Rif Region Research Articles

Rapid magnetic susceptibility measurement as a tracer to assess the erosion–deposition process using tillage homogenization and simple proportional models: A case study in northern of Morocco

Soil erosion is a significant threat in the Rif region in northern Morocco. Hence, accurate cartography of the phenomenon, magnitude, and extent of erosion in the area needs a simple, rapid, and economical method such as magnetic susceptibility (MS). The current study aims to: (i) determine the factors influencing the variation of soil MS, (ii) exploit MS to estimate soil loss using two approaches in different homogenous units characterized by the same climatic conditions with different edaphic characteristics (land use, slope, and lithology), and (iii) highlight the potential for using MS as a cheap and rapid tracer of a long term erosion and deposition processes. Mass-specific magnetic susceptibility at low (χlf) and high (χhf) frequencies were measured for 182 soil samples collected in the study area. A tillage homogenization (T-H) model and a simple proportional model (SPM) were applied on an undisturbed soil profile to predict the eroded soil depths for given cores. The results confirm that χlf is influenced by land use, slope, and soil type. Pedogenesis is the main factor affecting soil MS enhancement, indicated by homogenous magnetic mineralogy with a dominance of super-paramagnetic (SP) and stable single domain (SSD) magnetic grains. The study results show that higher soil losses have occurred in almost all the soil samples when applying the T-H model compared to application of the SPM. The SPM underestimates erosion due to its ignorance of the MS of the plow layers after erosion. The current study implies the high efficacy of magnetic susceptibility as the quick, easily measurable, simple, and cost-effective approach that can be used as an alternative technique for evaluating soil redistribution.

Herbal remedies used to treat digestive system ailments by indigenous communities in the Rif region of northern Morocco

Herbal remedies used to treat digestive system ailments by indigenous communities in the Rif region of northern Morocco

Impact of Cannabis Seed Incorporation in Layer Diet on Productive Performance and Egg Quality Traits.

The production of nonindustrial cannabis is highly developed in the Moroccan Rif region; however, local farmers consider hemp seeds which are rich in omega 3 and tocopherols, only as by-products of cannabis cultivation with low market value. The local ecotype is considered to be a plant with a cannabinoid content of more than 0.4%. So, the objective of this research is to investigate how the incorporation of this local hemp seed affects productive performance and egg quality traits. The experiment is conducted to evaluate the effects of hemp seed (HS) incorporation on hen laying performance and physical egg quality at three levels: 10% (HS-10% group), 20% (HS-20% group), and 30% (HS-30% group). Ninety-six Lohmann Brown classic laying hens were randomly assigned to a control group and three feed treatments. The sampling was taken after the 28-week rearing period (peak egg laying). Throughout the experiment, low-rate HS inclusion (HS-10%) showed no significant differences in egg-laying performance (p > 0.05). However, the high incorporation rates of HS (20% and 30%) negatively affected the egg-laying performance (84-94% and 80-86%, respectively). The albumen quality was also improved by the HS inclusion, where the highest values of the Haugh unit were recorded, ranging between 68.69 and 73.91 for the HS-30% groups. The results also show that HS inclusion and duration influence significantly the yolk color (p < 0.001). The yellow intensity decreases with HS incorporation and aging, from a dark yellow (b ∗ = 38.63 for the control group) to a very pale yellow (b ∗ = 26.29 for HS 30% group). Based on these findings, we can conclude that the incorporation of nonindustrial Moroccan cannabis seeds (ecotype Beldiya) at low rate in the diet of laying hens does not alter the laying performance or the quality of the egg; therefore, they could be used in poultry feeding as an alternative constituent to partially replace high-cost imported ingredients, such as corn and soybeans.

