Nuevas aportaciones sobre el funcionamiento hidrogeológico del Acuífero de erg Chebbi en el entorno de Hassilabied (Marruecos)

Abstract

Erg Chebbi is a dune system (about 156 km2) located on the central-southern region of Morocco, near the border with Algeria. From a hydrological point of view, the dune system is an extensive free aquifer whose recharge is due to the infiltration of rainwater, and the exits are related to springs, wells and khettaras. In the last years, the erg Chebbi has experienced an important increase of tourism, attracted by the uniqueness of the landscape of dunes. In this sense, the creation of many resorts has led to an increased demand for groundwater resources. The removal of a greater quantity of groundwater is producing an important descent of the groundwater table in the most populated areas. It is necessary to understand the hydrogeological system and to quantify the groundwater reserves for the maintenance of the dune system. Following these idea, here we present the hydrogeological study of an area of the erg Chebbi between the localities of Hassilabied and Merzouga. This work is a necessary premise for a future integrated study of the dune system.