Geography of Morocco: nature, climate, population, plants and animals. Great encyclopedia of oil and gas

Among the numerous earthly rocks there are dark and gray stones that emit an unpleasant smell of phosphorus - this phosphorites. They are sedimentary rock containing calcium phosphate compounds.

General phosphorite formula: ZCa 3 (PO 4)2*CaCO 3 *Ca (OH, F) 2 (P 2 O 5 content not less than 8%). In addition to calcium phosphate, the rock composition includes fluorides, hydroxides, phosphorus, as well as minerals: , , , glauconites, ferruginous and clay mineral compounds.

Description and properties of phosphorite

The name "phosphorite" comes from the Greek word "phosphorus" - which means light bearer and is associated with the presence of phosphorus in the composition. The color of the breed can be: white, red, burgundy, brown, gray, black. Usually the color is distributed unevenly throughout the mineral.

The shape is uneven. Phosphorite is found in sand, clay and organic material, often acting as “cement”. Large deposits of this organic rock are often formed - layers in which sand and organic residues act as impurities. The smell is specific, reminiscent of burnt bones.

Origin natural phosphorite biolytic, since the rock contains the remains of the skeleton of living organisms (shells, bones, shells) and the products of their vital activity.

Properties of phosphorites very diverse. Therefore, the following types of deposits are distinguished:

Layers.

Nodules.

Bone breccias.

Concentration.

The presence of phosphorus and minerals in the composition affects the physical - Chemical properties rocks, especially on solubility and density. Phosphorite particles are amorphous and or granular (0.2 - 1 mm). Hardness varies from medium to high.

To establish that the rock is indeed phosphorite, chemical reactions. To check, you will need 10% nitric acid and ammonium molybdate powder (formula: (NH 4) 2 MoO 4)).

The powder is placed on a piece of rock taken in a ceramic dish with tweezers, and then nitric acid is dripped. If the sample contains P 2 O 5 1.2% or higher, then after a few minutes a bright orange color will appear. It is caused by the formation of a precipitate of phosphorus-molybdate ammonium.

To avoid errors in determination due to the presence of carbonates and other organic impurities on the surface, the test is carried out with a small amount of crushed rock. Place on a phosphorus stand or plant leaf. If all reactions are carried out correctly and without disturbances, then it is possible to reliably determine whether the rock contains compounds with phosphorus, and therefore whether the sample is phosphorite.

Phosphorite deposits and mining

Phosphorites are most often located in the ground in layers ranging from a few centimeters to twenty meters thick. It is most often mined together with sand, earth and other rocks. Phosphorite deposits located at great depths of the ocean, production occurs using special installations. The depth can reach 200-450 m. In addition to the depths, excavations are carried out on the coasts and at the sources of large water sources.

The rock layers are located at a distance of several meters from the surface, and the depth reaches hundreds of meters. Often, in addition to one rock of phosphorites, there are deposits of apatite, dolomite, calcite, clay and silica. Countries producing phosphate rocks: USA, Chile, Peru, Russia (among the top five), Argentina, South Africa, Japan and the islands in the Indian Ocean.

Top five countries by phosphorites: USA, China, Morocco, Russia, Tunisia. The volume of deposits in one field ranges from 2 to 15 tons per square kilometer. Phosphorites in Russia distributed in such areas as: Smolensk, Yaroslavl, Kursk, Bryansk, Kaliningrad ( Kingisepp phosphorite), Voronezh. Large reserves are in the Murmansk region, about 69% and Yakutia 32%. - This main production centers. Smaller production facilities can be found in the Republic of Tatarstan (Serdyukovskoe).

Phosphorite mining in Russia is about 90% of the total in the world. In recent years, a number of modernizations have been carried out in this area to reduce production time and reduce losses, but there are also problems that still need to be solved.

Main disadvantages:

High territorial concentration of raw materials, which makes it difficult to deliver the rock to other regions of the country for processing.

Monopoly of production. This reduces the competitive ability of small businesses and increases prices for all products, since large concerns themselves determine what price is most profitable for them.

Low quality of the mined rock and the resulting resources.

The export of raw materials harms the country's agriculture.

Often, deposits phosphorites are located next to apatite, and then they are mined in parallel. Apatites are minerals of the phosphate class (formula: Ca 10 (PO 4) 6 (OH,F,Cl) 2.). Color: from green to blue. In the light, apatites are almost transparent. Used to produce phosphate fertilizers, phosphoric acid, in the production of ceramics and glass, as well as in metallurgy.

Application of phosphorite

There are several main ways to sell the breed. The first is the production of phosphate fertilizers, the so-called superphosphates and ammophos. They are used in agriculture for:

Slowing down the aging process of the plant.

Crop improvements.

Nutrition of the plant with all necessary minerals and organic substances.

Accelerates the period of transition of the wound to the phase of fruiting and flowering.

Phosphorites are also used to produce phosphate rock (about 440 tons per year). Also for obtaining phosphorus compounds (for example: calcium phosphate, calcium phosphate, phosphorite minerals etc.).

At phosphorite processing get high yield phosphorus and sulfur acids V industrial scale For this purpose, specialized workshops with the latest advanced equipment were equipped.

There, where are phosphorites mined?, usually there are also factories for their processing. Among the largest processing enterprises it should be noted: OJSC Phosphorit-Portstroy; OJSC Apatit, OJSC Kovdorsky GOK and OJSC Phosphorit. The raw materials produced by the companies go to Russian and European markets.

Phosphorite price

Phosphorite price depends largely on the percentage of P 2 O 5 in the rock. The most common sample of the rock is with a content of 32-33%, and the price reaches $44 per ton. The more percentage phosphorus compounds, the higher the cost. In addition to the content, impurities (sand, stones, remains of animal skeletons, etc.) are taken into account, as well as the area where the rock is located.

