The Oxfordian Ichnology of Cap-Ghir, Western High Atlas mrocco

Abstract

The Upper Jurassic of the Moroccan margin, particularly in the Agadir Essaouira basin and specifically in its western part towards the Atlantic Ocean, is characterized by geological diversity. It is studied from a paleo-ichnological perspective to analyze the various ichnofacies most commonly found, such as Thalassinoides, Planolites, Arénicolites, Rhizocorallium, and Cruziana. These traces result from the activity of living organisms (bioturbation), primarily in limestone and marl layers. Furthermore, this paleo-ichnological study aims to compile all the obtained results and reconstruct the paleoenvironment of the region during these periods. We have concluded that the Oxfordian to lower Kimmeridgian serves as a good indicator of a shallow environment, typically within the platform in a littoral zone.