The Cenomanian of Agadir (Morocco)

Dark-coloured, organic-rich marls, limestones and siliceous Cenomanian-Turonian (CT) strata with up to 11% TOC (immature OM, Herbin et al. 1986) occur at outcrop in the Agadir Basin just north of the town Agadir (Wiedmann et al. 1978, 1982). Based on recent investigations, much of the organic matter in this coastal outcrop section has, however, been oxidised during weathering. The unit contains several characteristic m- to dm-scale shell beds, turbidites and slumping features. An outer shelf or deeper environment is assumed (Wiedmann et al. 1978, 1982). Cenomanian-Turonian organic-rich strata are a potential petroleum source rock in offshore Morocco.

The meter-numbers under the field photographs refer to the vertical position in a schematic drawing of the Agadir section in a manuscript that currently is in preparation (Lüning et al. in prep.).

Alternation of harder and softer calcareous marl
at 8-14 m

Facies change from softer dark grey marls to harder calcareous marls (rucksack for scale)
at 9-12 m

calcareous marl
at 11 m

Alternation of harder and softer calcareous marl
at 25 m

Calcareous marls underlying the prominent oysterbed
at 25-39 m

oyster bed overlain by dark grey marls
at 31-60 m

oyster bed
at 38 m

at 40-60 m. The Cenomanian-Turonian boundary is located in the upper third of the
marl interval.

at 40-51 m

Limestone with siliceous nodules (probably Turonian)
at 61 m