Excursions

Optional pre- and mid-conference excursions will be organized as part of Fossils X3 2027. These field trips offer participants the opportunity to explore key geological and paleontological sites of Morocco. Excursions are limited to 40 participants.

1- Pre-Conference Field Trip (22–23 April)

This two-day excursion will explore the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic stratigraphy of the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains.

Day 1 : Argana Basin

Participants will visit the late Palaeozoic and early Mesozoic outcrops of the Argana Basin, located about 60 km east of Agadir. The basin contains well-exposed Permian and Triassic continental deposits, including the Ikakern Formation (Middle–Late Permian red beds) and the Timezgadiouine and Bigoudine formations (Triassic red beds). Fossiliferous layers are known for their diverse ichnofauna, including tetrapod footprints, burrows, coprolites, and arthropod trackways. Clam shrimps (conchostracans) are also found in association with these ichnofossils.

Day 2: El Menizla Formation
The visit will continue to the late Carboniferous outcrops of the El Menizla Formation in the Souss Basin, situated about 50 km east of Agadir. This 1200-meter-thick succession includes fluvial sandstones, lacustrine mudstones, and coal seams. The finer-grained horizons contain a diverse fossil assemblage, including plants, insects, aquatic invertebrates, small actinopterygian fish, temnospondyl amphibians, and tetrapod footprints.

Cultural Highlight: Argan Tree
The excursion also introduces participants to the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve, where traditional argan oil extraction is practiced. This cultural heritage, preserved mainly by rural women, reflects centuries-old techniques and plays a significant role in social cohesion and local traditions.

2-Mid-Conference Field Trip (26 April)
This one-day excursion will visit two major sites: the Ganntour Phosphate Basin and the archaeological site of Jebel Irhoud.

1. Ganntour Phosphate Basin
   The basin provides crucial insights into the evolution of marine and terrestrial faunas during major events such as the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K/T) and Paleocene–Eocene (P/E) transitions. It is known for its exceptional marine fossil record, including mosasaurids and selachians, preserved across a span of 24 million years. The phosphate deposits are also economically significant, as Morocco is the world’s leading exporter of phosphates.
2. Jebel Irhoud Archaeological Site
   Jebel Irhoud is internationally renowned for its hominin fossils. Since its discovery in the early 1960s, the site has yielded numerous remains, including the oldest known Homo sapiens fossils discovered in 2017. These findings have reshaped our understanding of human evolution, suggesting that modern humans have been present for more than 300,000 years.

3- Touristic Activities

29 April – Marrakesh

Participants may visit the historical landmarks of Marrakesh, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Kasbah, monumental gates, gardens, the Saadian Tombs, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. The excursion also includes a carriage tour (calèches) through the historic areas and a visit to the Museum of the Water Civilization “Mohammed VI”.

30–31 April – M’Goun UNESCO Global Geopark

The M’Goun Geopark is located in the central High Atlas Mountains, about 100 km from Marrakesh. It features dramatic mountain ridges, deep valleys, and geosites reflecting 250 million years of geological history. The park includes dinosaur footprints, diverse mineral resources, and structures shaped by the collision of the African and European plates.