcrops. Some copper and lead mineralisations are pellets and miliolids. Ostracods (sometimes with articulated
associated with these clastic sediments (Caïa, 1969, 1972; 1976). valves), small gastropods, micritic intraclasts and small quartz
The interbedded, generally reddish marly deposits are relatively grains are also observed.
rich in freshwater ostracods (essentially Cypridea) and charophytes. Upper member (Mbr3). Covered by Quaternary deposits in the
In the basal (MER 199e202) and top (MER 5a) levels, small dinosaur primary cross-section, this member can be studied at the pericline
eggshell fragments are present. zone east of the Merija village (Fig. 2A). This member is initially
characterized by red to purple marls with intercalated silty-
3.1.1.2. Dekkar 2 Formation. This approximately 120-m-thick unit is sandstone to sandstone beds. Locally (MERC27-28), charophytes
comprised of red or purple marls and pelitic beds with or without (Flabellochara harrisii) and rare ostracods have been found. Above
gypsum which are intercalated with greenish silty calcareous levels them, a brecciated pedogenic calcareous crust constitutes a
and limestone beds. Three regionally extensive informal members remarkable 2 to 3-m-thick purple marker bed. It displays a ball-
(Fig. 3) can be distinguished. shaped alteration as the pink-purple components are separated
Lower member (Mbr1). A detailed cross-section (Fig. 2C) showing by curved cracks filled by calcite.
the transition between the Dekkar 1 and 2 formations can be In the upper part, red marls alternate with sandstones often
reconstructed based on stratigraphic relationships exposed on a organized as pluridecimetric to metric bands (Fig. 3). These chan-
small hill, 2.5 km west of Merija town (Fig. 4B). Above the last Dekkar nelized sandstones with cross-stratification are relatively clay-rich
1 conglomeratic bed, the Dekkar 2 lower member (Figs. 2C, 3 and and contain current-ripples and bioturbation.
4AeB) is represented by ~15 m of thickly bedded red marls with In the upper part of the upper member, the red marls contain
generally calcareous cm-thick platy greenish levels. The sampled increasing greenish levels and dolomitic or limestone beds associ-
levels contain abundant charophytes (the different specimens are ated with red-green silty or sandy levels with locally developed
described in x3.3.1) and ostracods (MER 6 to 12, Figs. 2Ce3), some- current-ripples. The only fossils observed in some of the calcareous
times associated with fish remains and gastropods (MER 10e11). beds are ostracods.

Middle member (Mbr2) 3.1.1.3. Dekkar 3 Formation. This formation (~80e100 m thick), also
known as the “versicolored marls”, shows continuity with the un-
derlying Dekkar 2 Formation (Fig. 3). A continuous grey calcareous-
i) First limestone-marker layer (Lst 1) dolomitic bed has been taken as the conventional lower boundary.
Above this bed, the Dekkar 3 Formation consists of green and red
It overlies coarsening upwards silty strata. This calcareous layer marls with silty-sandy levels and dolomitic beds. They are followed
is comprised of two purple beds each ~20 cm thick (Fig. 4C). They by gypsum-bearing azoic green marls with red levels. The facies
are slightly ferruginous oolitic limestones with gastropods and and thickness of this formation are uniform all over the Marginal
pelecypods. On the top of the lower bed, ripples indicating N to S Folds area.
paleocurrents have been observed. This grainstone microfacies
shows many gastropod shell pieces and recrystallized ooids in a 3.1.2. Complementary observations from the southern limb of the
microsparitic cement. Merija Anticline
The median level consists of discontinuous lenses of platy Despite the occurrence of widespread Quaternary deposits, the
limestones with locally abundant small pelecypods. different formations can be observed at the eastern pericline of the
The purple upper bed is more massive with sub-parallel fold (Fig. 2A). Particularly, the Dekkar 2 middle member is clearly
bedding. The grainstone-type microfacies (Fig. 5A) shows ooids, recognizable with the Lst 2 level (MERB10, MERC25), locally rich in
the shape of which mirrors that of their different bioclastic nuclei. marine fossils. In the southern limb of the Merija Anticline, these
The ovoid elements (~0.2 mm) are well sorted. The ferruginous deposits are thicker than in the northern limb. The clastic layers of
cortex is often reduced to a thin layer, but sometimes thicker and the Dekkar 1 Formation reach 80 m in thickness. The thickness of
radiant. The cement is microsparitic. the Dekkar 2 middle member is twice that of the northern limb.
Moreover, this member is very fossiliferous (Fig. 2D) in the south-
ii) Intercalated marls ern exposures, and it shows significant facies variations as follows.

Approximately 10-m-thick red marls overlie Lst 1. Near the i) First limestone-marker (Lst 1)
bottom, cm-thick red or greenish platy calcareous beds show
molds of pelecypods. Some regular echinoid spines and fish It is thick and composed of lenticular calcareous beds (Fig. 4E)
fragments have been found in the sample MER 15 (Figs. 2Ce3). In separated by red sandy, ostracod- and charophyte-bearing marls.
the middle part, a marly sample (MER18, Figs. 2Ce3) contains The limestones are not oolitic grainstones as on the northern flank,
ostracods. Upwards, the marls become richer in small gastropods but are characterized by a very diversified set of microfacies. From
and pelecypods associated with a few benthic foraminifera of the bottom to top, different beds have been distinguished (SM 11 to 17
genus Chofatella. These fossils become more abundant near the Fig. 2D) with the following elements:
top of the middle member (MER 19, Figs. 2C, 3 and 4C) where they SM 11: sparry grainstone with large ferruginous oncoids and
are associated with other arenaceous foraminifera (Ammobacu- small intraclasts (Fig. 5C).
lites and other genera), gastropods, pelecypods, ophiuroid ossi- SM 12: spar-cemented sandy packstones with various elements
cles, and ostracods. including occasional angular micritic gravels, pellets, gastropod and
42 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 43

