Abstract
Abstract. The hydrology of Morocco is characterized by significant spatial variability. Precipitation follows a sharp gradient, decreasing from the north to the south. In order to redistribute the available water, a project has been proposed to transfer 860×106 m3 yr−1 from the wet north to the arid southern regions, namely the “Water Highway” project. The present study aims to address the viability of the project after accounting for the impacts of climate change in the watersheds located in the north. We perform regional climate model (RCM) simulations over the study region using boundary conditions from five different global circulation models (GCMs) and assuming two different emissions scenarios – RCP4.5 (with mitigation) and RCP8.5 (business as usual). The impact on precipitation and temperature are assessed, and the decrease in the available water quantity is estimated. Under RCP8.5, the project is likely not feasible. However, under the RCP4.5, a rescaled version of this project may be feasible depending on how much water is allocated to satisfy the local water demand in the north.
Highlights
In many regions in the world, water scarcity is a critical issue that should be seriously addressed by stakeholders. Greve et al (2018) define water scarcity as the ratio between the natural water supply and the local water demand
Using the Penman–Monteith equation and regional climate model (RCM) results, we plot Fig. 10, where we show changes in potential evapotranspiration (PET) according to RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively
Regional climate models (RCMs) agree in predicting that the future will bring less water; there is significant uncertainty regarding the quantity of water that will be lost
Summary
In many regions in the world, water scarcity is a critical issue that should be seriously addressed by stakeholders. Greve et al (2018) define water scarcity as the ratio between the natural water supply and the local water demand. Hydrology in Morocco is characterized by strong spatial and temporal variability (Driouech et al, 2010; Tramblay et al, 2013). This uneven distribution of water has led the Moroccan government to develop hydraulic infrastructure to improve the local management of water resources throughout the country. The plan was to build a dam every year The outcomes of this strategy helped to achieve food security, increase cash crop production for export, and improve the social and economic level of local farmers. The proposed north–south water transfer project (Water Highway) aims to supply water to the arid southern regions from the watersheds in the north (see Fig. 2). The projected quantity of water to be transferred by this project is 860 × 106 m3 yr−1 (Water-Office, 2017)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
