Litho-structural interpretation of aeromagnetic anomalies reveals potential for mineral exploration in Tizi n'Test Region, Western High Atlas, Morocco

Abstract This study interprets aeromagnetic data from the Tizi n'Test area in the High Atlas massif of Morocco, aiming to gain insights into its litho-structural architecture and implications for mineral exploration and mining. We employed six different analytical techniques to the residual magnetic field data, including reduction to the pole (RTP), upward continuation, total horizontal derivative, Tilt angle, Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) analysis, and Euler deconvolution. Our analyses differentiated the study area into three magnetic domains: the eastern Ouzellarh block, characterized by positive anomalies, a central domain characterized by a negative magnetic signature demarcating the transitional zone between the Anti-Atlas and the High Atlas separated by the Ouchden fault: and the western domain, represented by the Tichka massif. The application of total horizontal derivative, tilt angle, and a combination of filters in ternary image formats (Tilt angle, upward continuation 1000 + Tilt angle and upward continuation 3000 + Tilt angle) revealed both known and previously unidentified geological lineaments, mapping structural complexity across various orientations (NE–SW, NNE–SSE, E–W, NW–SE, and N–S). The CET grid analysis method unveiled the structural complexity, highlighting the geodynamic evolution of the region. Particularly, the Ouchden fault delineates a magnetic domain divide between the ancient High Atlas and the Ouzellarh block (Anti-Atlas). Furthermore, Euler deconvolution indicated magnetic source depths ranging from 52 m in the western domain of the Tichka massif to 6560 m in the Ouzellarh block. A comprehensive structural scheme, classified by C-A fractal analysis, identified zones favourable for exploration and mining, particularly along the Ouchden fault, Tizi n'Test, NE-SW trending lineaments in the northwestern domain, as well as along the Tichka granite’s margin.