A scientific team reveals the truth about the smoke emanating from the depths of the “Tankarf” pastures

Agadir24

A scientific team revealed the truth about the smoke emanating from the ground in the “Tankarf” pastures, affiliated with the “Takalft” community in the Azilal region.

After examining the phenomenon, the team from the “Geopark M’Goune” Association confirmed that this smoke has nothing to do with any volcanic activity as was circulated, while stressing that it does not pose any danger to the environment or humans.

The scientific team explained that it is a solid geological base made up of rocks dating back to the second geological era, and has no relation to karst or volcanic rocks and formations.

The specialists explained in a report they issued after conducting a scientific study of the natural burning site of the “Tinkarf” pastures that the area is located within the stable Atlantic area with a very solid rock base, indicating that the area of ​​peat formations was limited to 1.5 hectares, and after completing the drilling to take measurements, it was found that the thickness of the peat does not exceed 50 centimeters in the best cases, formed over an impermeable Triassic limestone layer that still retains its moisture and is saturated with water, which explains the formation of a large pond rich in organic materials, forming a humid area that allowed plants to grow densely.

Experts indicated that “the vegetation cover of the lake has been exposed over hundreds of years to the decomposition of roots, leaves and branches, forming a layer of peat that is subject to burning, with a crusty layer of clay no more than a few centimetres thick above it.”

The same report indicated that “as a result of climate change, successive years of drought and high temperatures during the current summer of 2024, a near-total depletion of water resources was observed, and the exposure of the Tenkarf Depression to drying led to the swelling of the spongy layer of peat, and its exposure to cracking, and thus the entry of oxygen through the cracks, which facilitated the combustion of concentrated organic materials rich in carbon and emitting methane gas, similar to the reactions known in household waste dumps.”

The researchers pointed out that “the location of the depression and the place of burning are far from forest areas and from population stability, with the exception of the shepherds who are accustomed to grazing in this site rich in herbs, which constitutes a distinctive summer area for livestock breeders within the framework of the migration system.”

The team stated that “the combustion process is slow, as is the case with peat systems in all regions of the world, emitting light white smoke with small amounts of methane gas,” noting that “if rain falls and surface water flow returns to normal and the levels of hydration or water saturation of the peat layer return, things will return to their normal state.”

Accordingly, the scientific team called for precautions to be taken by visitors to this site, such as wearing protective masks and professional shoes to avoid any smoke and gas poisoning or exposure to burns. It also stressed the need to warn shepherds of the danger of approaching the burning site and digging into the sources of smoke and gases.

On the other hand, the team stressed the need to place a scientific sign to inform tourists and neighboring residents of the danger of throwing cigarettes or placing fires for cooking within the Tankarf Lake area, especially during the summer, to avoid burning.

It is noteworthy that a group of residents of the “Takalft” community had documented, through photos and video clips published on social media, the rising of dense white smoke from the ground, a phenomenon that they confirmed was unfamiliar to the “Tankarf” pastures and had not been previously observed in the region.

The concerned authorities sent a committee consisting of representatives from the local authorities and the Water and Forestry Administration to the aforementioned pastures to investigate the source and causes of this smoke.