Mineral fertilizers from phosphorites(superphosphates) cost $750-1045 per ton. Here the cost depends on the content of others organic compounds and mineral components, as well as the processing method. The better the quality of the fertilizer, the higher the price and vice versa.

In agriculture, they mainly use two and three component formulations, which are not expensive. But for the cultivation of ornamental plants, especially those that are sensitive to soil and fertilizer concentrations, complex multi-component organic complexes are used, the cost of which is significantly higher.

Occupying a vast territory in northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The area of ​​the Arabian-African phosphorite-bearing province is over 9 million km 2. The following phosphorite-bearing basins are distinguished: Moroccan, Algerian-Tunisian, Middle Eastern, Western Sahara, Mali-Niger, Senegalese, Togo-Nigerian, Congolese with phosphorite reserves of 75 billion tons, incl. explored at least 26 billion tons (1981). The largest deposits of phosphorites are Khuribga, Ben Guerir and Yusufiya (), Bu Kraa (Western Caxapa), Jebel Onk (), Abu Tartur (), El-Xaca (Jordan) and Eastern (Syria). The largest reserves of phosphorites are concentrated in Morocco, Western Caxape, Egypt and Tunisia.

The first information about phosphorite occurrences was obtained in 1885 for the Algerian-Tunisian and Egyptian basins, in 1908-11 for the Moroccan and East Mediterranean basins, in the 30s. for Senegalese, etc. Industrial exploitation of the province’s deposits has been carried out since the beginning of the 20th century. It reached its greatest extent in the 70-80s. The deposits are represented by granular phosphorites associated with deposits of the Upper Senonian, Paleocene and Eocene in areas of large tectonic structures marginal parts of the Precambrian African-Arabian platform and the young Atlas epiplatform folded region.

Characterized by a close paragenetic connection of stratal deposits of granular phosphorites (thickness 1-11 m, sometimes more) with, and clayey rocks. Phosphorites and their host rocks belong to shallow-water formations of epicontinental seas of oceanic basins - and. The areas of maximum phosphorite formation of the Late Nonian and Paleogene eras were extensive latitudinal and meridional depressions on the slopes of the platform foundation. Most of the deposits in the eastern part of the province (Egypt, Syria, Jordan and other countries of the Middle East) are associated with Upper Campanian and Lower Maastrichtian deposits. The western part of the province (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Western Caxapa, Senegal, Togo) is characterized by the Maastrichtian-Paleocene and Eocene age of phosphorites. Among the ores, there are rich (more than 28% P 2 O 5), medium-grade (20-28% P 2 O 5) and low-grade (less than 20% P 2 O 5). Ore for the most part contain (0.005-0.07%), sometimes - increased concentrations of rare earth elements (0.07-0.3%). Deposits of rich and medium-grade ores in the Arabian-African phosphorite-bearing province with a total production volume of about 36.8 million tons (1980) are developed by open-pit and underground methods. Phosphorites of the province are subjected to mechanical methods (crushing, drying, etc.) and calcined to obtain marketable ones with a content of 30-36% P 2 O 5. Most of the phosphate rocks mined in the Arabian-African phosphorite province are exported. The largest suppliers of phosphorites to the international market (mainly to Western European countries) are Morocco, Jordan, Togo, Tunisia, Israel, Senegal, Syria and Algeria.

Morocco The African state is located on the territory of the African continent in its northwestern part and belongs to the region of North Africa. The country of Morocco in Arabic is المغرب‎‎ al-Maghrib which means “west”, or Maghrib al-Aqsa which literally means “far west”. The Moroccan country also has another official name, Kingdom of Morocco, in Arabic المملكة المغربية‎‎ al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiyya. The capital of the country of Morocco, the city of Rabat. The city of Rabat is located on the coast Atlantic Ocean, in the northern part of the Moroccan kingdom. Since May 25, 1963, Morocco has been a member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which since 2002 has been renamed the African Union (AU). And on November 12, 1984, Morocco withdrew from this organization in response to the refusal to expel the Sahrawi Arab Party, adopted in 1982, from the OAU. Democratic Republic, the territory of which is claimed by Morocco. The Moroccan Kingdom, thanks to its fairly even climate, especially in the coastal zone, access directly to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and also, importantly, internal stability and the absence of internal conflicts, made the Moroccan Kingdom one of the most favorable places for recreation and tourism on the African continent. Since tourism in Morocco is one of the most profitable and priority items, the Moroccan government makes and invests a lot of effort and money in conditions conducive to the development of tourism and recreation in its country. Special place contributing to a favorable holiday and tourism in the Moroccan kingdom, one must undoubtedly take into account the most ancient and rich in historical events ancient history states. Another good argument for recreation and tourism in the Moroccan kingdom is the large abundance of historical and architectural monuments of various historical eras.

Geography of Morocco

The state of Morocco is located in the northwest of North Africa. From the north, the shores of Morocco are washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. In the north, Morocco is separated from the Eurasian mainland and its southwestern European part by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar. The Strait of Gibraltar has a length of approximately sixty-five kilometers, a width of fourteen to forty-four kilometers, and a depth of 1,181 meters. From the west, the territory of Morocco is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The coast of Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean side is represented mainly by low accumulative formations, sometimes swampy. The Mediterranean coast of Morocco, on the contrary, is mostly mountainous and steep with narrow strips of beaches. There are many convenient bays. The length of the entire coastline is approximately 1835 kilometers. In the north, Morocco borders with Spain. Spain and Morocco are separated by the Strait of Gibraltar. In the south it borders with Western Sahara, which in particular it considers its territory, the length of the border with which is 443 kilometers. In the east it borders with Algeria; the length of the border with Algeria is 1559 kilometers. Also on the territory of Morocco there are two enclaves located in the northern region of the country, on the Mediterranean coast, and belonging to the state of Spain. These are Ceuta, with a border length of 6.3 kilometers, and Melilla, with a border length of approximately 9.6 kilometers. The border in the southeast of the country, in the Sahara Desert, is still not precisely defined. Thus, the total length of land borders is approximately 2018 kilometers. Morocco's area is approximately 446.5 square kilometers.

