North Moroccan Research Articles

Diamond and coesite in ultrahigh-pressure–ultrahigh-temperature granulites from Ceuta, Northern Rif, northwest Africa

AbstractDiamond and coesite occur in granulites of the Internal Zone of the Rif belt in northwest Africa. Diamond, identified by optical microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, Raman spectroscopy, cathodoluminescence and microstructural electron backscattered diffraction, is present as inclusions up to 20 μm across in garnet, K-feldspar, coesite relics and quartz. Thermobarometric estimates yield P >4.3 GPa and T >1100°C, which corresponds to a depth of formation >150 km. The estimates suggest that the diamond-bearing peridotites and adjacent crustal rocks experienced similar P–T conditions. If this is correct, there is an old (undated) core in the Betic–Rif cordillera and the current models of the tectonic evolution of the area, which are based on 'full Alpine' evolution, must be revised. This discovery provides further valuable information about the complex geotectonic environment of the southeast Spain and north Moroccan collisional orogen.

Étude de la qualité physicochimique et microbiologique de deux réseaux hydrographiques nord marocains : Laou et Tahaddart

Une caracterisation globale et approfondie de la qualite physicochimique et microbiologique des eaux superficielles de deux reseaux hydrographiques nord marocains, le Laou et le Tahaddart, a ete realisee par le biais d’un suivi qui s’est etale sur trois annees consecutives d’avril 2007 a juillet 2009. La qualite physicochimique et microbiologique globale a ete evaluee a partir de dix parametres : la conductivite, l’oxygene dissout, la turbidite, l’ammonium, les nitrites, les nitrates, les orthophosphates, les coliformes totaux, les coliformes fecaux et les streptocoques fecaux. Cette etude montre que les cours d’eau de ces deux bassins‑versants subissent des perturbations multiples et arrivent a leur seuil de tolerance sur certains de leurs troncons. Au niveau du bassin‑versant du Laou, la qualite des eaux est generalement bonne a moyenne sur l’ensemble des cours d’eau prospectes, excepte certains troncons dont la qualite est mauvaise a cause des rejets des eaux usees et de l’intensification de l’agriculture avec l’utilisation d’engrais et de produits phytosanitaires. Quant au bassin‑versant du Tahaddart, la qualite des eaux est bonne a moyenne au niveau du sous-bassin Haricha, tandis qu’elle est mauvaise a tres mauvaise au niveau des deux sous-bassins El Hachef et Mharhar. La problematique de la qualite de l’eau au niveau de ce bassin reside dans la nature du substrat fortement erosif, l’agriculture et la nature des pratiques agricoles, l’elevage et le surpâturage.

Fitness, fatness and cardiovascular profile in South Spanish and North Moroccan women.

We studied the differences on physical fitness, fatness and cardiovascular profile in Spanish and Moroccan women. The study comprised 63 and 58 women aged 45-65 years from South of Spain and North of Morocco, respectively. We assessed fitness and body composition using standard procedures. We also assessed resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Moroccan women had a better performance in the main health-related physical fitness components, i.e. higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (P=0.01) and (lower-body) muscular strength (P<0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (P=0.004), RHR and total cholesterol (both P=0.04) were lower in Moroccan women. No differences were observed in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The women from Morocco had a healthier fitness and cardiovascular profile than the women from Spain. Further research on physical fitness and other health indicators in understudied populations is needed.

Fitness, fatness and cardiovascular profile in South Spanish and North Moroccan women.

We studied the differences on physical fitness, fatness and cardiovascular profile in Spanish and Moroccan women. The study comprised 63 and 58 women aged 45-65 years from South of Spain and North of Morocco, respectively. We assessed fitness and body composition using standard procedures. We also assessed resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Moroccan women had a better performance in the main health-related physical fitness components, i.e. higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (P = 0.01) and (lower-body) muscular strength (P < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.004), RHR and total cholesterol (both P = 0.04) were lower in Moroccan women. No differences were observed in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The women from Morocco had a healthier fitness and cardiovascular profile than the women from Spain. Further research on physical fitness and other health indicators in understudied populations is needed.

