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<p>This study investigates the Late Pennsylvanian paleoflora of the El Menizla Formation within Morocco’s Argana Corridor to characterize the paleoenvironment and assess the region’s geoheritage significance and geotourism potential. Fossil plant assemblages were recovered from diverse lithologies, including sandstones, pelites, and coal seams, using quadrat-based quantitative sampling and macro-photography. The identified taxa primarily include the sphenopsids <i>Annularia inflata</i> and <i>Asterophyllites equisetiformis</i>, the lycopsids <i>Lepidodendron</i> and <i>Sigillaria</i>, the pteridosperm <i>Neuropteris</i>, and Pecopteris-type foliage. This assemblage indicates a Late Pennsylvanian age for the formation, with evidence supporting a placement within the late Kasimovian to early Gzhelian interval (Stephanian A-B). The paleoflora is dominated by pteridosperms and ferns (collectively ~ 50% of observed macrofloral elements), with significant contributions from sphenopsids (~ 32%) and persistent lycopsids (~ 17%), suggesting a warm, humid climate punctuated by seasonal dryness. This floral composition reflects the broader environmental transitions of the Late Carboniferous, notably the shift from lycopsid-dominated wetlands to ecosystems with increased fern and pteridosperm abundance. A quantitative geoheritage assessment of the El Menizla site, characterized by exceptional fossil plant preservation, demonstrated high scientific, educational, and touristic values. These findings underscore the importance of the Argana Corridor for understanding Late Paleozoic ecosystems and highlight its potential for geotourism and geoconservation. The El Menizla site is considered a key element for a proposed geopark, where interactive exhibits and educational materials could promote geoconservation, raise public awareness of Morocco’s geological heritage, and benefit local communities. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive geoconservation strategy in Morocco to sustainably protect such significant sites.</p>

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Late Carboniferous Paleoflora of El Menizla Formation (Argana Corridor, Morocco): Implications for Geotourism and Geoconservation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月23日

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  • Mohamed Ait Haddou,
  • Youssef Bouchriti,
  • Said Belkacim,
  • Abdollah Yazdi,
  • Belkacem Kabbachi

摘要

This study investigates the Late Pennsylvanian paleoflora of the El Menizla Formation within Morocco’s Argana Corridor to characterize the paleoenvironment and assess the region’s geoheritage significance and geotourism potential. Fossil plant assemblages were recovered from diverse lithologies, including sandstones, pelites, and coal seams, using quadrat-based quantitative sampling and macro-photography. The identified taxa primarily include the sphenopsids Annularia inflata and Asterophyllites equisetiformis, the lycopsids Lepidodendron and Sigillaria, the pteridosperm Neuropteris, and Pecopteris-type foliage. This assemblage indicates a Late Pennsylvanian age for the formation, with evidence supporting a placement within the late Kasimovian to early Gzhelian interval (Stephanian A-B). The paleoflora is dominated by pteridosperms and ferns (collectively ~ 50% of observed macrofloral elements), with significant contributions from sphenopsids (~ 32%) and persistent lycopsids (~ 17%), suggesting a warm, humid climate punctuated by seasonal dryness. This floral composition reflects the broader environmental transitions of the Late Carboniferous, notably the shift from lycopsid-dominated wetlands to ecosystems with increased fern and pteridosperm abundance. A quantitative geoheritage assessment of the El Menizla site, characterized by exceptional fossil plant preservation, demonstrated high scientific, educational, and touristic values. These findings underscore the importance of the Argana Corridor for understanding Late Paleozoic ecosystems and highlight its potential for geotourism and geoconservation. The El Menizla site is considered a key element for a proposed geopark, where interactive exhibits and educational materials could promote geoconservation, raise public awareness of Morocco’s geological heritage, and benefit local communities. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive geoconservation strategy in Morocco to sustainably protect such significant sites.