![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
Groundwater depletion and changes in isotopic and chemical contents constitute the main indicators of overexploitation, recharge, and flow paths in the Souss–Massa aquifer. These indicators highlight processes concerning sustainability of water resources in the aquifer (e.g. surface/groundwater interaction, recharge processes, and marine intrusion). The spatial variation of stable and radioactive isotopic contents indicates a mixing of modern and old water within the system. Recent recharge was observed mainly along the Souss River (the major surface-water drainage in the study area) and in the irrigated areas. Mapping of chemical and isotopic variation shows that the area is affected by abstraction, irrigation water return, and the evolution of modern recharge in time and space. The processes, distribution, and timing of groundwater flow are influenced by short- and long-term effects; long-term recharge is dependent on climatic conditions. This study can be used to make informed decisions about water-resource allocation and alternative management practices.
Acknowledgements
The research has been carried out as part of the Coordinated Research Projects (CRP) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The authors thank Dr Aggarwal, Dr B. Kumar and all the staff of the Isotope Hydrology section at IAEA (Vienna, Austria) for the facilities provided during research contract F33019. Furthermore, we thank the Hydraulic Agency of Souss–Massa Basin (Agadir, Morocco) and IDES Laboratory of Paris-Sud University, (Orsay, France) for analysis support and database. The authors also thank the editors and the two reviewers for their constructive comments.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.