Topography and drainage system evolution in the ‘‘Volubilis basin’’ (South Rifain Ridges, Northern Morocco)

Abstract

The Volubilis piggy-back basin, located at the front of the Rif belt, northern Morocco, is a subsided area, as a continuation of the deformational orogenic ridges, related to the present-day African and Eurasian convergence. For the first time, by morphotectonic studies, we analyzed the topographic evolution and drainage systems response. Our results proved the influence of active tectonics in the drainage network and topography of the Volubilis basin. The young phase is indicated by a less dissected planation surface comparing to the ridges, as well as by the ε-shaped hypsometric curve of the khoumane river. This latter drains the continuation of the basin and the eastern arc, where the tectonic activity is mostly concentrated. Based on swath analysis, the general trend of tilting was characterized and was attributed to the recent tectonic movement combined with folds growth of the ridges.