Fig. 5. Thin sections of the limestones of the Dekkar 2 Middle Member (Merija area). Marine microfacies of the northern flank of the Merija Anticline: A. Oolitic grainstone from the
Lst 1 limestone; B. Miliolids (blue arrows), ostracods (yellow arrow) and gastropods (black arrow) in a packstone of the Lst 2 limestone. Lagoonal-marine microfacies of the southern
flank of the Merija Anticline with all but J from the Lst 1 limestone: C. Sparitic facies with oncoids of different sizes; D. Sandy facies with ostracods (yellow arrow); E. Bryozoan
fragment (brown arrow); F. Transverse section of a dasycladacean algae (Brasiliporella?) (green arrow); G. Charophyte section (red arrow); H. Extraclast with ooids (white arrow),
section of dasycladacean algae (green arrow); I. Asymmetrical oncolitic cortex (grey arrow) around a likely charophyte fragment (red arrow); J. Lst 2 limestone; packstone with
intraclasts (white arrow), gastropods (black arrow) and miliolids (blue arrows). (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web
version of this article.)

Fig. 4. Field photographs of the Lower Cretaceous formations from the Merija area. A. Formations outcropping on the northern flank of the Merija Anticline; B. Transitional beds
between the Dekkar 1 Fm and the Dekkar 2 Fm (Mbr: member, L: lower, M: middle, U: upper; MER: analysed samples); C. Close-up of the lagoonal-marine limestones of the middle
member (Dekkar 2 Fm) (r: ripple sedimentary structures); D. Close-up of the upper marine level (Dekkar 2 Fm) consisting of miliolid limestones overlying Choffatella-bearing marls
(location: see D-star, Fig. C); E. Close-up of the Lst 1 limestone level (Dekkar 2 Fm) on the southern flank of the Merija Anticline depicting oncolite-rich limestones. SM11 to SM16:
location of the samples described in the text.
 44
H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60
Fig. 6. Schematic interpretation of the continental, lagoonal, and shallow marine BarremianeAptian paleoenvironments.
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 45

Fig. 7. Stratigraphic distribution of charophytes, dasycladaceans, and Choffatella foraminifera in the BarremianeAptian Marginal Folds. Black squares: presence of microfossils. Black
circles: abundance of microfossils in the different levels.
46 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60

Fig. 8. SEM microphotographs of the charophytes. Figured specimens are housed in the charophyte collection of the University Montpellier 2, under the symbol CF. Scale bar:
100 mm. A and C. Atopochara trivolvis Peck. A. Lateral view; CF-3088.1; C. Apical view, CF-3088.2; MER 6'; B and D. Atopochara triquetra Feist, B. Apical view, CF- 3088.3. D. Lateral
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 47

pelecypod fragments, ostracods, some of them articulated (Fig. 5D), charophytes and ostracods. Evaporation led to the local formation
dasycladacean fragments (Fig. 5F) and charophytes (Fig. 5G). Many of gypsum. In the Merija region, Jurassic limestone blocks are
components are impregnated with iron oxides. observed at the onset of the deposition. It then transitioned to a
SM 13: charophyte-poor red marls with sandy calcareous nod- more medial or distal zone as evidenced by the rounded clasts
ules, the facies of which is similar to SM12. found in the upper levels and the development of marly levels.
SM 14: microsparitic- and micritic-cemented sandy packstones The Dekkar 2 Lower Member with clavatoraceans (Atopochara,
with a dasycladacean and charophytic microflora. Flabellochara), ostracods (Cypridea, Darwinula and other indeter-
SM 15: charophyte-bearing red marls. minate species) and sometimes gastropods developed on a large,
SM 16: lenticular beds with gravelly, micrite-cemented pack- distal flood plain. This plain was occasionally fed by silty to sandy
stones, charophyte oogonia, dasycladaceans, and bryozoan frag- sediment input associated with crevasse splays. Temporary lakes
ments (Fig. 5E). appear with ostracods dominated by the Cypridea genus. These
SM 17B: above azoic marls (SM 17A), outcrops a lenticular bed water bodies were short-lived and alternated with episodes of
characterized by a packstone texture with coarse components confined water bodies which, due to evaporation, gave rise to
including oncoids (Fig. 5I), micritic gravels, and lithoclasts. These gypsum deposits. Otherwise, the presence of dasycladacean
latter are oolitic grainstones (Fig. 5H), bioclastic packstones with fragments in the upper part of the member could indicate an
small biserial arenaceous foraminifera, and mudstones. Small os- episodic connection to the marine environment. These algae
tracods and dasycladacean fragments exist in the matrix. mainly live in marine environments, but some of them can
tolerate brackish conditions (Feist et al., 2003), as seen in modern
ii) Fossiliferous intercalated marls Batophora.