Support Vector Machine: A Case Study in the Kert Aquifer for Predicting the Water Quality Index in Mediterranean Zone, Drouich Province, Oriental Region, Morocco

The expansion of urbanization and the amplification of anthropic activities in the Rif region require the establishment of wells. However, the irrational exploitation of water and natural conditions have generated the rise of the water table and the increase in pollution. Thus, the assessment of water quality has emerged as a significant concern. This study’s goal is to assess the adequacy of groundwater quality in two aquifers in the vicinity of the Mediterranean Zone - Drouich Province and Oriental Region, Morocco, for drinking water needs by taking 62 water samples of the Kert aquifer for 2019. The Water Quality Index (WQI) classifies water quality: as excellent, good, poor, very poor, etc. That is essential for conveying information about water quality to people and decision-makers in the affected area. The WQI in the Kert aquifer varies from 62.3 to 392.3. The calculation of the water quality index (WQI) of the Kert aquifer view is based that 45.16% of groundwater samples are of poor quality, making them acceptable for drinking. The study’s analysis is established with a geographic information system (GIS) setting. The index map provides decision-makers with a complete and interpretable picture for better water resource planning and management. SVM models are shown to account for 87.71% of the varying water quality score. Different statistical and intelligence models may make the index more predictable. These forecasts assist us in better managing the aquifer’s water quality.

Technical-economic study of slope stabilization solutions in the Eastern Rif Region – Morocco

The purpose of this article is to establish a technical–economic study of slop reinforcement solutions. The results of which will be used by the various stakeholders in land use planning (ministry of interior and equipment, technical design office; Laboratories, etc.) in the Eastern Rif region-Morocco. To be chosen for each of the dominant soils in the study area: the best technically adopted stabilization solution and the least costly from an economist point of view among a variety of solutions.By analyzing the results of the cost estimates of the slope stabilization solutions studied, it turns out that the least expensive solution is that relating to the Geometric Modification of the slope since it does not require special implementation equipment. Nor expensive materials, which justifies the wide use of this solution in most slop reinforcement sites.However, it should be noted that this solution requires recurrent maintenance since the slope, although stable remains exposed to erosion agents (rain, wind …) which causes its frequent alteration (falling stone, and soil conglomerate, etc.), the recurring maintenance of which during its lifespan is expensive.Furthermore, this maintenance constitutes an obstacle for traffic on the main roads and railways or even a temporary shutdown, the economic consequences of which on the passenger and freight transport are exorbitant for the main axes connecting the ports and large agglomerations, hence the need to invest initially in solutions more effective and lasting stabilization, especially bored piles.

Inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals among high-school pupils in the Moroccan Rif region

BACKGROUND: Inadequate nutrient intakes in adolescents may negatively affect their future health. The identification of inadequate micronutrient intakes by dietary study provides essential information to guide educational strategies for promoting healthy eating habits. OBJECTIVE: To assess the daily micronutrient intake and the prevalence of inadequacy in a sample of middle and high-school pupils in the Rif region of Morocco. METHODS: A cross-sectional study collected dietary information from food records over three non-consecutive days in a sample (n = 302) of Moroccan Riffian adolescents (12–18 years). The DIAL software, adapted for commonly eaten Moroccan foods, was used to estimate micronutrient intakes. The proportion of individuals with intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or the Adequate Intake (AI) level and the probability approach were used to estimate the prevalence of inadequacy. RESULTS: Regardless of gender and age group, our subjects were found to be particularly at risk of inadequate intakes of vitamins E and D, calcium and potassium. Older adolescents (14–18 years) also showed a risk of inadequate intake of folate, biotin, magnesium, iodine and zinc (among boys). CONCLUSION: For many nutrients, the daily diets of our Riffian adolescents do not meet the recommended intake levels. We emphasize the need for monitoring the dietary habits of adolescents and the development of nutrition education programs. Further studies which include the clinical and biological assessment of nutritional status, as well as the regular collection of quality and nationally representative micronutrient data, are recommended.

Urban Seismic Risk Assessment and Damage Estimation: Case of Rif Buildings (North of Morocco)

The interest in assessing seismic risk in earthquake-prone regions in Morocco has been increasing over recent decades, to a large extent due to the substantial amount of damage imposed by recent events and because the population in these regions has grown significantly. In this context, the present study is aimed to contribute to the understanding of seismic risk in the urban areas of the Rif region, one of the most seismically active zones of Morocco, through the development and analysis of 36 building models representative of this area. Two earthquake scenarios were considered for the assessment of the seismic hazard, based on the national seismic code and the European code adapted to local seismic parameters. The performance points, determined following generated response and capacity spectra, made it possible to establish damage probability matrices. Obtained results corroborate those of previous reports, confirming that the damage is more significant in Imzouren due to the nature of the soil. It has also been shown that the credibility of the response spectra drawn from the national code is questioned, given the extreme damage estimated. The adapted European spectrum proved to be a more reliable probabilistic earthquake scenario for damage estimation.

