A B S T R A C TThe Sebou river estuary is a coastal zone with an important agricultural area and is becoming one of the most important industrial zones in Morocco. However, salt water intrusion affects the economic development of the whole region. Therefore, determination of the salinity distribution along this estuary is the main interest for water managers. The aim of this paper is to study the spatial and temporal distribution of salinity in water course. Field measurements revealed that salinity intrusion depends on the state of the tide and on the upstream tributary waters from Lalla Aïcha Dam. The effects of the combination of various situations (dam closed-dam open and high tide-low tide) have been studied. A one-dimensional mathematical model has been used to simulate salinity distribution along the estuary. The model is based on one-dimensional equations of continuity, momentum, and salt transport in natural waters. Calculations of the river water level provided by the model are in good agreement with field measurements. Additionally, salinity simulations along the Sebou estuary for different hydrodynamic river conditions reproduce the observed salinity trends and contribute to a better understanding of this natural phenomenon. The model used permits a rapid assessment of salt water intrusion in the Sebou estuary and can help to ensure the safety of water supply and to support decision-making interventions.
As part of a broad assessment of climate change impacts in Morocco, an assessment of vulnerability and adaptation of coastal zones to sea-level rise was conducted. The Kenitra coast is socio-economically vulnerable to accelerated sea-level rise, due to its low topography and its high ecological and touristic value. In this study, the effects of future relative sea-level were evaluated for the low alluvial plain Atlantic (Kenitra coastal). This study area is potentially subject to coastal flooding due to its very low topography and because it is affected by a considerable subsidence. Using a GIS-based inundation analysis; the evolution of erosion that occurred in the study area, the potential physical vulnerability to accelerated sea-level rise was investigated, and the most vulnerable socio-economic sectors were assessed. Results indicate that 35% of the areas will be lost by flooding. In addition, the coast is progressive and regressive with an average rate at minimum (0.31 m/year) and at maximum (-2.39 m/year). Such results may help decision-makers in the implementation of preventive management strategies in the most sensitive areas.
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