Hydrogeological Synthesis of Groundwater Resources: Case of the Feija Watershed (South-east of Morocco)

Abstract

The Feija watershed is located in southeast Morocco. It is the main tributary of the middle Draa valley. It covers an area of 2089.3 km². The Feija watershed dominated by an arid climate. The economic development in the Feija basin is essentially based on agriculture, which requires pumping a considerable amount of groundwater resources. These waters are being overexploited because of the fast growth in the agricultural sector and the influence of adverse climatic conditions. The present study concerns a hydrogeological synthesis of the Feija groundwater, in particular the influence of topographical, climatic, hydrological and geological factors that interact to create a complex system with uncontrolled agricultural consumption. To this effect, and to determine the recharge and discharge rates of the groundwater, the contribution of remote sensing and GIS presents a major role in assessing and monitoring the condition of the groundwater and faced the water stress characteristic of this study area.