First global approach: morphological and biological variability in a genetically homogeneous population of the European pilchard, Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) in the North Atlantic coast

The European pilchard Sardina pilchardus represents the most commercially relevant fisheries resource in many countries bordering north Atlantic coasts and the Mediterranean Sea, being especially significant along the coast of Morocco. The continuous exploitation of this pelagic species for several decades places Morocco as the leader in sardine production. However, the conditions of exploitation of this resource underwent a great change during the last recent years. In order to identify the populations of the European pilchard sardine (Sardina pilchardus, Walbaum, 1792) in the Atlantic coast of Morocco and Spain, we have combined the truss network data to conduct multivariate analysis with biologic parameters and genetic analysis based on Microsatellite and mitochondrial control region data. Sardine morphometrics data truss variables from 10 samples spanning the Atlantic coast of Morocco were analysed by multivariate analysis. Thirteen morphometric measurements and some biological parameters such as the sex and the age of fishes were made for each individual. Discriminant analysis on size-corrected truss variables and cluster analysis of mean fishes shape using landmark data indicate, that the shape of north Moroccan sardines is distinct from the shape of sardines from south Morocco. However the analysis of the mitochondrial region and four microsatellites loci (Sp2, Sp7, Sp8 and SpI5) demonstrated an homogeneity population in the Moroccan Atlantic coast, with a low but significant genetic differentiation, which followed an isolation-by-distance pattern according to Mantel test.

Reproduction characteristics of North Moroccan indigenous goats

Goat production in North Morocco represents a livelihood base for resource-poor producers in need of technological change. Considering that reproduction aspects of these animals have not been assessed yet, this study characterized their main reproduction characteristics under the prevailing photoperiod at latitude 35°N: seasonal variation in females (n=18) and bucks (n=6), female puberty attainment (n=18) and gestation (n=22). Nutritional effects on female seasonality and age at puberty of female kids were tested under two levels of nutrition: L (low) and H (high), respectively. The L does (n=9) were fed at maintenance requirements for adult goats whereas the H does (n=9) at twice the maintenance requirements. The H female kids (n=9) and the L female kids (n=9) were fed with diets to support fast and slow average daily gains, respectively. Blood samples were regularly collected from does and female kids for progesterone assay to assess ovulation occurrence; from bucks to assess seasonal testosterone changes; from pregnant does to assess progesterone profiles during pregnancy. Does displayed a marked reproductive seasonality influenced by the photoperiod. Their ovulation and estrus occurrence diminished progressively starting at the winter solstice, was completely halted from April to June and progressively resumed at the summer solstice. The seasonal pattern was uninfluenced by the feeding level. In bucks, significant seasonal changes were observed in testis measurements (scrotal circumference, testicular diameter and length), sperm characteristics (volume of the ejaculate and sperm concentration) and plasmatic testosterone, with low values in winter that increased during the spring and peaked in the summer. Puberty in females was attained at an average body weight of 17.6kg, regardless of the feeding level provided (P>0.05) and with high incidence of abnormal estrus cycles (60%). However, improved feeding reduced significantly puberty age by 19 days (278±8 vs. 297±2 days, P<0.05). Average pregnancy length was 149.7 days and slightly longer in does kidding singles than those kidding twins (151.0±1.4 days vs. 148.3±1.7 days; P<0.05). Litter size did not affect progesterone plasma concentrations. The results obtained, offer important information to consider managerial changes to improve the productivity of the prevailing production systems under extensive and intensive production plans.

Parsley Island and the intervention of the United States

On 11 July 2002 a dozen Moroccan armed police occupied Parsley Island, a rocky outcrop off the north Moroccan coast. Five days later Spanish armed forces intervened to ‘liberate’ the island and repatriated the Moroccans. On 20 July, following the intervention of US Secretary of State Colin Powell, the State Department drew up an agreement acceptable to both sides and Spain withdrew. This article examines why Morocco occupied the island, why Spain used force in reply and why the US became involved. As with many territorial disputes, the occupation and the responses to it were symptomatic of more deep-seated grievances between the disputants, while the involvement of the Bush administration was inspired by its own self-interest in the aftermath of 9/11.

