La Daïa Chiker (Moyen-Atlas, Maroc).Etude géomorphologique

The daia Chiker is a closed depression, surrounded by a calcareous mountainous relief. The slopes are occupied by important "karren", whereas the bottom is flat, regardless little hillocks showing the shaly nature of a great part of the bottom.Karstic and non-karstic processes co-operated in the formation of the daia.Most important processes, at the present time are: karstic processes (subterrranean drainage and subterranean runoff of great amounts of sediments; karren) and non-karstic processes (talus on the slopes; rainwash and colluvium on the bottom). An attempt of chronology is given. From a practical point of view, the authors consider that simple and non-expensive actions could protect the soil and give it a higher value: little clay dams, stone rims, preservation of the existing vegetation on the rocky slopes.