Morocco. Physical card.

Morocco. Economic map.

Relief of Morocco

Morocco is predominantly a mountainous country. The territory of Morocco is mainly represented by the high- and mid-altitude mountain systems of the Atlas and Rif, as well as elevated plateaus and plains, the so-called mesetas. Mountain system Er-Rif in Arabic جبال الريف‎‎, is located in the north of Morocco on the Mediterranean coast, arching around the Alboran Sea, located just beyond the Strait of Gibraltar and part of the Mediterranean Sea. The highest point of the Er Rif mountain system is Mount Tidigin with a height of 2456 meters. The Atlas mountain system in Arabic جبال الأطلس, named after the Greek Atlas, is represented in Morocco by three ranges. This is the Anti-Atlas range located in the south of Morocco. High Atlas translated into Arabic الاطلس الكبير and French Haut Atlas. The High Atlas is located in the center of Moroccan territory, stretching 700 kilometers from the Atlantic coast from Cape Gir to the Algerian border in the east. Highest point Mount Jebel Toubkal or Toubkal 4165 meters, located in the territory national park Toubkal. On the Atlantic coast are the large low-lying plains of Abda, Gharb and Sousse. In the northwestern part of the country are the plains and plateaus of the Moroccan Meseta. And in the northeast of the country there is the so-called plateau of the Algerian-Moroccan Meseta, reaching a height of 1100, 1200 meters with large shallow basins. From the Anti-Atlas to the south there is a rocky plateau, in the southeast and south it turns into the rocky and sandy Saharan plains. Also on the territory of Morocco, at its southernmost point almost at the very coast of the Atlantic Ocean and on the border with Western Sahara, is the lowest place in Morocco, the Sebha-Tah depression, located 55 meters below sea level.

Geological structure of Morocco

In a relationship geological structure Morocco is divided into three latitudinal zones. In the southern part of the country there is the Anti-Atlas ridge with a Paleozoic cover and a Precambrian base having a folded shape. In the central part of Moroccan territory, the base of the Atlas mountain system is the folded Hercynian region, dressed in a Mesozoic cover complicated by folds. In the northern part there is the Er Rif region, formed by a complex system of tectonic nappes related to the Alpine folded zone, overlapping each other from north to south. These covers, related to the Paleogene and Mesozoic, mainly consist of flysch strata, limestones, shales, and marls. The Er-Rif mountain system is divided by a foothill trough filled with Miocene sediments.

Minerals of Morocco

Among the mineral resources, according to some estimates, the leading place is occupied by phosphorites of the Eocene and Paleocene, the areas of Yusufiya and Khuribga. There are also deposits in Triassic deposits rock salt. In the parods Jurassic period There are deposits of lead ores. In the Precambrian and Paleozoic strata there are ores such as copper, cobalt, iron, and zinc. Also on the territory of Morocco, in its eastern part, there are deposits coal, Djerad pool. There are also gas and oil deposits in the Pre-Reef Trough.

Climate of Morocco

In Morocco, most of it has a subtropical climate. The northern part is Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. Temperatures in Morocco vary from month to month, but not big. In July 24°C, 28°C and in January 10°C, 12°C. On the Atlantic coast of Morocco, the climate is milder, with slight temperature variations. Small temperature changes and a milder and more even climate on the coast and in coastal areas, both on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Morocco, create favorable conditions for travel, recreation and tourism. Which in turn provides a good incentive for the development of tourism business in Morocco. Traveling through the mountains will also leave an indelible impression. tourist routes Atlas and mountain range Air Reef. But here the temperature changes depending on the distance from the coast inland, where continentality increases more strongly. Temperature variability is more noticeable in intermountain depressions. In mountainous areas, temperatures quite often drop below zero. And above 2000 meters above sea level, snow falls in the winter months. Precipitation is not evenly distributed throughout the territory. In the northern regions and mountains, precipitation falls approximately 1000 mm. and even more. In the southeastern and southern regions of the country, the climate is more arid; precipitation here is much less, up to 200 mm, and in the Saharan regions less than 100 mm. There is precipitation here and there is no precipitation for several years. Sandstorms occur quite often in the southern regions of the country.

Inland waters of Morocco

In Morocco, as in other countries in the region, due to the arid climate and low rainfall, there is always a problem with the lack of water resources. Rivers that all year round have little constant water flow. And even then, these rivers are full of water and even have violent floods only during the rainy season in autumn and winter, and are almost completely dry in the dry season, in summer. These are the largest rivers flowing from the mountains into the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Cebu, Umm er Rbiya, Muluya and Tensift. The remaining rivers, called uedas, dry up completely during the dry season. Dra is one of the largest oueds located in the south of the country. On rivers, especially on large ones, platinum hydroelectric power stations have been created, forming reservoirs that can partially solve the problem of shortage of water resources. Both for supplying water to agricultural land and for supplying populated areas with drinking water. In the relatively small territory of Morocco there are enough a large number of reservoirs. The reservoirs of Morocco are hydraulic structures, which serve both to generate electricity, these are hydroelectric power plants or simply hydroelectric power stations, and large and small reservoirs for the purpose of accumulating water resources for various national economic needs. Most of the reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations are located in the northern part of the country, slightly less in the central part, and are completely absent in the south of Morocco. The approximate number of reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations located in Morocco is 36. The lakes are mostly salty. In the eastern, driest part there are completely dry lakes, the so-called sebkhas. And on the Atlantic coast there are wetlands, lagoons, or as they are also called merges.

