Investigation of groundwater behavior in response to oceanic tide and hydrodynamic assessment of coastal aquifers.

Abstract

This study was based, firstly, on observations and analysis of water table level variations in the Plio-Quaternary and Hauterivian aquifers, Oualidia (Morocco), and secondly, on comparing this behavior to oceanic tidal variations. Recordings were made in the well located at 1318 m from the coast, where the two aquifers are in direct contact. This investigation was subdivided into two periods of 4 months each. Results showed a tidal influence on water table level within the well during semi-diurnal and monthly periods. Water table fluctuation periods were equal to 12 h 25 min identical to oceanic tide propagation period, while time lag between water levels was equal to 3 h 24 min. Moreover, results allowed aquifer diffusivity calculation through a confined aquifer model, which was equal to 6.20 m(2) s(-1) calculated from average value of water amplitude and to 40.6 m(2) s(-1) calculated from average value of time lag. In addition, tidal wave amplitude attenuation occurred exponentially with distance from ocean, which disappeared completely after 2000 m from coast.