Climate controls on tufa deposition over the last 5000 years: A case study from Northwest Africa

The occurrence and rate of tufa deposition are controlled by a large number external internal factors, including climate which often represents the main allocyclic factor. In this study, first its kind in Middle Atlas (Northern Morocco), we test dependency between factor Holocene deposits basin-like settings that involve enlarged barrage extensive dammed area using sedimentologic stratigraphic analyses complemented with paleoclimate multi-proxy approach radiocarbon dating. revealed remarkable change vertical stacking pattern within barrage-cascade: higher (lower) Aggradation/Progradation ratio ca. 4 2.7 cal kyr B.P. (between 0.35 B.P.), would have conditioned transgressive (highstand) interval “basinward”. This shift is modulated changes precipitation summer insolation, consistent petrographic analysis laminated microbialites (oncoids stromatolites). previously reported arid cold period Mid-Holocene Transition 6 5 B.P.) recorded sedimentary demonstrates landscape instability. North Atlantic high-latitude cooling events 4.6 (Bond 2 3) resulted interruption (bio-)calcification development fen sapropel (organic-rich facies) layers, respectively. 4.2 ka event, might coincided herein fifth-order bounding surface delineating two depositional sequences recognized on “basin-scale”. A multi-centennial timescale optimum conditions coinciding enhanced calcite at downstream-facing (buttress development), centred may coincide Roman-Iberian Climate Optimum. recurrent high frequency sub-humid marshy underscored upper part highstand reflect solar imprints, as already previous studies region.