Soils and vegetation of Morocco

The main soil type is represented by brown soils of dry bushes and forests. The most fertile soils are clayey black and sandy soils in the areas of northern valleys and intermountain basins, as well as coastal plains Oh. Mountain forest soils predominate in mountainous regions, primitive desert soils predominate in the southern regions, and carbonate brown and gray-brown soils occur on the southern plains and plateaus. In Morocco, the zonal vegetation is considered to be hard-leaved evergreen forests. But in the process of long and constant human activity, the flora of Morocco was greatly changed. In many places, the vegetation either completely disappeared or was replaced by other species, mainly agricultural. Forests are largely preserved in the north-west and mountainous regions, and occupy about 12% of the country's territory. In the lower belts of the coastal regions, low mountains of the northern part of the country, pistachios and olives, the dwarf doum palm grow mainly, and evergreen forests of holm and cork oak grow at altitudes in the coastal regions from 400 to 1500 meters. And junipers and conifers begin to be found at altitudes from 1500 to 2000 meters. Cedar forests survive in the wetter parts of the Middle Atlas and Rif. In the driest parts of the High and Middle Atlas, as well as Er-Rif, arborvitae and junipers took the place of cedar at the same heights. Junipers in the areas of the High Atlas, its central part, at altitudes from 2000 meters to 3000 meters, sometimes form a continuous belt. In higher areas from 3000 meters, shrubby, sparse, low-growing and grass vegetation is already beginning to appear. And above 4000 meters, vegetation is almost completely absent and the peaks are almost bare. In the southwestern part of the country, xerophytic woodlands of the argan tree (argan) grow. In the southern regions of the Anti-Atlas, acacias that produce gum arabic grow. In semi-deserts and grass steppes, large spaces are occupied by alpha grasses. Halophilic vegetation, solyanka, gettaf and others, grow on highly saline soils.

Animal life of Morocco

The fauna of Morocco has undergone significant changes since the first human settlement of African territories. A person with his inherent sense of permissiveness, impunity, rash actions and recklessness, as well as to please his desires and needs, changed the world around him. Both the plant and animal worlds of Morocco were not spared the actions of the human race. Man's long-term irresponsible impact on nature has led to the dramatic destruction and sometimes complete destruction of many animal populations. An example is the disappearance of many species of antelope and such formidable predators as lions from the territory of Morocco by the beginning of the twentieth century. Currently, on the territory of Morocco, among the reptiles found are turtles and various types of snakes, some species of amphibians, birds, many insects, as well as everywhere else, and arthropods, various arachnids. Mammals include jackals and wild boars, hares and others. In the mountains and mountainous regions there are such representatives of the animal world as hyenas, macaque monkeys, and also, but extremely rarely, a panther. There are trout in the rivers. In the east, in the region of deserts and semi-deserts, such representatives of the animal world as bustards, jerboas, hares are still preserved; among the representatives of predators, the hyena, jackal, fox, caracal, and lynx are still preserved. South of the High Atlas there are jerboas and numerous gerbils, horned viper and African cobra. There are also a lot of pests on the territory of Morocco, large colonies of rodents that are carriers of various diseases; among insects, locusts and Moroccan grasshoppers cause a lot of trouble. Coastal waters are rich in various types of valuable fish species, tuna, whiting, sardines, mackerel and a number of others.

National parks of Morocco

A sharp decline in representatives of the animal world, many species flora, and a sharp deterioration of the environment, due to irresponsible and uncontrolled human activities, especially in recent years. And also the realization that the world it is necessary to protect, as well as restore, what has been lost has led to the creation of a large number of national natural parks, reserves, protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries. Which are also open to tourists. In the inaccessible region of the High Atlas, and in the north-eastern part of the Middle Atlas, are the largest of Morocco's national parks, these are national park Toubkal and Tazzeka National Park.

Government system of Morocco

Morocco has a constitutional monarchy. The government and state are headed by the king, who in turn transfers power by inheritance. Almost all power is concentrated in the hands of the king. He is the Supreme Commander and declares war and state of emergency in the country. Issues Dakhirs, these are decrees that have the force of law, appoints judges, approves and concludes international treaties and much more. Along with royal power There is also a supreme body of legislative power, a unicameral parliament. House of Representatives, elected every four years. All citizens who have not been deprived of police and civil rights, as well as those who have reached the age of 21, have the right to vote. Governors in charge of provinces, mayors in prefectures, kaidas in communities, are appointed to their posts by the king. Communities also have organs local government with restrictions in governance, which are elective, these are communal in rural areas, and municipal in cities, to which they are elected for six years. The Moroccan Kingdom also has a judicial system, which includes Supreme Court Morocco, whose functions also include constitutional oversight functions. The Moroccan judicial system also includes appellate courts and so-called sadada courts or tribunals of the peace, which are lower-level courts. There are also labor tribunals specifically designed to resolve commercial and labor disputes.

Administrative divisions of Morocco

The entire territory of Morocco is divided into sixteen regions (including the territory of Western Sahara).

