Oumaima Zerdeb

In arid and semi-arid regions, groundwater recharge is a key process controlling the sustainability of subsurface water resources. This study aims to assess and map the groundwater recharge potential of the Oued Cherrat watershed (Morocco) using an integrated approach combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Six controlling factors were considered: lithology, lineament density, drainage network density, slope, land use/land cover derived from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and rainfall. The relative weights of these factors were determined through pairwise comparisons using the Saaty fundamental scale, and the consistency of the judgments was verified (CR < 0.1). The reclassified thematic layers were integrated into a GIS-based weighted overlay model to generate the groundwater recharge potential map. Five recharge classes were identified, ranging from very low to very high. The results show that areas with moderate recharge potential are the most widespread (approximately 37% of the watershed), while high and very high potential zones account for about 25% of the total area. These zones are mainly associated with permeable lithologies, high densities of structural discontinuities, gentle slopes, and low drainage density. In contrast, low to very low recharge potential areas are related to low-permeability formations, steep slopes, and dense drainage networks. The resulting recharge potential map provides a useful decision-support tool for sustainable groundwater management and for identifying priority areas for aquifer protection and artificial recharge planning in the Oued Cherrat watershed.

This study presents a scientifically grounded delineation of protection perimeters for the Taïcha groundwater catchment field, located in the Maâmora aquifer (Gharb region, Morocco), in response to the lack of formally established protective measures and the growing risk of contamination from...

The identifications of suitable locations for hill dam construction are confronted with various challenges, including environmental, technical, social, economic, and regulatory factors; these necessitate meticulous planning and management. This study employed geographic information systems (GIS) to identify and forecast potential sites within the Oued Cherrat watershed in northwest Morocco. A suitability map was developed by integrating multiple data sets, such as digital elevation models (DEMs), lithology, drainage density, and lineament density. By utilizing a weighted overlay analysis, the study area was categorized into segments with varying suitability levels for hill dam installation (ranging from unsuitable to very high potential). Covering an area of 39 km², the results indicated that 8% of the total area possessed very high potential. The findings were validated through field surveys that were conducted both prior to and following the study; these confirmed the high-potential areas that were identified by the model, thereby enhancing the reliability of the suitability map for future hill dam planning and flood-risk-mitigation strategies.

Coastal areas, vital for local communities, are subject to significant changes requiring rigorous management. This study focuses on assessing the evolution of the Atlantic coastline between Larache and Moulay Bousselham over a period of 60 years, with an emphasis on erosion and accretion risks....