Integrating GALDIT and GIS for Assessing Sea Water Intrusion Susceptibility in the Akermoud Coastal Water Table, Morocco

Abstract

The Akermoud coastal aquifer, situated in the northern region of Essaouira, Morocco, is an aquifer that has an important productive capacity, mainly used for irrigation. However, uncontrolled exploitation has increased the risk of sea water intrusion, leading to deteriorating water quality and threatening agricultural sustainability. In this research, in order to access susceptibility to sea water intrusion (SWI), six elements derived from diverse databases are used. Variables were combined in a GALDIT and GIS models, resulting in the analysis of 40 groundwater samples from wells. Results highlight the imminent threat of sea water encroachment into the coastal groundwater system. The resulting GALDIT index map indicates a notably high susceptibility index along a 3 km coastal band, between Tensift Oued and Bhaybeh Beach, enlarging southwards up to 5 km. Saline intrusion patterns are particularly observed between Zaouiet El Kourati and Ouled El Fequih villages, where the merging of saline and fresh waters amplifies salinization, affecting approximately 24% of the study area.