These red marls are two times thicker than those of the northern 3.2.2. Lagoonal-marine environments
flank. They contain several versicolored intercalations. The most The different facies and the fossil content of the middle
important in the middle of the series (SM 17D, E, F) is rich in member bear witness to littoral or lagoonal environments (Fig. 6)
freshwater ostracods (Cypridea), fishes, and charophytes (cf. x3.3.1). based on the foramol fossils associations. These are generally
Above, SM 17G is rich in various charophytes and dasycladacean interpreted as warm-water indicators. The lithologic components
fragments. The upper part of the red marls contains the same (ooliths, oncoids, pellets) are in good agreement with such an
marine association with Choffatella as on the northern flank. environment.
In more detail, two marine incursions can be distinguished
iii) Second limestone-marker (Lst 2) (Fig. 3). The first incursion at Merija North, is attested to by bio-
clastic limestones and grainstones (Lst 1) deposited in a foreshore
This level (0.6 m) displays an upward dwindling bedding environment subject to wave action while at Merija south lagoonal-
thickness commencing with a massive lower bed and transition- brackish interferences were active. The second marine incursion
ing to platy limestones at the top of the unit. The microfacies are present in both areas is evidenced by Choffatella-bearing marls and
identical to those of the northern flank with microsparitic or the overlying miliolid-bearing limestones (Lst 2). The Choffatella are
micritic-cemented packstones rich in pellets, gastropods frag- typical of foreshore to shoreface environment. Supporting large
ments, and miliolids (Fig. 5J). Moreover, micritic intraclasts, os- salinity variations (Rey, 1973), they often occupy the zone very close
tracods, and some indeterminate foraminifera are present. to the shoreline.
On this southern side, the first marker-level (Lst 1) and the The abundance of ophiuroid ossicles, the arenaceous forami-
intercalated marls present charophyte-bearing brackish facies that nifera such as Ammobaculites, and the small-sized, monospecific
are more developed than in the northern area. The second marker- gastropods sampled in the Choffatella marls strengthen this inter-
level (Choffatella-bearing marls and miliolid-bearing limestones, Lst pretation. The abundance of miliolids associated along with the
2), retains a marine character similar to the one on northern flank. small species richness present in the area reveals the existence of
more or less brackish coastal environments.
3.2. Palaeoenvironmental interpretation
3.2.3. Evaporitic coastal plain environments
A great diversity of facies is present in the sequence from The Dekkar 2 Upper Member shows a regression evidenced by
diversified continental deposits to marine inner platform sedi- the return of continental environments. This is documented by an
ments. Fig. 6 presents schematically the main depositional envi- extensive alluvial plain with short-lived, charophyte-bearing lakes
ronments that existed in the Merija region and more generally in and well-developed calcareous paleosols (Fig. 6). Thereafter, this
the Marginal Folds during the Early Cretaceous. plain is frequently dissected by fluvial channels giving rise to
The main environments in the Marginal Folds are described metre-scale sandy bars. After this event, the deposits of the alluvial
taking into account their succession through time (Fig. 3). plain show fewer silty levels and the increasing development of
gypsum and sometimes dolomitic minerals. The stratigraphic
3.2.1. Terrestrial piedmont environments (Dekkar 1 Fm and Dekkar evolution of the facies broadly marks the increasingly distal char-
2 Mbr1) acter of the alluvial plain and its increased proximity to the coastal
The Dekkar 1 Fm represents alluvial fans associated with a environment.
braided fluvial system and a playa-lake environment (Figs. 3 and 6). The evaporitic overlying Dekkar 3 Formation represents a sab-
The lacustrine organisms consist of freshwater to brackish kha environment similar to the one described westward by Ciszack

view showing antheridial prints (ap).; CF- 3088.4; MER 6'; E. Flabellochara harrisii (Peck) Grambast, lateral view. CF-3088.5. MER 6'; F-H. Hemiclavator sp. A. F, Left-lateral face; G.
Dorsal face showing radiating cells around a centrally protruding nodule. H. Profile in ¾ view, showing dorsal face (df), partial ventral face (vf) and lateral left face (lf). CF- 3089.1.
MER 5; I-J and N-O. Globator trochiliscoides Grambast, lateral views of different utricles. I. Calcified cells only displayed in the basal region of the utricle, CF- 3089.4; J. Utricle
displaying an undifferentiated calcifed layer, and short pieces of normally calcified cells (cc), CF- 3089.5; N. Entirely calcified utricle, CF. 3089.2; O. Partially calcified or eroded
utricle, CF- 3089.3; MER 5; K-M. Ascidiella stellata (Martin-Closas & Grambast-Fessard) Martin-Closas, lateral views. K-M are CF- 3090.1, CF- 30930.2, CF- 3090.3. MER 17E,
respectively: P-Q, Sphaerochara magna Wang, lateral views. P and Q are CF. 3091.1; Q, CF. 3091.2. TAO8, respectively.
48 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60

et al. (1999). This sabkha environment was flooded during the Lower Cretaceous from the Iberic Chain (Vicente and Martin-Closas,
pervasive development of the late CenomanianeTuronian calcar- 2013) as well as from Central Tunisia (Trabelsi et al., 2016) supports
eous platform. this interpretation.

3.3. Biostratigraphy 3.3.1.2. Biostratigraphic data. This charophyte flora (Figs. 7e9) is
dominated by F. harrisii Peck, Atopochara trivlovis Peck and
3.3.1. Charophytes At. triquetra Feist, which occur abundantly in most levels (Fig. 7),
Charophyte assemblages from the stratigraphic succession and have a wide, often cosmopolitan distribution (Fig. 9). Globator
studied here (Fig. 7) are composed of three families with eight trochiliscoides, though less abundant, is also well represented in the
species representing considerable richness. The non marine con- Dekkar 1 and 2 formations; its upward extension into the Aptian as
ditions that took place from the Middle Jurassic onward in the suggested by Mojon (1996) has been called into question, because
Atlasic area have most likely contributed to the development of the “Aptian marine marker level is situated above the charophyte
these continental aquatic floral elements. However, with the occurrence, which suggests that it may not be as young; given the
exception of Hemiclavator sp. A, the species occurring in this study range of the assemblages associated with G. trochiliscoides in these
have been previously described in detail, and, therefore, only a few two formations, their attribution to the Barremian is the more
additional are investigated in two taxa (cf infra). The importance of probable. Sphaerochara magna Wang, reported from the undiffer-
these charophyte floras lies in their contribution to the biostratig- entiated Lower Cretaceous of the Yangtze-Han River Basin, China
raphy of sedimentary sequences in the Marginal Folds. (Wang, 1978), fails to provide further stratigraphical precision. The
same is true for the indeterminate Porocharaceae.
3.3.1.1. Morphologic data. Abundance and a good state of preser- The following assemblages are more significant: the Dekkar 1
vation of most assemblages from the Dekkar 1 and 2 formations Formation and the lower and middle members of the Dekkar 2
enable us to provide details on some morphologic characters Formation yield an association of species restricted to the Barre-
(Fig. 8). Several features of the utricles in Globator trochiliscoides mian (Hemiclavator genus, Globator trochiliscoides, Ascidiella stel-
Grambast recall G, maillardi var. biutricularis Vicente and Martin- lata) and others that occur in both Barremian and Aptian
Closas. In particular, a double utricular envelope is reminiscent of (Atopochara triquetra, At. trivolvis, Flabellochara harrisii). Given
the superposed layers constituting the utricles of the Devonian current knowledge, the former assemblage supports a Barremian
Sycidium fovetaum Peck. The stepwise detachment of these layers age for this part of the section. The bed MERC 27e28 represents the
produces different morphological states that may be diagnostic of youngest occurrence of charophytes in the Dekkar 2 Formation
different taxa (Feist et al., 2005). This seems to be the case in (Fig. 7). It yields only a single taxon: F. harrisii. Though over-
G. maillardi var. biutricularis, which might represent a develop- whelmingly reported from the Aptian (Peck, 1957; Grambast, 1965),
mental stage in the utricular development of G. trochiliscoides this species has its first occurrence in the Barremian (Martin-Closas
Grambast (G. maillardi var. trochiliscoides Martin-Closas). The fact and Grambast-Fessard, 1986; Schudack, 1989), and this level could
that both taxa are always associated in the same horizons of the therefore still belong to that stage.