The salinity origin and hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in the Oued Kert basin, north‐eastern of Morocco

Water scarcity in the Rif region of northwestern Morocco, particularly in the Kert plain, has resulted in significant groundwater exploitation to achieve human and socioeconomic objectives. These methods helped in identification of the source of dissolved elements and the mechanism that increased groundwater salinization. Current study is the part of groundwater's salinity sources and hydrogeochemical development in the Oued Kert basin (Mediterranean zone, Driouch province, eastern Morocco); 46 samples (45 wells and one spring) were collected in June 2021. Using the Cl-/Br- ratio, which appears to be a good tracer for detecting non-atmospheric Cl- contributions to groundwater provided chemical analyses are accurate since its variability is limited. To achieve this goal, processes that increase groundwater salinization was studied. The results indicate that the groundwater samples studied had medium to high conductivity electric, which can attain 9500 S/cm. The regional distribution of physicochemical parameters is consistent with the distribution of alluvial and evaporate rocks. The high molar ratio values of Sr2+/SO42− and Sr2+/Ca2+ imply an extra input of strontium, likely through carbonate precipitation/dissolution processes as well as adsorption reactions. The varied Bromide concentrations (1-7 mg/L) detected in groundwater samples were evaluated against the binary mixing model to determine the salinization mechanisms responsible for the analyzed system. It suggests that evaporate rocks dissolution was the predominant source of groundwater mineralization in the studied region. However, irrigation of water inflows and local saltwater intrusion seems to alter aquifer quality dramatically.

The Prevention of Landslides Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a Geographic Information System (GIS) Environment in the Province of Larache, Morocco

Landslides are one of the natural hazards that many countries around the world are facing. In Morocco, the Rif regions are the most affected by these phenomena. Each year they cause enormous damage to the road network and infrastructure, especially in our study region, the province of Larache.The study region is subject to several opening up and road construction projects, which is why it is necessary to predict and identify the most vulnerable areas beforehand, in order to propose measures and techniques which are adequate for protection and reinforcement.The main goal of this study is to develop a susceptibility map to ground movements using a multi-criteria spatial assessment approach, and in order to reduce subjectivity, we have used a method for analyzing such complex decisions, which is the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) implemented in the geographic information system (GIS). Seven factors have been considered as conditioning factors in the occurrence of landslides, which are: lithology, fracturing density, slope, aspect, land use, density of the hydrographic network, and altitude. To verify the results obtained, we performed a correlation analysis of ground movements, already inventoried and verified in the field, with the susceptibility classes that were calculated. This analysis is accompanied by a statistical study.

Oil Shale of Rif region: natural adsorbents for environmental cleaning

Oils shales are the largest energy resource in the world and are widely used in the development of industrial fuel and petroleum activities. Oil shale is one of the important mineral resources in Morocco and it has a large reserve, the most important of which is of Timahdit, Tarfaya, and Tangier. Nowadays, the increasing concentration of toxic organic species (Antibiotics, Colorants) in soils and domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastewater has become a major environmental concern. for this reason, we have focused on the interactions of raw oil shale deposits with toxic organic species as part of an additional valuation of national energy resources. Our work is focused on the contribution of organic matter on antibiotic retention, as well as the role of hydrophobic interactions on the molecules-mineral surfaces. The results of the characterizations show the possible contribution of raw oil shales in the accumulation of organic pollutants in soil and water. Thermally treated oil shell powders can be good mineral sorbents for environmental cleaning.

