Insights into the deep structure of the Bou Azzer-El Graara inlier (Central Anti-Atlas, Morocco): Inference from high-resolution magnetic data, and geodynamic implications

Abstract

The Bou Azzer-El Graara inlier (BAEI) in the Central Anti-Atlas has been extensively studied due to its famous Pan-African ophiolite and its great mineral potential. In 1998, an airborne survey was flown over this inlier, providing high-resolution magnetic data. This study is concerned with reinterpreting these data to help elucidate the BAEI structure. For this purpose, the aeromagnetic data were processed through a series of filters and transformations. They were then subjected to a detailed analysis, taking into account the study area geology. Qualitative analysis of the reduced to pole data indicates that the observed anomalies are broadly consistent with outcrops of Precambrian mafic and metavolcanic rocks in the BAEI. The extension of this type of rocks below the Paleozoic sedimentary cover could explain similar anomalies found outside the inlier. Additional analysis of the processed data helped to identify various lineaments and structures organized into two main trends: ENE-WSW and ESE-WNW. Furthermore, the calculation of anomalous source depths by Euler deconvolution from aeromagnetic data shows that these vary between 0 and 1000 m within the inlier. However, deeper sources occur beneath the detached and slightly folded Paleozoic sedimentary deposits in the northern part of the inlier. Moreover, a quantitative interpretation using the 3D inverse method was applied to high-amplitude anomalies associated with the Bou Azzer ophiolite (BAO) and the Foum Zguid great dyke (FZGD). The results indicate that (i) the BAO consists of three north-northeast dipping magnetic bodies, (ii) the FZGD corresponds to a deeply rooted vertical structure with lateral thickness variations and (iii) the NE-SW FZGD structure represents the eastern limit of the BAO as indicated by geological and magnetic data. This suggests that the FZGD fracture may have played an important role during the Pan-African collages as a key structure controlling the oblique suturing of the ophiolite slices.