No. on the map	Region	Center	Area, km²
Administrative divisions of Morocco
1	Xavia-Ouardiga	Settat	7 010
2	Doukkala-Abda	Safi	13 285
3	Fes-Bulman	Fes	19 795
4	Gharb-Shrarda-Beni-Hsen	Kenitra	8 805
5	Greater Casablanca	Casablanca	1 615
6	Gulimim Es Smara	Gulimin	71 970
7	El-Ayoun-Boujdour-Seguiet el-Hamra	Laayoune	139 480
8	Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz	Marrakesh	31 160
9	Meknes-Tafilalet	Meknes	79 210
10	Eastern	Oujda	82 820
11	Wadi al-Dahab al-Quwira	Dakhla	50 880
12	Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer	Rabat	9 580
13	Souss-Massa-Draa	Agadir	70 880
14	Tadla-Azilal	Beni Mellal	17 125
15	Tangier-Tetouan	Tangier	11 570
16	Taza Al Hoceima Townat	Taza	24 155

Each region of Morocco consists of several provinces and prefectures.

Population of Morocco

The population of Morocco is Moroccans, which is approximately 99% of the total population, of Berber-Arab origin. Most Moroccans consider themselves Arabs, speak Arabic, and follow Arab cultural traditions. The Berbers living in the mountainous and foothill regions (Tamazight, Rifs, Shlekh, etc.) continue to speak Berber languages ​​along with Arabic. The rest of the population, approximately 1%, consists of people from other countries. Most of Morocco's inhabitants inhabit the valleys, foothills, and the coast and coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The desert border and mountain areas are less populated. Language of Morocco, Arabic, religion Islam, the lunar hijri calendar is used as the official calendar, along with which it is also in circulation Gregorian calendar. Rural population in Morocco, mainly composed of fellahs (peasants), and hammas (sharecroppers), as well as agricultural wage workers, some villager work in the extraction of minerals in mines, forestry and other types of production. There are also a large number of medium and large land owners. The southern and eastern regions of Morocco are inhabited by nomads and semi-nomads. The main population lives in the large cities of Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fes, Tangier, Meknes, Kepitra, Tetouan, Oujda, Safi.

Morocco is washed in the north by the Mediterranean Sea and in the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Strait of Gibraltar separates Morocco from mainland Europe. It borders on Algeria in the east and southeast, and Western Sahara in the south. The southeastern border in the Sahara Desert is not precisely defined. The total area of ​​the country is 446,550 km2. According to this indicator, Morocco ranks 57th in the world.

The total length of the land borders is 2,018 km. Including such countries as: Algeria - 1,559 km, Western Sahara (occupied by Morocco) - 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) - 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) - 9.6 km. Coastline countries: 1,835 km.

On the northern coast of Morocco are the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. The country is divided into four physiographic regions: the Rif, or mountainous region, which lies parallel to the Mediterranean coast; the Atlas Mountains, stretching across the country from southwest to northeast from the Atlantic Ocean to Er Rif, from which they are separated by the Taza depression; region of the vast coastal plains of the Atlantic coast; valleys lying south of the Atlas Mountains, turning into desert. The highest point of the country - Mount Jebel Toubkal (4165 m) - is located in the High Atlas range. Er Rif rises to (2440 m) above sea level, Sebha Tah is the lowest place in Morocco - 55 meters below sea level. The country's main rivers are the Muluya, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea, and the Cebu, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Nature and relief of Morocco

Morocco is one of the most picturesque countries in Africa. Until the first century AD, the territory of the state was occupied by a boundless savannah. However, the Sahara gradually advanced from the north. It displaced part of the savannah. However, Morocco is the greenest country in North Africa. The country's landscape is very diverse. In the south is the Sahara. To the north and west are the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The majestic Atlas Mountains stretch from southwest to northeast.

The Atlantic coast has flat terrain. There are many wonderful beaches here, separated from each other by cliffs. The Mediterranean coast is dominated by mountains. In these areas there are a large number of rock formations that end at the sea. The strip of beaches here is clearly narrower. Between the Meseta (Central Moroccan Plateau) and the Rif Arc is the Gharb Plain. The Cebu River flows through it. In the northeast of Morocco is the Muluya River valley. In the west of the country there are fertile coastal plains such as Abda, Shauya and Duhala.

Four mountain ranges, including the High Atlas, Anti-Atlas, Rif and Middle Atlas, occupy a third of Morocco's territory. The convex arc formed by them faces the Sahara. In the vicinity of the Reef there is the end of the arc - the Jebel Musa rock. It represents one of the legendary " pillars of hercules" The second one can be seen in clear weather.

Statistical indicators of Morocco
(as of 2012)

The mountains are relatively young. They appeared about 40 million years ago when the African Plate moved north. Then the European Alps and the African Atlas rose after bilateral compression of the continental plates. Even though earthquakes rarely occur in Morocco, the mountains make the seismic situation quite unstable. In the High and Middle Atlas, tourists can go trekking. There are all conditions for this.

The Reef mountain range stretches from the Muluya River valley to Gibraltar. The Oueda Cebu Depression (Taza Gate) separates the Rif from the Middle Atlas. Geologists believe that previously there was communication between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea through the Taz Gate. Today they connect the northern territory of Morocco with Algeria.

The Middle Atlas is also called Moroccan Switzerland. The reason for this is the wonderful ski resorts, forests, lakes, meadows and waterfalls. Marrakesh is located in the southwestern part of the Middle Atlas.

The High Atlas is the country's highest, most extensive and longest mountain range. The highest point of the chain - Jebel Toubkal - reaches a height of 4165 meters. She is covered with eternal snow. Jebel Toubkal is the highest peak in the northern part of the African continent. The High Atlas, like the Sahara, is a sparsely populated part of Morocco. The Jebel Sirwah volcano and the Souss depression separate the High Atlas from the Anti-Atlas. The height of Jebel Sirwah is 3304 meters.