Mineralogical and geochemical study of mud volcanoes in north Moroccan atlantic margin

The gulf of Cadiz is one of the most interesting areas to study mud volcanoes and structures related to cold fluid seeps since their discovery in 1999. In this study, we present results from gravity cores collected from Ginsburg and Meknes mud volcanoes and from circular structure located in the gulf of Cadiz (North Atlantic Moroccan margin) during the cruise TTR14 in 2004 on board of the R/V Logachev. The clay mineralogical analysis by XRD shows a difference in clay mineral amounts mainly in smectite between the different studied structures. Ginsburg MV shows high percentage of smectite with an average of 44% whereas Meknes MV displays illite rich clay association, smectite average percentage is about 16%. In circular structure, amount of smectite is about 13%. This variation in clay mineralogy association between the mud volcanoes suggests different nature and depth of parent layers and fluids feeding the mud volcanoes in gulf of Cadiz. Key word : Mud volcano, clay mineralogy, geochemistry, mud breccias, North Moroccan Atlantic margin.

Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein Secretion in North Moroccan Goats

The plasma profile of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) and its relationship with fetal number were studied in 14 North Moroccan goats using a semi-heterologous radioimmunoassay (RIA). Peripheral blood was collected every day during the first month of pregnancy, afterward the blood samples were collected trice a week. The PAG were first detected at day 20 of pregnancy, their levels increase to week 8 of gestation then decrease slightly until parturition. Statistical differences between goats carrying one or two foetuses are observed from week 5 of pregnancy until parturition. Factorial Discriminant Analysis provides mathematical models for the discrimination between the litter size using the PAG level and the week of pregnancy. Using only one blood sample per week, high sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy (74%, 88% and 81%) were obtained using these models. It is concluded that the PAG RIA is an effective tool for early diagnosis of pregnancy and for discrimination between the litter sizes in North Moroccan goats.

Le Néolithique ancien au Maroc septentrional : données documentaires, sériation typochronologique et hypothèses génétiques

Until recently, our knowledge about Neolithic cultures in Northern Morocco was rather poor and lacked absolute dates. A joint Franco-Moroccan program allowed the chronostratigraphic and environmental context of the sites formerly discovered in the Tangiers Peninsula to be revised. Investigations were conducted in the field while public and private collections were re-examined. New sites were identified and new excavations undertaken in Gar Kahal, Kaf Taht El Ghar and Kaf Boussaria caves. A huge work of classification carried on some 50 000 ceramic elements allowed two phases to be distinguished in the Cardial Early Neolithic, first an «Alboran » phase (5600 to 5300 BC), then a «Lusitano-Moroccan » one (5000 to 4500 BC). An initial «Tellian » component (circa 6500 BC) originating in Algeria (Oran area) is also slightly perceived in the Eastern Rif. We thus suggest the hypothesis of an Early Neolithic origin combining both Mediterranean and Saharan inputs should be tested. In this respect, after observing a widespread sedimentary lacuna between the 9th and 7th millennia BC in the stratigraphic series of North Moroccan caves, we suggest new research should be undertaken on the Saharan borders where wind-borne sedimentation prevailed and which may have recorded a complete Holocene sequence.

Hyperactive neotectonic near the South Rifian front: Lifted Late Quaternary lagunal deposits (Atlantic Morocco)

The recent discovery of emerged and lifted lagunal deposits near the Moulay Bouselham lagoon (North Moroccan Atlantic coast), up to 32 m above sea level, requires a new model to explain the evolution of this ecosystem. All the studies on these deposits seem to indicate that we are dealing with very recent lagoonal levels. The main problem is to explain the altitude of these deposits. Likely explanations are a historical tsunami, tempest, and/or a very strong neotectonics in this area. We choose the later hypothesis because it matches the occurrence of an argilokinetic tectonic in front of the North Atlantic Moroccan margin. In this tectonic context, results of 14C analysis data, i.e. 2400 ± 250 BP for one outcrop and 2170 ± 215 BP for a value in a core taken in the lagoon, we obtain a rate of uplift of about 14 mm/yr. Therefore, this region corresponds to an important tectonic junction between the stable Meseta to the south, the Rifian domain to the north and the accretionary prism, in relation with the subduction of the Atlantic crust under the African and European plates to the west. Moreover, in front of the studied site, many mud volcanoes have been observed in the Gulf of Cadiz, near the Moroccan margin.

