Provenance and paleogeographic implications for the Cenozoic sedimentary cover of the Ghomaride Complex (Internal Rif Belt), Morocco

The Cenozoic sedimentary cover from the Ghomaride Complex (Internal Rif Belt) has been studied in Tetuan area (N Morocco) where a suite of successions shallow-marine to deep-marine environments crops out. For that purpose stratigraphic relations and petrological geochemical signatures have analyzed. Sandstone suites overall succession are heterogeneous testify multi-source area, response accretionary processes Ghomaride-Maláguide units exhumation lower Internal Zone (e.g. Sebtide-Alpujárride Complex). Pre-orogenic Syn-orogenic (according eoalpine phase) deposits identified consisting two depositional sequences: Paleocene Cuisian-Bartonian, upper Oligocene-upper Aquitanian Burdigalian, respectively. mainly intra-arenite hybrid arenites made minor amount siliciclastic detritus but with abundance intrabasinal carbonate grains. syn-orogenic sandstone quartzolithic, having low-grade metamorphic lithic fragments. Sedimentary fragments derived Mesozoic while is related an unknow basement was exhumed starting late Oligocene early Miocene. Modal analyses for extrabasinal grains indicate rank source terranes recycled orogen. Major trace elements coupled mineralogical composition mudrock samples provenance felsic area(s) not negligible contribution mafic rocks suites. Geochemical (Al–Ti–Zr ternary plot) reworking recycling before final deposition through prolonged transportation. trends evident both CIA CIA’ diagrams areas characterized by moderate weathering non-steady-state conditions weak change condition pre-orogenic cycle. Deposition during Eocene, took place southern continental margin Ghomaride-Malaguide domain as ramp. Contrarily, sedimentation Oligocene-late wedge-top basins within domain. These changes occurred when back arc were developed Betic-Rif Zone. reconstructed record contemporaneous structuring Circum-Mediterranean chains played key role geodynamic evolution Cordillera, representing tectonic element western Mesomediterranean domains.