Anti-Atlas is a mountain range. It is characterized by a dry climate and the presence of a large number of oases. The southern slopes of the massif gradually merge with the Dra plateau. The plateau itself passes into the Sahara. The desert landscape consists of sand dunes, plains and rocky areas. Desert territories stretch to Mauritania.

Minerals of Morocco

In Morocco, deposits of oil, natural combustible gas, fossil coals and oil shale, ores of uranium, iron, manganese, cobalt and nickel, tungsten, molybdenum and tin, copper, lead and zinc, antimony, mercury, gold and silver, rare metals have been discovered and explored and mica pegmatites, as well as asbestos, barite, bentonite clays, gypsum, anhydrite, diatomite, magnesite, pyrrhotite, rock and potassium salts, fluorite and phosphorites.

On the territory of Morocco, 12 oil and 5 gas fields in the Pre-Reef and Western Moroccan oil and gas basins. The pre-reef basin (area 35.0 thousand km2, including 22 thousand km2 on the shelf up to an isobath of 500 m) is composed of sandy-clayey and carbonate deposits of Mesozoic and Cenozoic age up to 5 km thick. All deposits are insignificant in terms of reserves and most of them have been developed (Ain Hamra, Duar Jabar, Sidi Fili). The Western Moroccan basin covers the Doukkala and Essavira depressions (area 40 thousand km2, including 10 thousand km2 on the shelf) and is filled with Paleozoic-Mesozoic coastal-continental and marine formations up to 5 km thick.

All coal reserves are concentrated in the Djerad basins in Middle Carboniferous deposits. Significant reserves of oil shale have been explored in the Timkhadit and Tarfaya deposits. Uranium was detected as an impurity (0.013% uranium oxide) in Maastrichtian-Eocene phosphorite deposits in the Phosphate Plateau, Guntur and Meskala regions. Uranium ore occurrences are also known in red sandstones of the Triassic (Argana-Bigudin in the north-west of the High Atlas) and Hauterivian (Vaffaga, Upper Muluya in the Midelt region).

Iron ore reserves are concentrated in metasomatic replacement deposits in the Nador region (Vixan Afra, reserves of 40 million tons of ore with a Fe content of 54-60%) and in strata deposits of oolitic ores among Ordovician mudstones and sandstones (Ait Ammar, Satur, Ben- Sliman, Imi-Nturza, Taklimt, etc.). Morocco has significant reserves of manganese ores. The largest Imini deposit (reserves of 7.5 million tons of ore with a metal content of 40-56%) is represented by lens-shaped deposits among arkoses and Cretaceous dolomites in the Ouarzazate basin (High Atlas).

The reserves of cobalt and copper ores in Morocco are significant. Cobalt hydrothermal deposits of the "five-element formation" are associated with serpentinized ultramafic rocks in the Bou Azzer-El Graar area. The predominant part of copper ore deposits is located in the south of the country in the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas. They are represented by copper-pyrite and pyrite-polymetallic deposits in Precambrian volcanics (Blade deposits, ore reserves 2.6 million tons, average Cu content 8%; Tizzert, 3 million tons, 6.9%) and stratiform deposits in carbonate- Vendian terrigenous deposits (Talaat-Nuaman, Tazalagt, etc.).

In terms of reserves of lead and zinc ores, Morocco ranks 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in Africa (1985). Stratiform deposits were discovered in the carbonate deposits of the Jurassic (Beddian and Oued Mokta, reserves of 1200 thousand tons of Pb with a metal content in the ores of 16%) and in the terrigenous rocks of the Triassic (Zeyda, Bou-Miya, reserves of 600 thousand tons of Pb, its content in the ores is 3 -3.6%), as well as numerous vein and lens-shaped deposits of relatively small scale (Jebel Awam, Auli, Mibladen, Sidi Lahsen, etc.). The ores of many deposits also contain copper and silver. Morocco ranks second in Africa in terms of antimony ore reserves. Hydrothermal vein deposits have been identified in Er Rif (Beni Mezzala, Fahama, Kenatar New) and in the Paleozoic massif of Central Morocco (Medjma es Salihin, Ish-u-Mellal, Sidi Mbarek, etc.).

Morocco ranks 1st in terms of phosphorite reserves among industrialized capitalist and developing countries (1985). Phosphate deposits are localized in Maastrichtian - Lower Eocene deposits in the Phosphate Plateau, Guntur and Meskala regions. Most large deposits: Khouribga, Yusufiya, Ben Guerir and Meskala.

On the territory of Morocco, there are also known deposits of gold ores (Bou-Gaffer, Thivit), silver (Sidi Lahsen, Zgunder), barite (Jebel Irhoud - reserves of 2 million tons of barite with a BaSO4 content of 15-96%; Tesout - 2 million. t, 25-90%), potassium salts (Khemisset), fluorite (El Hammam, Jebel Tirremi, Jebel Zrahina), muscovite (Timgarin), bleaching clays, gypsum, pozzolans, quartz sands (Meknes), asbestos (Agbar ), graphite and non-metallic building materials.

Water resources of Morocco

The western territories of the country are washed by the Atlantic Ocean, and the northern ones by the Mediterranean Sea. The Strait of Gibraltar, which is thirteen kilometers wide, separates Morocco from the Iberian Peninsula.

Wonderful Moroccan beaches alternate with picturesque lagoons, coves and cliffs. Fans of surfing, swimming, spearfishing and fishing will definitely find something to do here.

The country is famous for its dense network of rivers. These rivers carry their waters from the mountains to the Mediterranean Sea, the Sahara and the Atlantic Ocean. Most rivers, most often in southern Morocco, dry up in the summer. They form dry riverbeds - uedas. The water level in the rivers directly depends on the melting of snow and seasonal precipitation. The main source of water is groundwater.