Fig. 9. Range and distribution of charophyte taxa from the Dekkar 1 and Dekkar 2 formations (e.o. ¼ earliest occurrence; l.o. ¼ latest occurrence): Flabelochara harrisii (Peck)
Grambast. e.o. presumably Hauterivian: HauterivianeBarremian, after Prosnyakosva & Shaikin (1969). Atopochara trivolvis Peck. l.o. not definitely established: an undifferientiated
AptianeAlbian age was proposed for the At. trivolvis yielding Kebar Formation in Central Tunisia (Trabelsi et al., 2016). Globator trochiliscoides Grambast. e.o. G. troch. var. from
Castellon (Spain) assigned to the Early Cretaceous, “approximately Hauterivian” by Grambast (1966); based on this imprecise, unproven attribution an Hauterivian age is proposed
by Martin-Closas and Grambast-Fessard (1986). Sphaerochara magna Wang. Undifferentiated Early Cretaceous (Wang, 1978 p. 63). Porocharaceae. This family extends from the late
Carboniferous to Early Paleocene.
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 49

3.3.1.3. Systematic note indicate a restricted marine environment. Moreover, the lituolid
Choffatella decipiens sampled at Merija, in the marls (Fig. 10) or
Family Clavatoraceae Pia 1927 laterally in the limestones (cf. infra x4), is a quite ubiquitous
Subfamily Clavatoroideae Pia 1927 fossil well known from the Tethyan domain (Bassoullet et al.,
Genus Hemiclavator Wang & Lu 1982 1985). In the western European domain, these fossils are
generally described from the Barremianelower Aptian
Hemiclavator sp. A (Fig. 8, FeH)
(Peyberne s, 1976).
Description. utricle of Hemiclavator, unique specimen from MER5 Across the Maghreb region, Choffatella decipiens has been re-
(Fig. 7), showing an ellipsoid, subprolate shape. Dimensions: ported from several areas in Lower Cretaceous lagoonal-marine
650 mm length, 550 mm width. ISI: 118. This single specimen is deposits. In Morocco, this species is relatively abundant in the
insufficient to allow populational variations. We prefer to mention BarremianeAptian of the Western High Atlas (Witam, 1998;
it in open nomenclature. Bourgeoini et al., 2002), Central High Atlas (Rahhali, 1979; Souhel,
1996; Lo€wner, 2009), Middle Atlas (Charrie re and Vila, 1991), and
3.3.2. Benthic foraminifera eastern Rif Foreland (Hottinger, 1967; Hamel, 1968). In the Western
The vast majority of these are the arenaceous species, espe- and Central High Atlas, it is often associated with other forami-
cially Lituolidae, and the monospecific porcelaneous ones, which nifera, and sometimes with early Aptian Ammonites (Cheloniceras

Fig. 10. Foraminifera of the Choffatella decipiens-bearing marls (MER 19, location (Figs. 2C and 3). A1- A2. External, lateral views; A3. Apertural view; B1eB2. Equatorial sections; C.
Axial section.
50 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 51

