Heat flow density measurements in northern Morocco

Abstract

Two sets of data are used to estimate heat flow density in Morocco: 36 determinations were made in shallow boreholes (100–500 m) in equilibrium conditions and 44 determinations in oil exploration boreholes (1000–5000 m).

These two sets of data are apparently consistent and are used to define the gross feature of heat flow in northern Morocco: Anti-Atlas, located at the West African craton boundary, is affected by a low heat flow (40 ± 5 m Wm⁻²) close to the average value obtained in this craton (37 ±8 m Wm⁻²); Mesetas, formed by a paleozoic and mesozoic basement, are characterized by a “normal” heat flow density (around 60 m Wm⁻²); northeastern part of Morocco (Eastern Rif, Middle Atlas and Horst chain) is affected by a higher heat flow density ranging from 80 m Wm⁻² to 110 m Wm⁻². It is suggested that this anomaly is directly connected with the recent quaternary volcanic activity.