Sedimentology of the Essaouira Basin (Meskala Field) in context of regional sediment distribution patterns during upper Triassic pluvial events

摘要: Abstract Upper Triassic continental clastics (TAGI: Trias Argilo-Greseux Inferieur) in the Essaouira Basin are largely restricted to subsurface, which has limited analysis of depositional environments and led speculation on potential provenance fluvial systems. Facies core from Meskala Field onshore is compared with tentatively time-equivalent deposits exposed extensive outcrops Argana Valley, propose a process orientated model for local versus regional sediment distribution patterns continuously evolving Moroccan Atlantic rift during Carnian Norian times. The study aims unravel climatic overprint improve understanding paleo-climatic variations along margin previously recognised pluvial events. In Basin, four facies associations representing progressive evolution proximal distal belts were established. Early ephemeral braided river systems succeeded by wet aeolian sandflat environment strong arid (FA1). This followed onset perennial floodplain fines (FA2), accompanied distinct shift style, suggesting increase discharge related humidity, either locally or catchment area. transitions shallow lacustrine playa lake delta (FA3), exhibits cyclical abandonment. progressively overlain terminal extensive, mottled mudstones (FA4), interpreted present return humid-arid conditions prevailing aridity basin. terms source provenance, paleocurrent data (T5 T8 member) Valley suggest paleoflow focused towards S SW, not directed area NW as suggested. A major depo-centre sediments instead located southern possibly Souss Basin. To effectively reservoir sandstones found Field, more hence be envisaged. Despite this, direct comparison genetic sedimentary sequences shows similar progression dominantly humid sedimentation, returning prominent conditions. suggests control both regions, where an enhanced signal drives flow otherwise dominated sequences. On scale, this suggested record impact events other basins Central periods.