Morocco School Trips

Morocco offers students ample opportunity to study the following topics:

PLATE TECTONICS
The Atlas Mountains consist of young fold mountains. These were formed by the collision between the African and European tectonic plates. Volcanic rocks and uplifting strata, both tilted and folded, are all clearly evident in this rugged landscape providing your students with an excellent case study. Students will also have the opportunity to consider the opportunities and constraints on human activities in this geologically active mountain environment.

COLD ENVIRONMENTS
During the Pleistocene ice age about 18000 years ago, the High Atlas was snow covered and numerous small cirque glaciers and a few valley glaciers formed. There is little evidence of active glacial processes currently operating in the mountains. However, regular frosts and snow throughout the winter suggests that some periglacial activity may be occurring. Students will see evidence of glaciation as you pass through the scenic Atlas Mountains.

DESERT ENVIRONMENTS
The Sahara is the largest hot desert on earth and covers much of the South East of Morocco. Students will see examples of many landforms associated with rocky and sandy deserts including the impressive sand dunes of the Erg Chebi. Desertification and sand dune encroachment are significant issues on the desert fringes. Your students will have plenty of opportunity to witness these problems and learn about the measures designed to combat them. Your students can also observe classic desert ecosystem, investigating the plants, soil and wildlife that are present.

CHANGING URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
Marrakesh is a vibrant city where your students will experience the sights and sounds of the largest souks in the country. There are many interesting places to visit, such as the Saadian Tombs, the El Badii Palace and the Medersa Ben Youssef (Koranic School). Students will have the opportunity to study urban management, water resource issues and sustainability. Aspects of disparity and inequality in an urban setting can be discussed as well as the impact of globalisation.

RURAL COMMUNITIES & FARMING SYSTEMS
In the foothills of the Atlas Mountains students will observe the Berber way of life and the adaptations they need to make to survive in this harsh environment. Students will be able to consider aspects of inequality and disparity between rural and urban living. There are also opportunities to study water supply, irrigation and water management systems in rural contexts.

RIVER ENVIRONMENTS & MANAGING NATURAL HAZARDS
Students will be fascinated to see a variety of river regimes whilst in Morocco, many of which are ephemeral. Depending upon the time of the year, snowmelt or rainfall can result in fast flowing rivers displaying many typical processes and features. Wadis (dry river beds) are common within Morocco. Here students can learn about flash flood management during times of torrential rain - a serious natural hazard in the region, and visit Imlil, which was devastated by a flash flood in 1995. Elsewhere, the Todra Gorge with its 300m towering walls is a stunning example of how fluvial erosion can carve through the landscape.

TRAVEL & TOURISM
The contribution of travel and tourism to Gross Domestic Product is expected to rise from 14.1% in 2010 to 16.7% by 2020. As such, tourism is incredibly important in Morocco and students will have excellent chances to see for themselves the impact of tourism in towns, cities and rural areas. They will be able to consider the social, economic and environmental impacts of mass tourism and weigh-up the advantages and disadvantages. Adventure tourism is growing fast in Morocco and there is an increasing awareness of the need for ecotourism. In Marrakesh students can also consider various aspects of tourism e.g. honeypot sites and the advantages and disadvantages of these.

WATER SECURITY
In common with all arid and semi-arid regions, water security and sustainable management is a key issue in Morocco. Students may study water sources (rivers, snowmelt, reservoirs, aquifers) and consider issues such as irrigation, salinization and the use of springs and wells. It will be abundantly clear that water security lies at the heart of future development in Morocco. In the absence of surface rivers your students can also witness and learn about artesian wells and oases, used by the camel herders on their migratory cycle.