Remote sensing, GIS, and Fieldwork Studies to assess and valorize groundwater resources in the springs area of oum-Er-rabiaa (moroccan Middle Atlas)

Abstract

The basin of Oum-Er-Rabiaa is part of the Middle Atlas, it constitutes an important water resource on the scale of Morocco. The hydrogeological system of the region is characterized by many springs, some of which have a high salinity rate spilling into Oum-Er-Rabiaa river. The present study aims to investigate: Firstly, the distribution of lineaments along the major shear corridors crossing the area as well as their hydrogeological importance, and secondly, to verify the influence of geological characteristics on the physicochemical properties of the studied water bodies. This study is based on a combined analysis through: Remote Sensing, Satellite Imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Field Studies and Geochemical Analysis. The results demonstrated that the lithological and structural characteristics of the geological formations, play a predominant role in the creation of this hydrogeological system, as well as, in the diversity of the physicochemical proprieties of water resources in the area, these geological formations are mainly composed by: Liassic limestone characterized by a circulation of fresh water (fresh springs), this Liassic limestone is put in contact with the Triassic saline clays through geological faults, which is in the origin of the creation of saline springs contaminating the upstream of the Oum-Er-Rabiaa river. In the light of the decisive results obtained a set of solutions have been proposed such as the diversion of saline springs, the purification in situ, and the development of a fish farming project. These solutions aim to guarantee a better quality of water resources of the area, to preserve agriculture and to valorize the saline water bodies with a sustainable development perspective.