cornuelianum, Roloboceras hambrovi, and R. saxbyi; Souhel, 1996; environments to short-lived lakes followed by temporary salinas
€ wner, 2009). In Algeria, Ch. decipiens has been reported from
Lo and sabkhas under semi-arid conditions.
the ‘Barre aptienne” (Busson, 1972). It is occasionally associated
with clavatoracean charophytes in the Saharan Atlas (Emberger and 4.2. Lagoonal marine deposits from the western Marginal Folds
Magne
, 1956). This association indicates a probably similar envi-
ronment to that of the Merija area. In Tunisia, Ch. decipiens is often The lagoonal and marine deposits (Dekkar 2 Middle Member)
reported from the upper Barremianelower Aptian marine deposits have been systematically found with approximately constant
(Ben Youssef and Peyberne s, 1986; Chaabani and Razgallah, 2006; thickness. This member is always represented by two calcareous
Zouaghi et al., 2011; Hfaiedh, 2013). beds (Lst 1 and Lst 2) separated by meter-thick red marls. The main
lateral variations of facies are summarized below.
3.3.3. Biostratigraphic summary
In conclusion (Figs. 3 and 7), the Dekkar1 Formation and the 4.2.1. The Kaf area (Fig. 11, Log C)
lower and middle members of the Dekkar 2 Formation (levels from Lst 1 is a 15-20-cm-thick, platy iron oxide-rich bed. It does not
MER 199 to MER 19) are attributed to the upper Barremian based on show the grainstones and oncolitic facies of the Merija area, but
index charophytes (Fig. 9). The Aptian possibly begins at the marine only ferruginous mudstones with local accumulations of gastro-
deposits in the upper part of the Dekkar 2 Member 2 (uppermost pods and pelecypod valves. Rare foraminifera (Discorbidea?) are
marls and Lst 2 limestones) and the overlying Dekkar 3 Formation. present. The top of the last bed is covered with shells of small pe-
This age is locally supported by the presence of foraminifera, such lecypods (Fig. 12D). The intercalated marls locally contain gypsum.
as Choffatella decipiens, commonly documented from Barremiane Lst 2 is less than 1m-thick and is rich in miliolids and fragments of
early Aptian times. pelecypods associated with ostracods. Sampling from underlying
beds has revealed ferruginous gastropods, pelecypods and very
rare foraminifera but no Choffatella.
4. Other red beds successions from the western Marginal
Folds
4.2.2. Taguentcha area (Fig. 11, Log D; Fig. 12, A, B, C)
4.1. First Cretaceous deposits and earliest continental environments The approximately 20e30-cm-thick Lst 1 is a centimetric-
bedded platy limestone. The top of the last bed shows a concen-
In the northern area of the Marginal Folds (Fig. 1B), the Creta- tration of shells consisting of small pelecypods and a few sea-
ceous sedimentation initiates with a conglomerate (Dekkar 1 Fm) urchin spines. The microfacies reveals a micrite with iron-bearing
directly overlain by the “gypsiferous Marls” (Dekkar 3 Fm). bedding planes containing levels with microsparitized shells. The
Northward, in the Rekkame region, the Cenomanian deposits are approximately 10-m-thick red marls contains a distinctive stro-
deposited on the Jurassic strata of the High Plateaus. The Dekkar 2 matolitic level in the middle of the unit (Fig. 12C). Lst 2 is a 0.5e2 m-
Formation and especially the lagoonal-marine middle member are thick grey-green limestone (Fig. 12B). The lower and middle por-
absent in these northern areas. tions are characterized by a platy, strongly laminated, strato-
In the southern area of the western Marginal Folds the lower decreasing sequence. The massive upper bed completes the
part of the Cretaceous series is more complete. The variations sequence. The thin sections made of this limestone displays its
observed (Fig. 1) are exposed along an ENE-WSW transect ~100 km richness in pellets and miliolids associated with some ostracods
long (Fig. 11). and gastropods.
The Cretaceous sedimentation always commences with coarse
detrital deposits (Dekkar 1, conglomerates and calcarenites). 4.2.3. Bertat area (Fig. 11, Log E)
Overall the thickness increases towards the south and southwest, The metre-thick Lst 1 bed (Fig 12G) begins with platy limestones
reaching ~200 m (Bertat). This sedimentary event corresponds to and ends in a ferruginous and foraminifera-bearing level. The main
the accumulation in the Barremian of piedmont sediments along a microfacies are mudstones and wackestones with some thin sandy
southern relief. The ostracod/charophyte- or gypsum-bearing marls levels. The cement is often rich in iron oxides. Thin sections show a
intercalated between the clastic inputs are typical of lake paleo- diversified and abundant microfauna of benthic foraminifera
environments and playas associated with the median and distal (Fig. 13 AeH) with straight and coiled uniserial species, and evolute
parts of alluvial fans. These water bodies settled for periods of or involute planispiral ones. Foraminifera with porcelaneous tests,
varying durations on the flood plain. The existence of calcareous especially miliolids and arenaceous ones such as Choffatella, exist
paleosoils (calcrete), which is locally well developed, favors a semi- together in the same sample. Good axial and transverse sections
arid climate. (Fig. 13 AeE) allow the identification of C. decipiens. As seen in other
After the reduction in relief, fine-grained sedimentation devel- areas, small pelecypods shells are abundant at the top of the Lst 1.
oped and predominated (Lower Member of the Dekkar 2 Forma- Lst 2 (Fig. 12F) consists of recrystallized miliolid-bearing pelletoidal
tion) during the late Barremian. To the east of the Marginal Folds limestones with gastropods and ostracods. The beds present
(Merija area), the fossils assemblage indicates relatively the pres- generally millimetric laminae, giving them a characteristic platy
ence of longer-lived freshwater bodies. structure in outcrop. Locally, Lst 2 shows a monogenic desiccation
The salinity is higher to the west (Taguentcha area) where breccia.
purple marls with rare charophytes are very rich in gypsum while
nodular or massive bedded calcretes exist laterally. The different 4.2.4. Zriouila area (Fig. 11, Log F)
facies observed from Merija in the east to Taguentcha in the west Lst 1 is capped by a ferruginous fossil-rich level with abundant
imply a lateral transition between quasi-permanent lake-palustrine small bivalves, gastropods, and foraminifera. The thin sections

Fig. 11. Correlations between the Early Cretaceous geological logs of the Marginal Folds area. The BarremianeAptian marine beds are highlighted in blue. (For interpretation of the
references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)
52 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 53