Falling from the mountain slopes, the rivers turn into beautiful waterfalls. Some of the most picturesque waterfalls in Morocco are Immouser, Seti Fatima and Ouzoud. Apart from areas that have dried up, the longest river is the Dra. The length of its channel reaches 1100 km. However, only its upper course is full of water. Largest rivers countries - Cebu, Muluya, Bu Regreg and Um Ar Rbiyu.

The Middle and High Atlas are rich in freshwater lakes. There are no such lakes in other areas of this mountain range. The largest lake in Morocco is Bine el Ouidane. In addition, in mountainous areas there are sebkha lakes. The largest of them are Shott Tigri and Shott Garbi. There are many marshy lakes in the northern part of the country.

Climate of Morocco

The climate changes somewhat as you move around Morocco. On the Mediterranean coast of the country, the climate is mild, subtropical. The average temperature here in summer is about +24-28 C (sometimes reaching +30-35 C), and in winter +10-12 C. As you move south, the climate becomes more and more continental, with hot (up to +37 C) summers and cool (up to + 5 C) in winter. The daily temperature difference can reach 20 degrees.

The northwestern part of the country is greatly influenced by air masses from the Atlantic Ocean. Because of this, the climate here is cooler, and daily temperature changes are significantly lower than in the rest of the country. In the mountainous regions of the Atlas, the climate is highly dependent on the altitude of the place. Precipitation ranges from 500-1000 mm. per year in the north to less than 200 mm. per year in the south. The western slopes of the Atlas receive up to 2000 mm from time to time. precipitation, even local floods are common, while in the southeast of the country there are years when there is no precipitation at all.

Flora of Morocco

The landscapes of Morocco are represented by dense forests, desert oases, steppes and mountain meadows. Of all the countries in North Africa, only Morocco has large forest areas remaining. The most common species here is low-trunk woodland. In the central regions of the Reef, the eastern part of the High and northern parts of the Middle Atlas, Atlas cedar, which is a very valuable tree, has grown abundantly. Many trees are over 1000 years old. In the forests of the Reef you can also find holm and cork oaks, Aleppo pines and Spanish firs. The Middle Atlas is famous for its pine forests. Citrus and olive trees grow on its slopes. Interestingly, in Morocco, scientists count about 100 species of citrus trees.

On the almost bare slopes of the High Atlas, juniper somehow survives. In addition, this plant has chosen areas bordering the desert. Argan, also known as ironwood, can be seen in southwestern Morocco.

The country's territory mainly consists of steppes. Large quantities of esparto (a type of feather grass) grow in the northeastern steppes. Morocco exports this plant. Esparto produces a valuable fiber. It is used to make paper High Quality, pulp, mats, ropes and paintings.

Along with esparto, in the area of ​​the Algerian-Moroccan border there are jujube, poisonous colchicum, asphodel lily, and white wormwood. And pink laurel and tamarisk grow near the gushing springs of warm water in the Mului valley. In the riverbeds of the Ueds there are thickets of thorny jujube, which is eaten by domestic animals. There are also tamarisk and pistachio trees. Takaut is collected from tamarisk trees.

Many Moroccan plants come from other areas where the Mediterranean climate predominates. Among them: agaves, eucalyptus, prickly pear cacti, prickly bushes, dwarf oaks, oregano, lavender, etc.

As for herbs, clover, bindweed and thyme grow in Morocco. Mint grows in the Meknes area, and geraniums, orchids and peonies bloom in the mountains. The meadows of the Middle Atlas are filled with beautiful blooming poppies.

Apart from the pre-Saharan lands, the soils of Morocco are distinguished by their increased fertility. They say that whatever you plant here will grow here. Excellent harvests are produced by grain crops, tropical and subtropical fruit trees and cotton.

Animal life of Morocco

Many animals that lived in North Africa during the Roman era are now extinct, including the crocodile, hippopotamus, giraffe, buffalo, elephant and lion (Berber lion). The desert areas of Morocco are home to gazelles and many species of snakes, particularly vipers.

On the Middle Atlas plateau, wild boars, foxes, lynxes, jackals and tailless macaques are found, and in the highlands of the High Atlas - maned sheep (Ammotragus). Tropical species of fauna are represented by individual specimens of predators - panthers and hyenas. Horses were introduced into the country around 1600 BC, and dromedary camels appeared here with Islamic conquerors in the 7th century.

Morocco is on the route of seasonal bird flights between Europe and Africa. You can often see storks and their nests here. Owls, cuckoos, rollers and magpies are common in agricultural areas, and herons are common in moors. Buzzards, vultures, golden eagles, hawks, kites, kestrels and merlins are often found in the mountains.

The waters of the Atlantic abound with valuable species of fish: sardines, tuna, mackerel, anchovy, whiting, etc. To the south of Agadir there are large colonies of crustaceans: lobsters, lobsters, crabs. Freshwater ichthyofauna is represented the following types– eel, loach, trout, mullet, barbel.