Electronic commerce of the endemic plants of northern Morocco (Mediterranean coast-Rif) and Tunisia over the internet

Background: Internet trade popularize the ornamental interest of plants but can also threaten species’ wild populations, if this activity is performed in uncontrolled and unauthorised ways. Questions: What endemic plants of Morocco and Tunisia are traded over the Internet by whom and at what prices? Studied species: 94 endemic plants of northern Morocco and 83 of Tunisia. Study site and dates: Tunisia and northern Morocco (Mediterranean coast and Rif region); internet survey between September 2018 and December 2019. Methods: To understand the extent of this new form of trade, We recorded the type of plant material sold over the Internet for the studied taxa, their prices and suppliers using online platforms. Results: Four northern Moroccan taxa (4.25 % of the total local endemics) were found as marketed by 18 nurseries in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, while no marketing activity was detected for Tunisian endemic plants. The nurseries involved offer for sale and distribution living individuals of Abies marocana at €12.00-259.50, Rhodanthemum hosmariense at €0.35-19.5, Salvia interrupta subsp. paui at €6.23-8.90, and bulbs of Acis tangitana at €1.05-3.95. Although these taxa are classified as endangered, they are traded worldwide without permit of the Moroccan authorities. The source and origin of the plant material are not clearly indicated, and only some nurseries report that their marketed material comes from own cultivated stocks. Conclusions: The implementation of protection laws/regulations and the monitoring of nurseries’ websites are recommended to control the illegal trade of wild plant material.

Identifying the origin of groundwater salinization in the Bokoya massif (central Rif, northern Morocco) using hydrogeochemical and isotopic tools

The recurrent drought in the Rif region, Northern Morocco, and specifically the Bokoya massif, has led to significant exploitation of groundwater to meet human and socio-economic objectives. In this context, a hydrochemical, geochemical, and isotopic tools has been carried out to determine the origin of dissolved elements and the processes contributing to the increase in salinization of groundwater. To achieve this objective, physico-chemical analyses of the water were carried out on 96 samples (81 wells and 15 springs), taken April 2018. The results show that the groundwater samples studied are characterized by a medium to high salinity, which can exceed 8000 μS/cm. Spatial distribution of physico-chemical parameters are consistent with the distribution of the rocks from Triassic formations. Our results also show that the salinization is probably due to the dissolution of evaporate rocks and ion exchange with precipitation of carbonate minerals such as calcite and dolomite. The stable isotope contents vary from −6.69 to −4.84‰ for δ18O and −42.6 to −30.1‰ for δ2H, indicating an altitude of recharge for most of the springs between 350 and 750masl. Exceptions to this are likely to have recharged from the flysch of Tizirene at altitudes higher than 1000masl, and following an altitudinal gradient of 0.27‰ per 100 m.

Landslides in the urban and suburban perimeter of Chefchaouen (Rif, Northern Morocco): inventory and case study

Many old and recent landslides affect the Rif region in Northern Morocco. In Chefchaouen city, this natural hazard constitutes a major obstacle for the development of the city and its suburban districts. In this study, a landslide inventory was realized to identify and characterize slope instability cases in the Chefchaouen city, their relationship to the subsoil layers and their effect on the stability of newly built districts. Special attention was given to a recent landslide in the Ain Haouzi district, reactivated in 2016 and causing damage to 35 houses. This slide was subject to further scientific investigations (borehole inclinometer and ERT) in order to better our understanding of the slopes instability in the study area. The results show that the territory of Chefchaouen city which covers an area 23.63 km2 is affected by 447 landslides most of which (300) are very old and inactive. However, many of the old landslide masses and/or scarps were partially reactivated in the last decade, which caused a lot of material damage to many constructions, estimated to be 25.74 M MAD (approximately 2.5 M$). The building damage inventory also showed how the distribution of landslides in the newly constructed suburban/semirural districts is clearly correlated with the spatial distribution of severely damaged houses. For geomorphological reasons, these housing developments prefer terrains mainly formed by weathered clay layers and scree deposits, characterized by weak geotechnical characteristics, which compromises the stability of constructions. The clandestine nature of the construction work (absence of a sewage network, random changes to the topography) increases the vulnerability of buildings to the natural slope dynamics. The layers which constitute the body of most old and recent landslides are subject to slow gravitational deformation which can be accelerated in major rain events. This was the case for the 2016 event which was reactivated by seven consecutive rainy days. The ERT profiles executed in this area coupled with borehole inclinometer results demonstrate that the plastic, weathered clay layers facilitated the slide of the scree deposits, which constitute the landslide’s body. Indeed, the development plan of the city must be adapted to the slope dynamics and the subsoil behavior, so as to avoid unnecessary material damage from taking place in the future.

