Shoreline Change and Climatic Variability along the Moulay Bousselham Coast (Moroccan Atlantic)

Abstract

Belrhaba, T.; Hakkou, M.; Rey, T.; Aangri, A.; Krien, Y.; Elmostafa, Z.; Leone, F., and Benmohammadi, A., 2024. Shoreline change and climatic variability along the Moulay Bousselham coast (Moroccan Atlantic). Journal of Coastal Research, 40(5), 860–874. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Sandy coasts in Morocco are increasingly threatened by erosion. It is thus crucial to investigate the extent and causes of shoreline change to propose mitigation strategies to stakeholders. This study investigates the long-term shoreline dynamics of Moulay Bousselham (1949–2016) and its relationship with climate variability indices, namely the North Atlantic Oscillation, East Atlantic Oscillation, and West Europe Pressure Anomaly (WEPA). The analysis, which employs geospatial techniques and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System, reveals significant temporal and spatial variability in shoreline changes characterized by phases of erosion and accretion. The study identifies distinct periods of retreat and growth, highlighting the complex nature of coastal dynamics. The correlation analysis between wave parameters and climatic indices emphasizes the influential role of the WEPA index in controlling winter oceanic phenomena. The winter of 2013/14, marked by the highest WEPA, corresponds to the most energetic conditions in at least 70 years, underscoring the index's significance in understanding local climate variability. While acknowledging methodological challenges and uncertainties inherent in shoreline displacement calculations, the study establishes a noteworthy correlation between the WEPA index and shoreline dynamics. This research contributes valuable insights into the intricate interactions between climate variability and coastal evolution, emphasizing the need for refined methodologies and a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing shoreline changes.