Population of Morocco

In ancient times, the territory of Morocco was inhabited by Berbers (descendants of the ancient Libyans). This was the name given to the local residents by the Romans, who conquered most of Morocco in the 1st century. BC.; the Phoenicians called them mahurs (Latin - maurus), hence the name “Moors”, which was assigned to the population of the entire Maghreb. Phoenician colonies that settled here in the 12th century. BC, were captured by Carthage, and after its fall in the 2nd century. BC. - by the Romans, then by the Van Dals, and a hundred years later by the Byzantines. Arab troops marched throughout North Africa and at the end of the 7th century. reached the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. However, the first Arab settlements appeared here only in the second half of the 8th century, when the first Muslim cities of Sijilmasa and Fez were founded. In the 8th century Morocco was part of the Arab Caliphate; in the XI-XIV centuries. was the core of the military-theocratic states of the Almoravids, Almohads and Marinids, which flourished in the 12th century. (“Golden Age” of Morocco), disintegration into separate principalities, struggle against Europeans and the Ottoman Empire. In the XVIII-XIX centuries. Morocco was considered a pirate state. In 1859-60 Morocco was captured by Spain, but France also claimed this territory. Therefore, in 1912, the country was divided into three parts: the protectorates of France, Spain and the international zone - the city of Tangier. The independence and territorial integrity of Morocco was recognized in 1956. National holiday - March 3 - “Throne Day” - accession to the throne of King Hassan 11 (1961). Now Morocco is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king, who is also the supreme commander and spiritual ruler of the faithful. The highest legislative body is parliament (House of Representatives). Administratively, the territory is divided into 37 provinces.

The population of Morocco is 30.55 million people (2004). 99.1% of the population are Moroccans. OK. 2/3 of them are Arabs and Arabized Berbers. State language is Arabic, French is widely spoken.

The official religion is Sunni Islam. 1/3 of Moroccans are purebred Berbers, they live in the mountains and speak only the Berber language. They are divided into three communities: the first community (the Rif people) lives in the Rif Mountains, the other (Tamazites) in the Middle Atlas, the third (Xlu) in the High Atlas and the South Valley. In the Moroccan south, in the oases, as well as in large cities, live dark-skinned Moroccan Haratins (oasis farmers), descendants of immigrants from Sudan. 0.9% of the population are Europeans (Spanish and French), as well as Moroccan Jews. Most of the Spanish and French communities left the country after Moroccan independence, and Jews emigrated to Israel. Large communities of Moroccans exist in Spain and France.

Source - http://ru.wikipedia.org/
http://www.mining-enc.ru/m/marokko/
http://travelenc.ru/node/586
http://www.turlocman.ru/morocco/animals

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Large deposits of phosphorites abroad are located in the USA, Brazil, Peru, Algeria, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Senegal, Togo, South Africa, Israel, Jordan, Vietnam, Christmas Island, Makatea, Nauru, Ocean. North African phosphorite deposits are of the strata type. In most cases, ore is mined by open pit mining. It contains 23 - 33% PA and 1 - 2% KaOz and is used without enrichment.

There are also large deposits of phosphorites in Kjakhstan (Karatau, Kursk, Bryansk, Kaluga and other regions.

Large deposits of phosphorites are located in North Africa; two-thirds of all production comes from Morocco, small amounts come from Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt. On islands Pacific Ocean The phosphate mines of the islands of Nauru, Ocean and Ma-kathea are well known; there are large developments on the island.

Scheme of phosphorite formation - precipitation.

Many large phosphorite deposits in the USSR are sedimentary rocks composed predominantly of calcium phosphates of the apatite type. The rocks have a very different appearance and color and in the field are often mistaken for marl, opoku (described below), sandstone, etc.

In the USSR, large deposits of phosphorites are located in Kazakhstan. The most important deposits in this area are Chulaktau, Janatas, Kokdzhon, Aksai, and Koksu. Karatau phosphorites are difficult to flotation enrichment due to the deep penetration of impurities in the phosphate grains. As a result of chemical acid enrichment, calcium and magnesium-containing impurities decompose, and the phosphate part undergoes virtually no changes.

Kara-Tauskoye is the largest phosphorite deposit in the USSR, located in the South Kazakhstan region. The phosphorites of Kara-Tzu are close in composition to apatites.

In 1941, a large phosphorite deposit was discovered in the Soviet Union in the Kazakh SSR. Phosphorite deposits are also found in other places in our country.

Before the Great October Socialist Revolution, a number of large phosphorite deposits were discovered in the form of nodules and slabs in the European part of the country and in Central Asia.

The main deposits of apatite in the USA are located in the states of Florida, Tennessee, Idaho, Utah, Montana and Wyoming. Large deposits of phosphorites are located in North Africa; two-thirds of all production comes from Morocco, small amounts come from Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt. On the islands of the Pacific Ocean, the phosphate mines of the islands of Nauru, Ocean and Ma-katea are well known; there are large mines on the island.

The largest deposits of high-quality phosphorite were discovered in 1933 - 1936. in the Kara-Tau mountains ( South Kazakhstan), 90 km from the city of Dzhambul. Large deposits of phosphorites are also located in the Kirov region (Vyatsko-Kama deposit), in the Chuvash Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of the Moscow region and in a number of regions of the Ukrainian SSR and BSSR. Among the foreign deposits, large deposits of high-quality phosphorites in North Africa should be noted.

Iron ore deposits in the Rif Atlas occur in Jurassic limestones. Large deposits of phosphorites are associated with sedimentary rocks of the Cretaceous and early Tertiary periods.

Since phosphorites and apatite are the starting products for the production of phosphate mineral fertilizers, sufficient reserves of these minerals are extremely important for the development of Agriculture countries. A number of large phosphorite deposits are known in the USSR, and in Kola Peninsula There are huge deposits of apatite.

In addition, it owns large deposits of phosphorites in the states of Florida, Tennessee and Idaho.

Soviet Union has rich resources of phosphate raw materials. Somewhat later, in 1936, large deposits of phosphorites were discovered in the area of ​​the Kara-Tau mountain range (Kazakhstan), with a higher phosphorus content than in phosphorites from other deposits known at that time. In terms of reserves of phosphate raw materials, these deposits were superior to other deposits in our country, and in terms of the thickness of the layers they had no equal in the whole world. There are other deposits of phosphorites of industrial importance in the USSR. The development of the richest deposits of phosphates has acquired enormous national economic significance.