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The water potential situation in Morocco has a particularity, especially with the specific context climatic characterised by the dominance of aridity in several parts of the country, of which the Cherrat watershed in the northwest of the central plateau, which requires the preservation of water resources. With this in mind, the aim of this research is to highlight the surface water situation, in particular using a cartographic approach, in order to provide decision-makers with a vision of the surface water situation in the target area and to help them take the necessary and appropriate measures for equitable management, focusing on water sustainability. The results obtained from the use of satellite images and their processing through a geographic information system (GIS) demonstrate that the surface area of water increased from 0.6 ha to 6 ha between 1999 and 2009, but decreased to 4 ha by 2019. By 2023, there will also be an astounding 55 ha increase.

The Mediterranean climate is characterized by irregular rainfall, leading to both severe droughts and occasional flooding. This research aims to examine the changes occurring in the rainfall regime of the Gharb plain over thirty-three years, with specific attention given to three sites: El Menasra, Bel Ksiri, and Sidi Slimane. A range of methods were employed to understand the dimensions and impacts of rainfall in the study area. These methods include trend detection, testing for breaks, analysis of reduced annual anomalies, utilization of the Hyrfan Plus software, calculation of the Martone aridity index, assessment of the standardized rainfall index, and mapping flood zones. The findings of this study revealed that the Gharb Plain experienced periods of rainfall deficits, resulting in drought conditions during years with below-average rainfall. Conversely, years with above-average rainfall exhibited severe flooding, indicating the occurrence of two extreme phenomena that necessitate effective hydraulic management strategies. The main results showed that the rainfall trend is regressing, as the Nicholson, Martone, Emberger, and standardized precipitation indexes justify this regression. In addition, the plain has received an immense quantity of water from the Rif and Atlas Mountains, with the result that the study area has from time to time experienced severe flooding, as shown by the return periods detected, The Gharb plain has therefore experienced a rainfall deficit (drought) in years with below-average rainfall, while years with above-average rainfall have seen severe flooding, putting the country under two extreme phenomena requiring hydraulic management.

The aim of this study is to identify suitable landfill sites in Kenitra Province, Morocco, using ArcGIS 10.8, Remote Sensing, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to enhance site selection and improve environmental and public health outcomes. Additionally, the study seeks to enhance decision-making through multicriteria analysis, align landfill site selection with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote long-term sustainability, and provide a model that can be replicated in other Moroccan regions or countries facing similar waste management challenges. Ten criteria were considered in selecting new landfill sites, including distance from surface water, soil permeability, land use land cover (LULC), topographic wetness index, distance from the shoreline, slope, aspect, proximity to urban areas, transportation networks, and villages. Maps for each criterion were generated, and pairwise comparisons were used to assign weights to these factors. A Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA) was then applied to create a landfill suitability map, classifying areas into high, moderate, low, and unsuitable categories. The results reveal a limited availability of highly suitable landfill areas within the province. To address this, the study proposes two strategically located waste management sites, A and B, to mitigate land constraints. Establishing these sites as centralized landfills for multiple municipalities aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 6, 14, 15, and 17, promoting public health, preventing water pollution, protecting ecosystems, and fostering partnerships for sustainable waste management. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the need for collaboration in achieving long-term sustainability and environmental conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In September 2024, following two rare storms, Lake Iriqui in southern Morocco experienced a remarkable revival after five decades of desiccation. Historically, the lake played an important role as one of the largest water bodies before the Sahara Desert, serving as a critical stopover in migratory routes for various bird species. Two field missions documented this event: the first confirmed the lake's reappearance, while the second recorded the resurgence of the ecosystem and the return of migratory birds, last observed in the lake in 1968. The lake's surface water extent, which had been completely dry, expanded dramatically, reaching over 80 km2 after the first storm and subsequently increasing to approximately 146 km2 following the second. This event has drawn considerable attention from international and national media. The revival was monitored using satellite imagery from Landsat 8 and 9 and Sentinel-2A, processed through Google Earth Engine (GEE), with the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) applied to detect water presence. A time-series analysis revealed significant changes in the lake's surface water extent following the rainfall. This study emphasizes the need for proactive support to preserve Lake Iriqui, aligning with sustainable development goals: SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). These goals highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and eco-tourism initiatives to benefit local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the importance of natural resources for integrated development, it is necessary to adopt adaptation strategies to face disturbances affecting the globe. Particularly, climate change, with a particular impact on water potential. The aim of this article is to highlight the impact of this world phenomenon on surface water resources in the Ykem watershed situated in the northwest of the central Moroccan plateau, which is characterized by predominantly arid conditions. In order to monitor the spatiotemporal evolution of surface water, a methodology based on geospatialization techniques was used. This involved mapping the evolution of surface water resources in time and space, providing a variation between reference years, specifically 2012–2021, from 132 ha to 32 ha, and of course interpreting the results by climate elements based on rainfall in the study area and temperature readings in this geographic location. Remote sensing was employed to acquire satellite images available between 1992 and 2021. The area covered by water rose from 10 ha to 126 ha between 1992 and 2012, but the amount of land covered by water shrank to 32 ha between 2012 and 2021.

The Sebou Basin is one of the most important hydrographic basins in Morocco. When the Wadi Sebou enters the Gharb Plain, it encounters difficulties in evacuating its waters during wet years due to its flattening, resulting in risks of floods. Its flow decreases during drought years and in August and September. For the purpose of this research, we were granted authorization to utilize the hydrometric station located in Bel-Ksiri. This station is most suitable for the study as it was designated as a reference point for the Wadi Sebou's flooding in the lower basin. This study is based on detecting floods in the Wadi Sebou from 1976 to 2020, dividing this period on pre and post 1997, corresponding to periods before and after the construction of the Al Wahda dam, examining the mean daily flow rates. Identifying discontinuities within the maximum daily flow series from 1967 to 2020 was achieved in Microsoft Excel. Additionally, determining flood return periods and examining low water flows are integral aspects of the study. The findings indicate a relative decrease in the frequency and intensity of floods within the Wadi Sebou's basin, coupled with effective control of low water levels. These changes are attributed to the construction of the Al Wahda dam, which guarantees a stable water supply for irrigation purposes in the plain. To ensure the long-term sustainability of water management practices, the adoption of innovative irrigation technologies is deemed necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]