Impact of geology and climate change on wetlands: Case of Lake Aguelmam Azegza (Middle Atlas, Morocco)

Abstract

The AguelmamAzegza lake is located in the Middle Atlas mountain range, this region consists of carbonate rocks of Lias. It is the best-watered and richest region in Morocco in terms of wetlands, especially natural lakes, rivers and fresh springs. The lake’s water supply is ensured by the inflows of water in the form of underwater sources fed by precipitation (rain and snow) following tectonics and the genesis of karstic formations by the dissolution of carbonate rocks. The declining trend in lake levels in recent years results from the decrease in precipitation which decreases during these years.