show a microfacies diversity and microfossil abundance: i) grain- indicating a low-energy environment. The oligospecific character of
stones (Fig. 13 L-P) often with ferruginous components: lithoclasts, the fauna corresponds to a restricted environment. The miliolids
ooids, bioclasts (ostracods, dasycladaceans, charophytes, gastro- being the rare foraminifera supporting strongly hyposaline waters,
pods and miliolids); ii) packstones with micritic ferruginous their abundance in the sediment generally points to brackish con-
cement containing intraclasts, big shell fragments and abundant ditions. The epiphytic behavior of the associated small gastropods
agglutinated foraminifera (Choffatella) (Fig. 13 IeK). evokes large shallow seagrass meadows. This second transgression
The Lst 2 layers always present the typical ‘miliolid-bearing corresponds to a maximum extent of the water body, in a lagoonal-
limestone’ facies. It is a locally microsparitized micrite with a marine context.
packstone texture containing abundant pellets, lithoclasts, mil-
iolids, and small gastropods. 5.2. Structural control of the Marginal Folds Barremiane?Aptian
basins
4.2.5. Zebzat area (Fig. 11, Log G)
In this area, facies differ from other areas; Lst 1 is thin The first Cretaceous continental basins are present along the
(10e20 cm) and consists of yellow platy dolomitic levels without northern border of the High Atlas. The sedimentation initiates with
fauna but with small ferruginous fragments of fossilized wood. The coarse detrital material deposited as piedmont sediments derived
intercalated marls are comprised of azoic green-brown marls from the limited Barremian relief located where the current High
overlain by gypsum-rich red marls. The double Lst 2 layer (Fig. 12E) Atlas Mountains are situated. The subsequent late Barremiane?
shows the same thickness (1.5e2 m) as in other areas, but it is early Aptian marine basin was akin to a narrow gutter running for
comprised of two highly mineralized (manganese and iron oxides) more than 100 km. These data lead us to consider that this “red
calcareous beds with red marls between them. beds basin” was likely structurally controlled.
The southern or southwestern part of the basin had more sub-
5. Discussion sidence with respect to the northern part that remained emergent
until the Cenomanian. Furthermore, this gulf was closed on its
5.1. Characteristics of the two Barremiane?Aptian transgressions in western side which corresponds to the Midelt Paleozoic high. This
the southern Marginal Folds narrow Cretaceous gulf evokes the morphology of a ria filled during
the marine incursions.
These two transgressions are summarized in the Fig. 14. The Liassic and Dogger paleogeography was marked (du
The first marine episode (Lst 1) is evidenced by regionally Dresnay, 1971) by a boundary (dashed red line in Fig. 1B) between a
diversified environments. To the east, high-energy facies predom- relatively stable platform (High Plateaus) and a strongly subsident
inate: oolitic bars (north Merija), oncolitic channels (south Merija). marine basin (High Atlas rift). The narrow zone subsiding during
In a median zone, shoreface foraminifera-bearing deposits are the Early Cretaceous extends almost parallel to the previous rift
dominant (Bertat, Zriouila). To the west (Zebzat), there is only boundary, but it is offset southward by about 20 km. This new
lagoonal facies with plants remains. In the eastern area, the structural line was a northward-dipping normal fault (Fig. 14) as
restricted environment is sometimes limited, allowing for the further to the west (Ciszak et al., 1999). It is this BarremianeAptian
survival of marine species (foraminifera, echinoderms, bryozoans, fault and not the Jurassic boundary between the platform and the
dasycladaceans), but in other times, notably at the end of the Lst 1, basin which will be inverted during the Cenozoic compression to
new conditions give rise to mass dying especially for small mono- become the NHAF (Morel et al., 1993).
specific pelecypods. These more severe conditions favor gypsum
deposition in the westernmost area. 5.3. Paleogeographic correlations in the northern Atlas-Meseta
The intermediate marly deposits seem to correspond to a lagoon domain
or a coastal swamp. This latter one was bounded to the south by
freshwater bodies inhabited by ostracods and charophytes (S 5.3.1. Anoual continental basin (eastern High Atlas)
Merija), but the main part of the domain was inhospitable (rare Where the Dekkar formations have been investigated in the
dasycladaceans to the east) due to the restricted conditions of the eastern High Atlas (Haddoumi, 1998; Haddoumi et al., 1998), the
waters. Locally (Taguentcha), some stromatolites linked to gypsif- Lower Cretaceous strata are exclusively continental (Feist et al.,
erous marls line supratidal areas. A true evaporitic lagoon extended 1999). The gypsum-bearing marls and the 3 to 4 m-thick lime-
to the west. stones described at Anoual from the Dekkar 2 Fm (Fig. 15.1) closely
The second marine incursion is characterized by more ho- resemble the marine layers of the Marginal Folds (Fig. 15.2), but the
mogenous environments. In the eastern areas, it commences with ostracods sampled at Anoual are lacustrine. The Anoual calcareous
marls containing a diverse marine fauna with sea-urchin spines, beds are very rich in a monospecific bivalve belonging to the Cor-
ophiuroid ossicles, remains of fishes, ostracods, and various fora- biculidae, characteristic of fluvial to lake environments (Freinex, in
minifera, including Choffatella and arenaceous species. These sed- Haddoumi, 1998). The recent discovery of a few miliolids, 5 km
iments, which have only been recognized in the eastern part of the northeast of Anoual, leads to consider that, locally, the continental
basin, were probably deposited in an area connecting with the open Anoual Dekkar 2 Formation has been deposited not too far from the
sea. BarremianeAptian shoreline.
The sedimentation continues upward with miliolid-bearing The transgression represented by miliolid-bearing Lst 2 is well-
limestones (Lst 2), which extend over more than 100 km from E documented in the Jbel Skindis area (Fig. 1B) located between the
to W and more than 10 km from N to S. Their macro- and microf- eastern High Atlas and the Marginal Folds while to the east and
acies are very homogenous. The pelletoidal facies is omnipresent northeast this possible transgression has not been documented.

