Structure and Current Dynamics of the Vegetation in the high Mountain Geocomplex of Jbel Tichoukt (Central Middle Atlas, Morocco): Geosystemic Analysis

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the current vegetation structure and dynamics in the in the high mountain Geocomplex of Jbel Tichoukt (Central Middle Atlas, Morocco). This study is based on the application of the Geosystemic method, which allowed us to analyse the complex relationships between the different biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic components of the environment and to identify the different dynamic trends of the vegetation within this Geocomplex. The results obtained allowed the identification of five Geofacies within this Geocomplex, based on stationary conditions and the internal dynamics of its floristic composition, as well as the degree of human impact. The current vegetation dynamics in this geocomplex are controlled by the thermal and edaphic conditions that are unsuitable for the maintenance of the Cedrus atlantica, Quercus rotundifolia and Juniperus thurifera, which have no natural regeneration. The cold steppe vegetation of the high mountains currently invades the Geocomplex with the almost total absence of trees from 2400 m altitude.