Field Trip

The Ourika and Argana Valleys: The Best Triassic Outcrops of Morocco

Date

10–11March 2008

Leaders

Abdallah Ait Salem, ONHYM; Mostafa Amrhar, Marrakech University; and Hassan Tourani, Marrakech University

Fees

USD 350

Limit: Minimum 15 persons; maximum 30 persons

Registration deadline: 28 February 2008

Who should attend?

This field trip is ideal for anyone wishing to see and examine the superb Triassic outcrops of Morocco — world-class geological structures that resulted from inverted early rifting deposits of Triassic red beds, and spectacular scenery on the High Atlas chain culminating at more than 3,000 m above the Marrakech plain.

Exploring the Triassic Outcrops

Plan to explore what could be theTriassic outcrop analogues of the reservoir rocks in the Meskala gas and condensate field and the Trias Argileux Greseux Inferieur (TAGI) in Algeria. The main sections of outcrops are located in the Argana valley, which has an Atlantic obedience, and the Ourika valley, which is believed to belong to the Thetys seaway; both sections consist of continental red beds, grading upwards from alluvial conglomerates into fluvial and Aeolian sandstone and shale, and finally into sebkha-type salt.

The basal sediments have filled tectonically subsiding grabens and/or half grabens while the upper deposits spread out over larger areas and cover the uplifted blocks.

The reservoir quality of the sandstones varies vertically and laterally depending on their respective depositional environments and settings.

Looking across the most beautiful valleys of the Atlas Mountains, you will discover small hamlets on the cliff side and a potters’ village on the bank of the fresh waters of the Ourika and Argana valleys. Enjoy lunch in the heart of the mountains in a traditional Berber dwelling while taking in the magnificent panoramic view.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Departure: Marrakech to Oukaimiden
The Oukaimeden Triassic section crops out 60 km southwest of Marrakech, along the Ourika valley (Oued Ourika) in the central High Atlas, known also as Atlas of Marrakech.

From the Aghbalou village to the Oukaimiden village, the outcropping section comprises a succession from Permian to Upper Triassic and exhibits an outstanding exposure of the uppermost F-4, F-5, and F-6 members of the Oukaimiden formation.

Stop 1-1: Oukaimiden Lake
See the top F-5 member with fluvial and aeolian sediments.

Stop 1-2: East of Okaimiden Village
Identify different members of the Oukaimiden formation, and understand their vertical and lateral variations across the basin.

Lunch

Stop 1-3: Andrar-n-Tizrag
See the contact with the basement, the lower and middle members of the formation, as well as the gradual change from F-4 to F-5 members.

Stop 1-4: Agsarane
Appreciate the effects of Atlas inversion (alpine) at one of the North Atlasic Thrust faults.

Stop 1-5: Fum Lgha
See local changes in lithology of the F-5 member close to the hinterland.

Return to Marrakech

Day 2

Departure from Marrakech to Argana
Because it belongs to the Moroccan Atlantic margin and its location is adjacent to the Essaouira basin, the Argana valley is commonly identified as the most appropriate outcrop analogue of the subcropping Triassic sub-basins infill succession.

The T-6 member of the Argana formation, particularly, provides key information for understanding the three-dimensional distribution as well as the modelling of the reservoir.

The stops are located along the main road, Marrakech-Agadir, and allow a better understanding of the reservoir distribution in the basin.

Stop 2-1: Amzri
This outcrop shows the internal organization of the sand bodies within the T-6 member and consequently helps in the interpretation of depositional environment.

Stop 2-2: Argana village
This outcrop is the best illustration of the relationship between the main reservoir member (T-6) and the bounding members (T-5 and T-7).

Lunch

Stop 2-3

The T-6 member becomes thicker at this location.

Return to Marrakech

Notes

Please pay special attention to the deadlines to register for the trip. Final payment must take place before 28 February. Registration will close on 28 February.
The field trip is limited in size. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and must be accompanied by full payment to SPE.
The field trip starts from Marrakech in the morning and ends at Marrakech in the afternoon.
A wait list is automatically created if the field trip sells out. SPE will notify you if space becomes available.
If the field trip is cancelled, all inscriptions fees will be reimbursed. No reimbursement will be made for individual cancellations after the registration deadline.
Prior to the trip, participants will receive an itinerary with details of meeting points, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses of trip leaders, transportation plans, etc. Please include your fax and (preferably) email on your registration form.
Following receipt of your full registration fee, you will receive additional details on health and safety planning. You will be required to sign and return forms indicating your understanding of these considerations and a personal statement indicating that you have no pre-existing conditions or fitness concerns that would prevent you from participating fully in the field trip.
Neither SPE nor the leaders of the field trip maintain insurance covering illness or injury for individuals. Please check your personal or corporate insurance before traveling.