Application of GALDIT Index to Assess the Intrinsic Vulnerability of Coastal Aquifer to Seawater Intrusion Case of the Ghiss-Nekor Aquifer (North East of Morocco)

Abstract

The Ghiss-Nekor coastal aquifer is considered among the most important aquifers in the Moroccan Mediterranean. It covers about 100 km2 and consists of plio-quaternary alluvium composed of detrital sediments crossed by discontinuous clay levels. This aquifer plays an important role in the agriculture and drinking water supply of the Al Hoceima city and its hinterland. Indeed, water demand has increased and the aquifer faced challenges that threaten its sustainability. Overexploitation, pollution and seawater intrusion have been identified as major risks weighing heavily on the groundwater resource of this area. In this context, and to assess the vulnerability of the Ghiss-Nekor aquifer against seawater intrusion, a qualitative approach “GALDIT” dedicated to coastal aquifers and integrating the notion of rising sea level has been adopted. In the present work, two scenarii of sea level rise are adopted 2017 and 2100. Similarly, the evolution of the trait or coastal line will be calculated according to these two scenarii.