Geosites of High Atlas of Marrakech (Morocco): Geological Characterization, Accessibility, and Potential Interests for Sustainable Tourism

Geosites constitute a significant natural resource for ecological use and sustainable development in Morocco, and thus, their geological characterization and accessibility are of crucial importance. In this study, we investigated the geological structures, historical status, and accessibility of four potential geosites in the High Atlas of Morocco. Field visits, starting from the city of Marrakech to the top of Toubkal Mountain, were used to determine the nature and date of geological structures, while GIS tools were used to delimit the study geosites and their accessibility. Obtained results showed that studied geosites disposed of a variety of natural landscapes, geological structures, and accessibility. Paleozoic and Triassic geostructures infiltrated by a fault-dominated Tahannaout and crossed by the Ghighaya river. In Moulay Brahim, basalt sections of the finished-Triassic age, surmounted by deposits of the Lias dominated the southeast, while sandstone-silty bars of the Middle Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous age in the northeast. Reverse faults with N90 direction, the Mesozoic series, and the Paleozoic massif of Jbel Khelout added more good looks. Imlil known for its diversity of landscapes counting the national park of Toubkal, RAMSAR Lake of Ifni, and the endangered stands of thuriferous juniper, was dominated by Cretaceous structures in reversed series, overlapped by Precambrian sections thanks to the fault of the Aït Lachen. These geosites are linked by well-developed roads and disposed of hotel infrastructures, which make them very attractive for tourism of the mountains. However, more studies are needed to clarify more features of these geosites, to promote sustainable tourism.