Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Late Cretaceous and Lower Paleogene
Moroccan Phosphates: Geotourism
Opportunities
Les phosphates du Cr
tac
terminal et
é
é
Pal
og
ne inf
rieur du Maroc: Opportunit
s
é
è
é
é
du g
otourisme
é
Abdelmajid Noubhani
Abstract
Late Cretaceous and lower Paleogene Moroccan phosphate deposits are one of the best
examples of Moroccan geological heritage. These deposits are rich in well-preserved fossil
remains including giant marine reptiles, as well as teeth of extinct sharks and rays which have
been collected in vast quantities. The Cheri
ce of Phosphates Group (OCP) has recently
outlined a strategy to promote sustainable ecological development. In this context, certain sites
within the phosphate deposits could be incorporated into a modern Geosite Trail for tourism.
Such a trail might start with a visit to the
“
Museum of Palaeontology
”
planned in the mining
town of Khouribga. This would position visitors within walking distance of sites to be
designated within the mining areas, including key representative sections of different
geological strata. Besides showcasing the natural beauty of the landscape, these sections
present a panoramic view of the lithology and stratigraphy of the phosphate series, displaying
both geological features and mining operations. To ensure sustainability, the area would need
to be declared a Geopark where geological activities are encouraged but regulated. In addition
to the protection and the enhancement of the palaeontological riches, such a declaration would
bene
an Of
t the economy of the local population for whom collecting fossils is a principle
economic activity supplementing agriculture and cattle breeding.
R
é
sum
é
Les gisements u
à
phosphate Cr
é
tac
é
terminal - Pal
é
og
è
ne inf
é
rieur sont un des meilleurs
exemples du g
é
opatrimoine marocain. Ces d
é
p
ô
ts sont riches en restes fossiles extraordinair-
ement bien pr
é
serv
é
s dont des reptiles marins g
é
ants et des dents de requins et de raies qui se
é
é
é
collectent par millions. Le groupe Of
ce Ch
ri
en des Phosphates (OCP) a, r
cemment, d
ni
une strat
é
gie visant
à
promouvoir le d
é
veloppement
é
cologique durable. Dans ce contexte,
ê
é
é
certains sites des gisements de phosphate pourraient
tre int
gr
s dans un circuit moderne de
G
dont la
construction est pr
é
vue dans la ville mini
è
re de Khouribga. Cela placera les visiteurs
otourisme.L
'
excursion peut commencer par la visite du
“
Mus
e de Pal
ontologie
”
é
é
é
à
quelques minutes de marche des sites qui seront d
é
sign
é
s dans les zones mini
è
res avec les
coupes repr
é
sentatives des diff
é
rentes couches g
é
ologiques. En plus de la beaut
é
naturelle du
