The Ordovician Foum Larjamme Tunnel Paleo-valleys from Bani Geopark Project—Assessment of Geological Heritage for Geo-education and Geotourism Purposes

Abstract

The late Ordovician glaciation gave birth to tunnel valleys and their filling in the fields that made up Northern Gondwana at that time. A valuable geoheritage value is attributed to these valleys as they constitute an important part of the Earth history evolution. This study focuses on the scientific value of the Hirnantian tunnel valleys through the case study of Foum Larjamme region, in southeastern of Morocco. The region is a key geosite in the Bani Geopark project. In addition, it constitutes a key locality witnessing the major event of the Hirnantian glaciation. However, it is only recognized by the general public for its archaeological and historical heritage. The present paper describes and assesses the significant scientific value of Foum Larjamme paleo-tunnel valleys. Considering its geographical position and its geological diversity, the study decribes the high geo-educational and geotouristic potentials of the geosite. Furthermore, this geosite is considered as a field laboratory to study and teach the geological risk controlled by the natural phenomena.