Abstract
At the end of the last century, the Rif mountains of Morocco have experienced significant changes in the level of agricultural activity, especially it concerns the increase in cannabis cultivation, which is characterized by high water requirements. For that reason, a number of Artificial Impoundments (AIs) have been constructed in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (TTA) region, where by August 2017 there were more than 1400 of such structures. This requires to a study the efficiency and potential negative effects of such noticeable development. It has been shown that these hydraulic structures have provided additional positive value to the agricultural sector, especially to the proscribed industry of cannabis cultivation. Regarding other effects, the present study has found that their impact on the hydraulic and hydrographic aspects at the moment is very limited and that the only major constraint for their application is related to the issue of security, which arises from the fragile geological structure that is observed in the majority of the region.
Highlights
The construction of dams is considered among the many water practices of ancient times
This study aims to describe, interpret and analyse the spatial distribution of these Artificial Impoundments (AIs) in relation to the geological, topographical and hydrological characteristics as well as administrative divisions to show the scope of their effectiveness in terms of irrigation water security and demonstrate the negative effects that accompany them in the Tetouan-Al Hoceima (TTA) region
Taking into account all discussed above, it is clear that the AIs can be considered to be useful water projects for the mountainous areas both economically and socially
Summary
The construction of dams is considered among the many water practices of ancient times. The total actual volume of the water impoundment in the world’s artificial reservoirs today is 10,800 km (Chao and Li 2008; Chao 1988) Their types vary between large dams (Buttress Dam, Embankment Dam, Storage Dam...) and small ones like AIs. their types vary between large dams (Buttress Dam, Embankment Dam, Storage Dam...) and small ones like AIs The latter kind ( called artificial ponds), which constitute the subject matter of the present study, are considered among the many artificial hydraulic structures that are built separately from the hydraulic networks and are refilled with water during the periods of precipitation through surface runoff (Ministère de l’écologie, du développement durable des transports et du logement 2012) and/or from the groundwater or rivers in order to be used during the summer season (Directions Régionales de l’Environnement, de l’aménagement et du logemen 2012). It helps to improve landscape amenity in highly anthropized horticultural areas (Bonachela et al 2013)
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