Contrasting reef patterns during the evolution of the carboniferous azrou-khenifra basin (Moroccan Meseta)

Abstract Five types of reefs are described from the northern and southern parts Azrou-Khenifra Basin generated by interactions microbes coral communities. The type 1 microbial grew in both shallow- deep-water settings, with a strong control glacioeustasy. Type 2 developed more tranquil periods, associated common intermounds, where only single major regressive-transgressive sequence is recognised. 3 constant deeper water conditions, higher rates subsidence basin, creating an overall deepening-upward sequence. 4 recognised part basin have no clear counterparts outcrops, but they likely capping strata observed latter area. Rugose corals allow to define 5 reef, unrelated facies, recorded oolitic-bioclastic backshoals or quiet inner platform settings. presence similar demonstrates that conditions were not as different previously proposed, lithostratigraphical, environmental uniformity occurs, which permits analysis glacioeustastic influence. In Basin, reefs, well other regional features, suggest overall, evolved extensional tectonic regime during early Brigantian into complex compressional Serpukhovian, passing predominantly phase late Serpukhovian polyphase inversion onset Variscan Orogeny region.