The occurrence of &lt;i&gt;Natsushima bifurcata&lt;/i&gt; (Polychaeta: Nautiliniellidae) in &lt;i&gt;Acharax&lt;/i&gt; hosts from mud volcanoes in the Gulf of Cadiz (south Iberian and north Moroccan Margins)

Fifteen specimens of nautiliniellid polychaetes were found in the mantle cavity of bivalves of the genus Acharax (Solemyidae) collected in several mud volcanoes from the Gulf of Cadiz. They were identified as Natsushima bifurcata Miura and Laubier (1990), a species previously known only from Sagami Bay (Japan). The morphological comparison of these specimens with the holotype suggests that they belong to the same morphological species, although further studies should consider whether they could be genetically different. The ecology of the species is discussed in relation to the available information on the family. The occurrence of Natsushima bifurcata in the Gulf of Cadiz is the first record of the species in the North Atlantic.

Recruitment and regeneration in populations of an endangered South Iberian Tertiary relict tree

The southern Iberian Peninsula is one of the most important refugia of Tertiary relict plant taxa in Europe. Under the present summer-dry climate, relict populations may experience a severely reduced regeneration. We studied the demographic structure, seed set and initial recruitment in relict populations of the endangered tree Frangula alnus subsp. baetica (Rhamnaceae) to evaluate its regeneration potential under the present environmental conditions. Populations are restricted to small riparian forests of Southwest Spanish and North Moroccan mountain ranges. The distribution of fruit crop sizes was highly left-skewed, and a few old trees produced the large bulk of the population seed pool. Bird-mediated seed dispersal appeared inefficient and post-dispersal seed predation by mice was high. Secondary seed transport by elevated creek water flow after winter rains modified the primary seed dispersal, but in consequence most seeds germinated on recently formed sandbanks where seedlings experienced reduced initial growth and survival. The most important mortality factor was desiccation, followed by herbivory. None of 1144 monitored seedlings survived for 2 years. The demographic survey through five populations indicates that drought periods may cause temporal regeneration bottlenecks. Moreover, over the last two decades populations have experienced increasing regeneration problems. Two causes are suggested: (1) browsing pressure from introduced game animals, and (2) the impact of torrential water flow peaks after heavy winter rains, exacerbated by large-scale vegetation slashing in surrounding cork oak forests. We discuss conservation strategies for this and other relict tree species that account for the pecularities of their habitat within the Mediterranean.

The Saint and the schoolmaster, or Jbala Warlord and Rifian reformer revisited: conflicting views of Islam in a confrontation and power clash in colonial Northern Morocco, 1924–25

Resistance to Spanish occupation in Northern Morocco was personified by two personalities, Mawlay Ahmad al‐Raysuni and Si Muhammad bin Si ‘Abd al‐Krim al‐Khattabi. One, conscious of his sharifian descent from Mawlay ‘Abd al‐Salam bin Mashish, saw himself as an embodiment of traditional Muslim values although he was characterised by opportunism and self‐interest whilst he despised the Rifian rebellion against Spanish rule in 1921. The other, Muhammad bin Si ‘Abd al‐Krim al‐Khattabi, was salafiyyist and anti‐colonialist and, ironically enough, had as good sharifian lineage as al‐Raysuni, although he ignored it. In the end it was Si Muhammad bin Si ‘Abd al‐Krim al‐Khattabi who was to remove al‐Raysuni and typify North Moroccan resistance to Spanish colonialism — just as he miscalculated his own strength by invading the French Protectorate in Morocco.

