Inventory and quantitative assessment of geosites in Rabat-Tiflet Region (North Western Morocco): Preliminary study to evaluate the potential of the area to become a geopark

The Rabat-Tiflet area (north-western Morocco) has a complex geological setting and a high geodiversity, two reasons that justify the geoheritage inventory done in this work. The inventoried 13 geosites were quantitatively assessed and clearly show that the Tortonian/Messinian Akrech River GSSP Stratotype is the most important geosite in the area due to its high international scientific value. In addition, the majority of the other geosites are characterized by moderate scientific, educational, and touristic values and high degradation risk. Therefore, a geoconservation strategy should be implemented in this area by national and local authorities to protect and conserve this geological heritage. This study may help the development of a new geopark project in Morocco, a country where the geopark concept is still emerging.This research was made possible through scientific cooperation with the University of Minho (Braga, Portugal) and the University of Granada (Spain). We thank E. Errami and M. Oukassou for in-depth reviews of our paper, thus contributing to improve its scientific quality

Diachronic Study of the North Atlantic Coast of Morocco between Larache and Moulay Bousselham: A Geometric Approach

Coastal areas, vital for local communities, are subject to significant changes requiring rigorous management. This study focuses on assessing the evolution of the Atlantic coastline between Larache and Moulay Bousselham over a period of 60 years, with an emphasis on erosion and accretion risks. The main objective is to understand coastal change trends and identify the most vulnerable areas. Using advanced techniques such as multi-temporal photo interpretation, Geographic Information System (GIS), and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), we analyzed aerial and satellite images from 1963, 1991, 2014, and 2023. The results reveal that zones A (Msitro Beach) and B (Lhayayda Beach) are primarily affected by erosion, with minimal accretion, while zones C (Mersat lghnem beach) and D (Moulay Bousselham Beach) exhibit more intense erosion. This study provides an original contribution by combining advanced analytical methods to inform the sustainable management of coastal resources. Keywords: Atlantic coastline, erosion, accretion, DSAS, GIS

Inventory and Quantitative Assessment of Belyounech Commune Geosites (East of the Site of Biological and Ecological Interest of Jbel Moussa, Northern Moroccan Rif)

In the commune of Bel Younech, which constitutes the eastern part of the Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SBEI) of Jbel Moussa (Tangier, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, NW Morocco), 13 geosites have been selected along a 14-stop georoad. These sites are characterized by relevant geological diversity representing structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, petrology, geomorphology, hydrogeology and hydrology. Some of these geosites also have a very interesting geoculture. The geodiversity sites have been evaluated using a numerical methodology based on recent literature that aimed to reduce the subjectivity related to any evaluation process. The evaluation concerned the scientific value (SV), the potential for educational use (PEU), the potential for tourist use (PTU) and the risk of degradation (DR), which was quantified using various criteria by assigning scores ranging from 0 to 4. The results of the quantitative assessment show that 8 sites with a scientific value greater than or equal to 3.5; this value allows them to be considered as geosites. The average values of the PUE and PUT were very high (3.7 and 3.5) while the risk of degradation was moderate (2.03). The values obtained justify the need of valorization and conservation of Bel Younech commune geosites by integrating the fundamental concepts of sustainable development. In fact, all the geosites are located on a 14-stop georoad; this could serve the geotourism as well as promote the activity and economic development of this commune. This work could be used for scientific, educational (within the framework of earth sciences) and touristic purposes. Keywords: geodiversity, geological heritage, inventory, Bel Younech commune, (SBEI) of Jbel Moussa, Northern Rif

Geochronology and isotopic geochemistry of Ediacaran high-K calc-alkaline felsic volcanism: An example of a Moroccan perigondwanan (Avalonian?) remnant in the El Jadida horst (Mazagonia)

International audienc