Fig. 12. Field photographs of the Lower Cretaceous formations in the western Marginal Folds region. A-C. Taguentcha area: A. General view; B. Detail of the upper lagoonal level (Lst
2); C. Stromatolitic layers between limestones Lst 1 and Lst 2. D. Kaf area; Lst 1 showing pelecypods at the top. E. Zebzat area is the westernmost outcrop of Lst 2 significantly
mineralized in this area; please note that the North High Atlasic Fault (NHAF), appearing in the foreground, is not far from these outcrops. F and G. Bertat area. Detailed views of Lst 1
(G) and Lst 2 (F) lagoonal marine beds. H. Stratigraphic succession of the different members of the Dekkar 2 Fm in the Zriouila area.
54 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 55

5.3.2. Midelt High (High Moulouya and southern Middle Atlas) northern side of the High Atlas and the central Middle Atlas.
In this area as well as in the southwestern Middle Atlas the However, the contemporaneity or diachroneity of the marine epi-
Cretaceous deposits are represented by a single transgressive sodes observed in the different regions cannot be effectively con-
megasequence which gave rise to a calcareous marine platform strained due to the lack of accuracy of the available stratigraphic
during the Upper Cretaceous (Ciszack et al., 1999). No Lower bio-markers. On the other hand, it seems that these marginal-
Cretaceous marine deposits have been observed there. The Lower marine environments did not exist in the Atlasic and Saharan do-
Cretaceous and Cenomanian levels constitute the Midelt Formation mains of the central and eastern parts of the Maghreb (Alioui et al.,
defined (Ciszack et al., 1999) near the eponym town and organized 2012). In the contrary, these transgressive episodes seem to be
as follows from bottom to top: i) fluvial unit (0e40 m) with similar to those prevailing in the Early Cretaceous Iberian basins
vertebrate tracks (Klein et al., 2018), ii) thick (140 m) clayey- (Suarez-Gonzalez et al., 2015; Campos-Soto et al., 2016).
evaporitic sabkha deposits followed by marine ostracod-bearing
marls (60 m), which allows dating the first marine influence from
the late Cenomanian, iii) calcareous platform deposits. Above the 5.4. Revised paleogeographic framework
basal detrital sediments of the Midelt Formation, the marly de-
posits with intercalated dolomitic levels (Fig. 15.3) could be The occurrence of marine deposits intercalated with the
contemporaneous to the lagoonal-marine episode of the Marginal Lower Cretaceous red beds of the Marginal Folds constitute new
Folds. data, which have to be integrated into the Morocco's Early
Cretaceous paleogeography (Fig. 16). In the classic paleogeo-
graphic reconstructions (Choubert and Faure-Muret, 1960e62),
5.3.3. Barremian and early Aptian gulfs in the northern central High the Lower Cretaceous marine zones of Morocco were limited to:
Atlas i) the Rif domain and its eastern foreland, i.e., the south Tethyan
On the northern side of the central High Atlas (Fig. 15.4), the margin of NW Africa (Hamel, 1968; Cane
rot et al., 1986); ii) the
Lower Cretaceous continental sedimentation shows a marine Atlantic coastal basins of Essaouira (Haha) and Doukkala (Cane
rot
intercalation linked to an Atlantic transgression (Choubert and et al., 1986), and iii) temporary extensions of the Essaouira Basin
Faure-Muret, 1960e62). This “Barre aptienne” (Rolley and into a short “Souss Gulf” south of the western High Atlas and a
Etienne, 1978) redefined as the Aït Tafelt Formation (Souhel, longer, narrow gulf located along the northern border of the
1996) comprised of littoral marine limestones with diversified Western and Central High Atlas extending up to the Naour area
benthic macro- and microfauna. The lower part of the limestones (next to the High Atlas-Middle Atlas junction) during the Aptian.
has been dated as early Aptian by ammonites (Souhel, 1996; During the 1970's-80's, researchers thought that marine condi-
€ wner, 2009; cf. 3.3.2.). The deposits thickness decreases from
Lo tions had never reached the eastern and northern parts of the
west to east and the marine facies become discontinuous. At Meseta-Atlas domain; the area would have been emergent and
Ouaouizarth and further to the east (Fig. 16) the Ait Tafelt Fm is was termed ‘Terre des Idrissides’ south of the Rif Belt (Choubert
comprised of two marine episodes alternating with two emersive and Faure-Muret, 1960e62). After the discovery of marine
periods (Lo€wner, 2009). These may correlate with the Lst 1 and 2 of re and Vila,
Aptian deposits in the central Middle Atlas (Charrie
the Marginal Folds. However, this correlation may not be 1991), a 200-km-long Tethyan gulf cutting obliquely across the
adequately accounting for: i) the two gulfs appear to be closed on “Idrissides Land” was added to paleogeographic reconstructions
either side of the Midelt High and ii) the transgressions are not (Dercourt et al., 2000; Guiraud et al., 2005; Frizon de Lamotte
synchronous being early Aptian in the central High Atlas and late et al., 2008, 2009).
Barremiane?early Aptian in the Marginal Folds. However, the Our results in the Marginal Folds demonstrate that another
transgression in the Marginal Folds could be contemporaneous Tethyan gulf (Fig. 16) must be added to the paleogeographic maps of
with the very first Atlantic influence locally recorded as Barremian the Barremiane?Aptian. This “Marginal Folds Gulf” extended over
re et al., 2005).
(Charrie 100 km along the northern border of the eastern High Atlas. The
southern boundary of this gulf is a major strike-slip reverse fault
5.3.4. Aptian gulf in the central Middle Atlas (NHAF; Morel et al., 1993), which corresponds to a Lower Creta-
In the central Middle Atlas (Fig. 15.5), the Sidi Larbi Formation, ceous normal fault inverted during the Cenozoic Atlas shortening
defined near the Boulemane locality, begins with a lacustrine level (see above, Section 5.4). To the west, the Midelt high likely sepa-
that yields ostracods (Cypridea) and a floral association (Atopochara rated the Marginal Folds Gulf from the northern central High Atlas
trivolvis trivolvis, Globator trochilidiscoides and Flabellochara har- Atlantic Gulf (Fig. 16). The question then arises as to how the
rissi) (Andreu et al., 1988) similar to the microflora described in the Marginal Folds Gulf was connected to the Tethys. The restricted
Marginal Folds (Dekkar 1 Formation and members 1 and 2 of the marine paleoenvironments were largely dominant in the entire
Dekkar 2 Formation). The lower part of the Sidi Larbi Formation gulf and are the most abundant to the west where abiotic condi-
shows a similar vertical evolution with piedmont alluvial fan de- tions are observed. In contrast, in the eastern part of the gulf the
posits grading upward to coastal marine deposits. The latter have moderately restricted conditions and the high-energy deposits
been assigned to Aptian (Charrie re and Vila, 1991) based on their suggest proximal links with the open sea.
foraminifera association: Choffatella decipiens, Debarina hahour- However, the communication between the Tethyan domain is
enensis and Cuneolina gr. laurentii-camposauri. This marine episode not clearly defined (Fig 16). An eastward link implies that the well
could be contemporaneous to and/or younger than the Marginal known Anoual area would have been submerged at this time.
Folds Gulf. Taking into account the present data, the simplest hypothesis is to
In summary, the existence of a BarremianeAptian marine consider that the Marginal Folds Gulf was connected to the Tethys
episode is a common expression between the Marginal Folds, the along a northeast-trending corridor.

