Investigation of active faults in Morocco using morphometric methods and drainage pattern analysis

Abstract

A survey has been done of recently active faults in Morocco. In addition to field observations, morphometric methods were applied and an analysis was made of the drainage pattern. In the morphometric analysis, a map of vertical deformation was established from the elevations of summit level surfaces. This enables the recognition of neotectonic discontinuities and lithological contrasts; the actual discrimination of different rock-types can only be achieved by comparison with field observations. The analysis of drainage patterns — including their perturbations and anomalies — can also reveal the presence of features due to neotectonics, structural control or lithological variation. Certain faults can be detected which correspond to structures known from field geology or remote sensing (NE-SW and NW-SE oriented sets). Some new faults are observed which belong to these sets, as well as others which define a new N-S trending set. The present analysis leads to a distinction between ancient faults and currently active faults. The results of this study are shown on a map of recently active faults where the respective vertical displacements are also indicated.