Assessment of Morphological Change of El Jadida Bay (Morocco) through Topographic Surveys

Abstract

Understanding coastal morphological changes is crucial for managing dynamic shorelines subject to natural and anthropogenic pressures. This study focuses on the porpho-sedimentary evolution of El Jadida Bay (Morocco) over a three-year period (2021-2024), using high resolution topographic data collected during four field survey. In order to evaluate short-term coastal react.ions to wave action, tide changes, and storm events, Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) were created from GPS-RTK observations. The spatial analysis revealed notable shifts in beach morphology. With alternating zones of erosion and accretion? While the upper beach sectors displayed a clear trend of sediment accumulation, areas closer to the intertidal zone exhibited localized erosion. Post-storm surveys, particularly after the March 2024 event, highlighted the significant impact of extreme meteorological conditions on sediment redistribution within the bay. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of topographic monitoring and geostatistical modeling in identifying patterns of morphological change. Offering valuable insights into the natural dynamics shaping this valuable coastal zone.