Le Sahara libyen dans les nouvelles configurations migratoires

The Libyan Sahara in the New Migratory Configurations. Olivier Pliez. Traditionally a country of immigration where nationals from the rest of the Arab world come to work, Libya is becoming more and more attractive to migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. The pan-Africanism advocated by the regime of Mouammar Kadhafi explains, in part, this initial movement toward change in migratory patterns. At the same time, this question seems to affect to the entire North African Sahara. A spatial organisation based on intensified trans-national mobility is taking shape in the central Sahara, at the midpoint between West Africa and the North African coast. This spatial organisation is similar to that already found along other coastlines (specifically the north Moroccan coast) and among the Mediterranean islands. The flow of people (migrants, refugees, nomads) and of merchandise connects them to « cities of the State » beyond borders. Within the limits of the Sahara, this space is constructed through time, as it is dependent upon the relations maintained by different societies dispersed around different states. Beyond this, and whenever the political situation permits, this space integrates itself into more extended networks and incorporates the flow of migrants who aim to pursue their itinerary into the North African states and even into Europe. However, restrictions of movement often lead these migrants to stay in the Sahara, supposedly spaces of transit, transforming these spaces into migratory destinations « by default ». In this manner, the towns and villages of southern Libya are changing, producing an extension of informal settlements, the emergence of spaces for commerce and cosmopolitanism tied to the diversity of the populations present in these supposed « Saharan confines ».

Le Quaternaire Marin du Cap Achakar (Tanger, Maroc): nótectonique et lithostratigraphie

The lithostratigraphy of the Quaternary deposits of Cap Ashakar (Tangier, Morocco) is made up of three marine Pleistocene formations: 1. i)the oldest indicates an upper shoreface depositional environment and has suggested a “cold fauna” with two common Mediterranean species so far unknown on the Moroccan Atlantic coast: Buccinum undatum and Neptunea contraria; 2. ii) the youngest indicates a foreshore depositional environment and is dated from the last interglacial period; 3. iii) between them, a very thick marine Precambrian formation took place, which indicates an upper shoreface environment followed by a foreshore depositional environment. The morphostructural analysis illustrates the role played by the recurrent epeirogenic phenomena in the morphogenesis of the north Moroccan Atlantic coast and underlines the occurrence of areas with differential motions compared to the general uplift of the Gibraltar Strait.

Le Quaternaire marin du secteur littoral Cap Achakar -Cap Spartel (Tanger, Maroc) : lithostratigraphie et néotectonique

Marine Quaternary of Cap Ashakar (Tangiers, Morocco) : lithostratigraphy and neotec tonics. Lithostratigraphy of the marine quaternary deposits of Cap Ashakar (Tangiers, Morocco) allows us to reveal three marine pleistocene formations : • the oldest indicates an upper shoreface depositional environment and has given up a "cold fauna" with two common mediterranean species so far unknown on the Moroccan atlantic coast : Buccinurn undatum and Neptunea contraria ; • the youngest indicates a foreshore depositional environment and dates from the last Interglacial ; • between them, takes place a very thick marine azoic formation, which indicates an upper shoreface followed by a foreshore depositional environment. The morphostructural analysis allows to show the part of the recurrent epeirogenic phenomenas in the morphogenesis of the north Moroccan atlantic coast.

The Ree and εNd of 40–70 Ma old fish debris from the west‐African platform

REE concentrations and Nd isotopic compositions have been determined in Late Cretaceous‐Early Cenozoic fish debris from West African and Israeli platform sediments and show a strong regional control independent of time, except for those from the Northern Morocco. It is suggested that, although diagenetic fluids do not contribute REE's directly to the phosphatic debris, they may significantly change the Ce anomaly and the εNd(T) value of the epicontinental seas, which, in turn, control the REE in marine phosphates. It is shown that, over the investigated period, the North Moroccan shelf seawater was progressively flushed by deep North‐Atlantic water.

The Evolution of Political Forms in a North Moroccan Village

The village of Mediouna illustrates the evolution of community political structures and processes in response to changes in the character of the Moroccan state system. Under the Sultanate (to ca. 1912), a set of lineages held use-rights in the land (the guish system) in return for providing troops, and was a part of the hypothetical tribe of the Fahs. Heads of guish families comprised the village council, with an elected headman (moqaddam) representing it in external relations and a religious (shorfa) family acting as mediators in local disputes. The guish system lapsed and under the Protectorate the village council represented each household, regardless of economic status. The headman was picked by the International Zone authorities and answered to them through a chain of command in which the head of the religious family had become sheikh of a quarter of the Zone. On independence (1956), the headman was demoted and the village linked with two others in reporting procedures and the council ceased to exist officially. In an atmosphere of amiable neglect by the state, an informal council of representatives of the principal families has emerged, representation to the governorate in Tangier is often by spokesman (menub) selected by it, and the shorfa family head's role has changed, again, to that of agent for the major absentee landlord.