Fold-thrust belt in the southern front of the central High Atlas (Morocco): Analysis and implications for the tectonic inversion of the atlas system

Thrust folds have developed significantly in the meso-Cenozoic rock units of the Errachidia-Boudnib basin. The study areas correspond to the north part of the Pre-African Trough, which is located between the Anti-Atlas and the Atlas systems. It is characterized by faulted anticlines that are indicative of a foreland orogenic context. The Atlas system's structural evolution underwent several stages, starting with a Triassic extensional event followed by a period of fault reactivation during the Atlas compression. This research focuses on examining the thrust and detachment folds associated with both reverse and strike-slip components. For this purpose, we performed detailed geological mapping and interpretation of folding and fault slip data. As a result of shortening, field observations reveal that the study area exhibited well-developed thrusting geometry. Preexisting blind faults and multiple decollement levels within favorable formations such as Cenomanian evaporitic marls, Cenomanian-Turonian marls rich in organic matter, and Senonian argillites influence the folding patterns, which are not uniform. The findings demonstrate two key points. First, the most significant folds have formed along major blind thrusts. Subsequently, between these major faults, detachment folds were developed within the Jurassic-Cretaceous strata. Currently, due to erosion, certain thrusts have become visible, including the Ta'bbast thrust fault, Ait Atman (from the first stage), and the Timazguit fault zone (from the second stage). The South Atlas fault largely remains a blind fault. Additionally, the study emphasizes the presence of strike-slip components and en-echelon folding, indicating a transpressional regime during the uplift of the Atlas system. •Significant Thrust Fold Development.•Evolutionary Stages of Atlas System.•Influence of Preexisting Faults on Folding Patterns.•Key Findings on Fold Formation and Fault Visibility.