Fig. 13. Microfacies of the marine limestones Lst 1. A to H. Bertat area. A-E. Choffatella decipiens: A. Equatorial section; B. Axial section; C-E. Different transverse and subaxial
sections. F-H. Other foraminifera (blue arrows). I-P. Zriouila area; I-K. Choffatella decipiens (blue arrows); I. Equatorial section; J. Subaxial section; K. Tangential section; L. Sparitic
shelly facies with gastropods (black arrows); M. Sparitic facies with lithoclasts and ostracods (yellow arrow); N. Cayeuxia sp. (green arrow); O. Section of charophyte (red arrow); P.
Transverse section of dasycladacean algae (green arrow). (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)
 56
H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60
Fig. 14. Block diagram summarizing the individualization of the first continental and marine Cretaceous basins in the Marginal Folds of the eastern High Atlas.
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60
Fig. 15. Comparison of the Lower Cretaceous marine formations of the Marginal Folds (2, this work) with those of the easternmost High Atlas (1), Midelt Meseta (3), Central High Atlas (4) and Middle Atlas (5). Logs 1, 3, 4, 5, modified
€ wner (2009), Charrie
after Haddoumi (1998), Ciszak et al. (1999), Lo re and Vila (1991), respectively. The location of the logs is shown in Fig. 16.

57
58 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60

Fig. 16. Updated late Barremianeearly Aptian paleogeographic map of Morocco showing the newly documented lagoonal-marine Marginal Folds Gulf described in this work.
Background map modified from Frizon de Lamotte et al. (2008).

6. Conclusions (Midelt High) and eastward (Anoual continental basin). The Early
Cretaceous normal fault was inverted during Cenozoic compres-
Abundant microfauna have been sampled in the “Infra-Cen- sion. It could have represented a ria flooded twice by marine waters
omanian” deposits of the Marginal Folds, north of the eastern High linked to the Tethyan domain located to the NE.
Atlas adding new stratigraphic markers. Diversified continental The Marginal Folds Gulf constitutes a new paleogeographic
charophyte microfloras (three families with eight species) exist in feature in the framework of the marine flooding of the NW African
different levels in the Dekkar 1 Formation and in the lower and emergent areas during the Early Cretaceous. This newly Tethyan
middle members of the Dekkar 2 Formation. They allow these gulf has to be added to the other Tethyan Aptian Middle Atlas gulf
levels to be dated as late Barremian. This age determination is previously described. These Tethyan expansions evoke the classic
supported by the presence of foraminifera, such as Choffatella Aptian Atlantic transgression of the northern border of the central
decipiens, in several sections of the middle member of the Dekkar 2 High Atlas, but in the Marginal Folds the transgression beginning in
Fm, which are well known from the Barremian to early Aptian. the late Barremian is slightly older.
The sedimentologic field studies, the analysis of calcareous
microfacies and the paleontologic findings have led to the identi- Acknowledgements
fication of marine intercalations based on the presence of forami-
nifera, echinoderms, bryozoans, and dasycladaceans intercalated Part of the field work was carried out under the auspices of the
within the continental red bed series. Two lagoonal-marine to Plan National de Cartographie ge
ologique (PNCG) 29e2011 (1/50
strictly marine incursions, here dated as late Barremiane?early 000 Mazzer and Tamaslamt geological maps) by H. Haddoumi, L.
Aptian, are identified for the first time in the Marginal Folds region. Baidder, and K. Mounir. We would like to thank the Ministry of
These types of intercalations should be researched in the other Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development of Morocco, Geomine-
North-African regions where the ‘Infra-Cenomanian’ or ‘Conti- Geomap-Selca companies and all people, especially Mr Abderraz-
nental intercalaire’ series remain poorly dated. zak Eddebbi, involved in this project. Furthermore, we thank B.
The Marginal Folds transgression is characterized by moderately Granier (Brest University) and M. Vianney-Liaud (Montpellier
to strongly restricted paleoenvironments. The corresponding basin University) who examined microfacies photographs and dinosaur
was a narrow depression extending over ~100 km along the faulted eggshells, respectively. We are grateful to C. Cazevieille (INM, Saint
border of the future eastern High Atlas and closed both west Eloi Hospital, Montpellier) for assistance in Scanning Electronic
 H. Haddoumi et al. / Cretaceous Research 95 (2019) 37e60 59

Microscopy; to R. McCourt (Dexel University, Philadelphia), and to Choubert, G., Faure-Muret, A., 1960-62. Evolution du domaine atlasique marocain
depuis les temps pale
ozoïques. Me
moire hors-se
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ge
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F. Chanier (Lille University) for improving the English in parts of the
m. P. Fallot) 1, 447e527.
France (Livre Me
manuscript. Ciszak, R., Andreu, B., Charrie re, A., Ettachfini, E.M., Rossi, A., 1999. Le Cre
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The authors would like to sincerely express their thanks to Turonien du Moyen Atlas me
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