Factorial correspondence analysis: a useful tool in palaeogeographical reconstructions; example from late Cretaceous calciturbidites of the northwestern External Rif (Morocco)

Abstract

AbstractFactorial correspondence analysis proved to be a useful statistical tool when comparing the clastic input of distinct deposits and searching for their source area. Here we analyse and compare the reworked carbonate clastic material in the late Cretaceous calciturbidites of the Béni Ider area (Rifian External Domain) and the Internal Dorsale Calcaire (Internal Domain). The main result is that the source area for the Béni Ider calciturbidites was a neighbouring, isolated, shallow carbonate platform, the basement of which consists of a Jurassic succession of the Internal Dorsale Calcaire type. However, statistical comparison with the coeval pelagic deposits of to the latter domain leads us to exclude the Dorsale Calcaire as a possible origin of these Béni Ider calciturbidites. The source area was probably a lost carbonate platform, which should be located in the open External Domain. This result appears to be consistent with the Tariquide Ridge hypothesis and gives new insights into the palaeogeographical scheme of the flysch trough.