Elbakhouch, Nouhaila , Touil, Ahmed , Armstrong-Altrin, John S. , Ibouh, Hassan , Chafiki, Driss
2026-01-01 JOURNAL OF AFRICAN EARTH SCIENCES 2026 234(卷), null(期), (null页)
The paleoweathering, paleoclimate, and paleoenvironment of the clastic sediments from the Ediacaran and Cambrian Tighardine Formation in the Western High Atlas have been evaluated based on geochemical data. According to their geochemical characteristics, the sediments of Ediacaran age (Ed-S) are ranged as shale and wacke types, while those of the Cambrian age are classified as shales (Ca-S). The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) varies from 43.58 to 74.59 in the Ed-S (average: 58 %), and from 65.81 to 79.22 in the Ca-S (average: 75.97 %). The Compositional Maturity Index (ICV) varies from 0.81 to 1.92 in the Ed-S (average: 1.21), and from 0.66 to 1.07 in the Ca-S (average: 0.74). The Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW) varies from 49 to 98 in the EdS (average: 78.71), and from 79.18 to 92.71 in the Ca-S (average: 87.73). The Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) varies from 31.61 to 95.29 in the Ed-S (average: 71.05), and from 75.57 to 91.21 in the Ca-S (average: 85.31). The Al2O3-CaO + Na2O-K2O and Al2O3-CaO + Na2O-FeOT + MgO ternary diagrams indicate that the Ed-S shows an immature composition and low to moderate weathering. While the Ca-S have a mature composition, high sediment recycling and moderate weathering intensity, during a predominantly semi-arid climate. Redox indicators such as V/Cr ratios, suggest that the Ed-S were deposited under anoxic condition, as evidenced by the presence of a graphitized zone within the Ediacaran Formation in the study area, while the Ca-S were formed in an oxic condition.