How ancient coral reefs became the towering walls of Morocco's Dadès Gorges

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Deep within the Atlas Mountains, the Dadès Gorges reveal a dramatic geological transformation. Once submerged beneath an ancient sea, these rugged cliffs were shaped by millions of years of tectonic shifts and the relentless, seasonal power of a river carving through layers of compacted sediment, sandstone, and limestone.

The story of the Dadès Gorges begins millions of years ago, when the region was entirely underwater. During this period, massive quantities of sediment accumulated around vast coral reefs, eventually hardening into sedimentary rock. As the Earth's crust shifted, this seabed was forced upward, contributing to the formation of the Atlas Mountains. The Dadès River, originating in the High Atlas range, established its path early in this upheaval, beginning a long process of erosion that continues today.

The gorge walls, which reach heights between 200 and 500 meters, are the result of the river's unique hydrological cycle. Because the local climate is arid, the Dadès River typically maintains a weak flow for most of the year. However, the landscape changes drastically during the storm season. Sudden, massive influxes of water transform the river into a powerful, raging torrent. These floods carry significant amounts of debris, which act like abrasive tools, scraping away at the softer rock of the gorge walls and deepening the channel with every passing season.

This geological process has created a striking environment that sustains life despite the harsh terrain. The river flows for approximately 350 kilometers before reaching the edge of the Sahara, where it joins the Draa River. In the southernmost reaches of the gorges, the landscape supports agriculture, including groves of almond and palm trees. The area is also famous for its extensive rose production, which serves as a vital resource for the creation of rose water, highlighting how the region's ancient geological history continues to shape its modern ecology and economy.

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