Azilal: This is the truth about the underground smoke emitted by the pastures of “Tankaref”

A. Latif Baraka: Heba Press

A scientific team revealed the truth about the smoke escaping from the ground in the “Tankaref” pastures of the “Takalft” community in Azilal province.

After examining the location of the smoke, the team affiliated with the Geopark Makun association confirmed that this smoke is not linked to any volcanic activity as reported, 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 composed of rocks dating from the second geological period and has nothing to do with karst or volcanic rocks and formations.

The specialists explained in a report published after conducting a scientific study on the natural site of burning of pastures “Tankaref” that the area is located in the stable Atlantic zone with a very solid rock base, indicating that the area of ​​peat formations was limited to 1.5 hectares, and after completing the excavations to take measurements, it was found that the thickness of the peat does not exceed. In the best case, 50 centimeters were formed on an impermeable layer of Triassic limestone that still retained its moisture and was saturated with water, which explains the formation of a large canyon rich in organic matter, forming a wet field allowing plants to grow densely.

Experts said that “the village’s vegetation cover has been subjected for hundreds of years to the decomposition of roots, leaves and branches, forming a layer of peat involved in combustion, above which there is a crusty layer of clay only a few dozen centimeters thick.

The same report states that “due to climate change, successive years of drought and high temperatures during the current summer season of 2024, an almost total depletion of water sources has been observed and the exposure of low water levels to drying has led to drying. to the swelling of the spongy layer of peat and its exposure to cracking, thus allowing oxygen to penetrate through the cracks, which facilitates the combustion of materials. A concentrated, carbon-rich organic matter that produces methane, similar to the reactions observed. in household waste disposal sites.”

The researchers pointed out that “the location of the depression and the location of the burning are far from forest areas and population stability, except for herders who are used to grazing in this grass-rich site, which is a distinctive summer area for animal herders under the nomadic system.

The team said that “the combustion process proceeds slowly, as is the case with the peat system in all regions of the world, emitting a light white smoke with low percentages of methane,” noting that “in the event of rain, the surface water flow returns to its normal state and the hydration levels return.” Or the water saturation of the peat layer, things will return to their natural state.

The scientific team therefore called for precautions to be taken by visitors to the site, such as wearing protective masks and using professional shoes, to avoid any poisoning by fumes and gases or any exposure to burns. It also stressed the need to alert shepherds of the danger of approaching the fire site and digging up sources of smoke and gas.

On the other hand, the team stressed the need to install a scientific sign to inform visitors, including tourists and nearby residents, about the danger of throwing cigarettes or placing stoves for cooking in the Tinkarf neighborhood area, especially during summer, to avoid burns.