GIS in hydrogeological studies of remote areas: Erg Chebbi (Morocco)

Abstract

Hydrogeological studies in desert and remote areas are difficult to tackle and often logistically complicated. However, in some of these areas the exploitation of groundwater resources is essential for the survival of the communities that inhabit them. The dunes of Erg Chebbi (Morocco), is a water-table aquifer which supplies drinking and irrigation water for local communities. With an average annual rainfall of less than 150 mm, erg Chebbi represents an extremely delicate hydrological system that requires a very well designed exploitation to enable a sustainable development. This paper addresses the hydrogeological characterization of an erg by applying geography information systems and field visits. The methodology used allowed the characterization the dune system and setting of a hydrogeological model. The results are relevant to the management of groundwater exploitation of the system studied, and for the application of the methodology to other areas with similar characteristics.