Morphological and Anatomical Characteristics of Moroccan Fir Needles in Talassemtane National Park, North-Western Rif Region, Morocco

Moroccan fir, Abies maroccana Trab. forms a unique forest community in the Mediterranean basin and has a great ecological and biological values in Moroccan Rif Mountains. However, morphological and anatomical characters of the needles are poorly investigated for A. maroccana. This research examined the morphological and anatomical characters of Moroccan fir needles in order to determine the phenotypic needles traits of Abies maroccana. The study was carried out in the National Park of Talassemtane, Western Rif, Morocco. Data was collected from two-year-old needles in six stands. In each site, seven trees were selected, and 60 needles were collected from each tree. Five morphological and one anatomical characters of the needles were examined. The variance analysis (ANOVA) of quantitative needles variables revealed significant inter-tree morphological variability of needles of A. maroccana. Based on the morphological characters studied, the multivariate analysis (PCA) separated all trees of Moroccan fir into four groups: (A) long, thin and large; (B) long, thin and narrow; (C) short, large and thick; and finally (D) short and thick needles. As demonstrated here, the fir needles were mainly characterized by: 2 types of apex (obtuse–acute and acute needles), a broad base and the marginal resin canals. This diversity can be attributed to genetic variation and / or influence of ecological conditions.

Ex-situ conservation of single-country endemic plants of Tunisia and northern Morocco (Mediterranean coast and Rif region) in seed banks and botanic gardens worldwide

The objective of this study is two-fold: firstly, to review the local endemic plants of Tunisia and northern Morocco (Mediterranean coast and Rif region) and the extent to which extinction risk status characterisations have been assigned to date to the endemic plants of these areas; and secondly, to identify which of these unique taxa are conserved ex-situ around the world. For the first aim, five major online databases as well as widely scattered literature sources were consulted; for the latter, the PlantSearch facility of Botanic Gardens Conservation International was used, followed by communication with domestic institutions. The examination of the extent of the ex-situ conservation of endemic plants of the Mediterranean part of northern Morocco (n=94 taxa) showed that only six of them are conserved in one conservatory, four arboretums and 18 botanic gardens of 10 countries, totalling only 25 accessions, with 40% of these in UK institutions. The threatened and near threatened flora of northern Morocco (Mediterranean coast and Rif region) is estimated at 64 taxa; only five of these are preserved ex-situ, among which only Abies marocana and Rhodanthemum hosmariense are assessed as effectively conserved. For the endemic flora of Tunisia which is estimated at 83 taxa, we have found only one taxon (Calendula suffruticosa subsp. suffruticosa) conserved ex-situ. With scarce evaluations made to date, the threatened endemic flora of Tunisia is limited to one taxon only (Rumex tunetanus). This study presents comprehensive and evaluated lists of the endemic plant taxa found in the studied countries/regions, indicating that consensus is compromised among the widely used taxonomic/phytogeographical online sources. Additionally, it is suggested that more coordinated efforts are needed to conserve the plant heritage of these countries, through integrated management, species-prioritisation, restoration of populations of threatened taxa, inclusion of threatened species in national lists of protected species, and establishment of seed banks focused on the wild flora.

National Extraction, Geographical Origin and Migratory Ancestry among Jihadists in Spain

Eight out of every 10 jihadists arrested or deceased in Spain between 2013 and 2018 are of Moroccan origin. This figure includes Moroccan nationals, Spanish nationals born in Morocco, and Spanish nationals descending from Moroccan immigrants. The historically restive Rif region of northwest Africa is the main geographical provenance of those who were born in Morocco and, similarly, because of violent Salafist who are natives of Ceuta and Melilla, of those who were born in Spain. All this reveals the extent to which the enduring reality of global jihadism in Morocco is projected externally onto Spain. This is unsurprising, since a large majority of Muslims in Spain come from Morocco or have Moroccan ancestors. Yet, the blooming of homegrown jihadism in Spain over the mentioned six-year period, largely resulting from the radicalization of Moroccan descendants or second generations, points toward the internal dynamics behind the phenomenon. In Spain, however, these second generations may or may not be in a diaspora situation, an important feature which is unique in the context of Western Europe.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal and aromatic plants used in the treatment of neurological disorders in the Moroccan Rif

