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The Neoproterozoic volcanic complex of the Boumalne inlier (Saghro massif, Eastern Anti-Atlas; Morocco): petrological and geochemical characteristics

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Abstract

Neoproterozoic volcanic series are exposed in the northern edge of the Saghro massif (Eastern Anti-Atlas, Morocco). Four volcanic rock types (basalt, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite) were distinguished in the Boumalne inlier within the so-called Saghro volcanic sequences based on petrographic and geochemical observations. Boumalne volcanic rocks contain high Al2O3, Fe2O3, Ba, Sr, Zr, Rb, and Nb contents, including calc-alkaline affinity in composition. Boumalne volcanic rocks are similar to other lower-Neoproterozoic volcanic rocks such Agouiniy formation in Sirwa inlier and in other parts of Bou-Azzer inlier. Indeed, they indicate an active subduction signature. The geochemical data show a LREE enrichment compared to HREE. The fractional crystallization has played a major role during the evolution of the magma. The less-siliceous dacitic rocks could have been formed after a low degree of partial melting of mafic parental magma source, whereas the rich-siliceous rhyolite may have been derived from dacitic magma source by a higher degree of fractional crystallization.

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Acknowledgements

This research was a component of the first author’s PhD studies with the ESMIA laboratory of the Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakesh. This study was supported by the Cadi Ayyad University, the REMINEX Laboratory Center of MANAGEM Group and the école des mines de Douai in France. We are also grateful to the Editor of Arabian Journal of Geosciences for editing this manuscript. The authors would like to thank Dr. El Bahat for their insightful comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of ESMIA, Faculty of Sciences, Cadi Ayyad University, Prince Moulay Abdellah, B.P. Box, 2390, Marrakech, Morocco

    Rachida Bendaoud & Mohamed Elaatmani

  2. Laboratory of GEOBASSMA, Faculty of Sciences, Cadi Ayyad University, Prince Moulay Abdellah, B.P. Box, 2390, Marrakech, Morocco

    Rachida Bendaoud, Abdallah Algouti & Ahmed Algouti

  3. Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco

    M’hamed El Janati

  4. Atomic Physics Centre, University of Lisbon, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal

    Luisa Carvalho

  5. DLGR Laboratory, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Prince Moulay Abdellah, B.P. Box, 2390, Marrakech, Morocco

    Zaineb Hajjar

  6. Managem Group, Twin Center, 20 100, Casablanca, Morocco

    Said Ilmen

  7. Ecole des Mines de Douai, 941, rue Charles Bourseul BP, 10838 59508, Douai, France

    Lahcen Khouchaf

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  1. Rachida Bendaoud
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  2. M’hamed El Janati
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Correspondence to Rachida Bendaoud.

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Bendaoud, R., Janati, M.E., Elaatmani, M. et al. The Neoproterozoic volcanic complex of the Boumalne inlier (Saghro massif, Eastern Anti-Atlas; Morocco): petrological and geochemical characteristics. Arab J Geosci 11, 512 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-3853-3

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