Development of Transient Hydrodynamic and Hydrodispesive Models in Semi-Arid Environments
2025
Samir Hakimi | Mohamed Abdelbaset Hessane | Mohammed Bahir | Turki Kh. Faraj | Paula M. Carreira
The hydrogeological study of the Rharb coastal basin, located in the semi-arid northwest region of Morocco, focuses on its two aquifers: the Plio-Quaternary aquifer characterized by high-quality water with salt concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 2 g/L, and the Upper Quaternary aquifer, with lower water quality (2 to 6 g/L). The deep aquifer is overexploited for agricultural purposes. This overexploitation has led to declining piezometric levels and the worsening of the oceanic intrusion phenomenon. The study aims to develop a numerical model for a period of 15 years, from 1992/93 to 2006/07 for monitoring groundwater quantity and quality, considering recharge, exploitation, and basin characteristics. A hydrodynamic model based on storage coefficient calibration identifies overexploitation for irrigation, increasing from 93 Mm3 in 1993 to 170 Mm3 in 2007, as the primary driver of declining water levels. A hydrodispersive model highlights higher salt concentrations in the shallow aquifer (up to 6 g/L), high nitrate concentrations due to human activity, and pinpoints areas of seawater intrusion approximately 500 m from the shoreline. Although the deeper aquifer remains relatively preserved, negative hydraulic balances from &minus:15.4 Mm3 in 1993 to &minus:36.6 Mm3 in 2007 indicate an impending critical period.
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