Background: The present study aimed to analyse and evaluate the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological information related to the use of plants for medicinal purposes by the native people of Moroccan Rif region.Material and Methods: An ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study was conducted in the Rif region (northern Morocco) for two campaigns (2016 and 2017), using 625 questionnaires to identify the various information concerning the therapeutic uses practiced by the population of the study area.Results: The Rif’s population that uses medicinal and aromatic plants in the treatment of neurological diseases includes 321 women and 304 men. The survey identified 31 plant species and subspecies divided into 14 families, 09 of which were Dicotyledonous and 04 of Monocotyledonous. The most important family is that of the Asteraceae and the Lamiaceae represented by 05 species, the leaves are the most used part and the majority of the remedies are prepared in the form of infusion.Conclusion: This study highlights the medicinal and aromatic plants used in the treatment of neurological diseases by the Moroccan Rif population. The results obtained constitute a very valuable database for the national medicinal flora. They could be a source of information to search for active ingredients in Rif plants.

New stygobiont genus and new species (Gastropoda, Hydrobiidae) from the Rif (Morocco)

Stygobiont valvatoid hydrobiids living in the groundwater were collected from a survey in the wells in the Rif region, in northern Morocco. The description of the shells, the male and the female genitalia revealed a character combination for a new genus, Rifia n.gen. The map of the distribution is given.

Attenuation of seismic coda waves in the Rif area, northern Morocco

The northern morocco, precisely the Rif region has known moderate tectonic activities in the last years (Al Houceima earthquakes 1994, 2004 and 2016). The aim of this work is to investigate the variety of tectonic activity by using the attenuation scattering of coda waves and its dependency with the frequency. The illustrated case in this work implies 70 seismic events focusing on the Rif Mountains with recorded seismic data during all 2014 period. These recordings have been used with a magnitude (Ml) less than 5. In this work we utilized 15 broadband stations deployed in a surface area defined by longitudes 34°N to 35.50°N and latitude 5.3°W and 3.20°W. The quality factor is inversely proportional to the seismic attenuation which is defined by the backscattering model (Aki and Chouet, 1975). The quality factor estimated values were computed at different central band frequencies that start from 1.5 till 18 Hz for five lapse time windows 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 s. For 20s window lapse time, the quality factor average for the whole study area gives estimation of about 83.55 ± 10.84 at 1.5 Hz and 491.66 ± 150.07 at 18 Hz, as well as the estimation for 60s window lapse time is about 157.49 ± 15.61 at 1.5 Hz and 1787.65 ± 807.88 at 18 Hz central band frequencies. We find that the quality factor rise when both frequency and lapse time window increase; which reveals a clear dependency between the quality factor and frequency and reflects heterogeneities within the underlying crust and the complexity of geological/geophysical pattern in this zone.

Ethnobotanical Study Aimed at Investigating the Use of Medicinal Plants to Treat Nervous System Diseases in the Rif of Morocco

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and use of medicinal plants in the treatment of neurological diseases in the Rif region of northern Morocco. MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the Rif (northern Morocco) from 2016 to 2018. In order to gather information about indigenous medicinal plants and local ethnomedical knowledge, 625 local traditional herbalists and users of these plants were interviewed. The data were collected through semistructured interviews and group discussions, analyzed, and compared by quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as family importance value, relative frequency of citation, plant part value (PPV), fidelity level, and informant consensus factor (ICF) . ResultsData were collected from 31 medicinal plant species belonging to 14 botanical families. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the most commonly reported medicinal plants, with 5 species each. Concerning the diseases treated, epilepsy problems have the highest ICF (0.99). The survey revealed that leaves were the most used part of the plants (PPV= 34.7%), and the most commonly used preparation was an infusion (41.6%). ConclusionThere exists indigenous ethnomedical knowledge of medicinal plants in the Moroccan Rif to treat neurologic diseases. Based on our findings, we recommend that phytochemical and pharmacologic research be considered to discover potential treatments from these documented plants.